Preparing for surgery

Surgery is a common treatment for many health conditions, but its success depends partly on your overall health and lifestyle. Certain habits or conditions can increase the risk of complications, which may require additional treatment and, in rare cases, can affect your long-term health. This guide highlights factors that can be managed to improve your surgical outcome. 

Obesity and thinness

Your body mass index (BMI) plays a significant role in surgery outcomes. If your BMI is too high or too low, your risk of complications increases. For example, being underweight can lower your immunity and increase the likelihood of anaesthesia issues. Being overweight can make surgery more challenging, with higher risks of infection, blood loss, poor healing, and scarring. If your BMI is particularly high or low, surgery might not be recommended until your health improves. 

Diabetes

If you have diabetes, your risk of complications during surgery increases, especially if your blood sugar is not well-controlled. Well-managed diabetes leads to better surgical outcomes, but poorly controlled diabetes may require adjustment of medications or other treatments before surgery. If your blood sugar levels are not in a safe range, you may need a health check and treatment adjustments before surgery. You should also aim to control your blood sugar closely before and after surgery to support healing.

Smoking and vaping

Smoking and vaping can significantly affect your surgery outcome. These habits increase the risk of complications such as poor wound healing, infections, and anaesthetic problems. The good news is that quitting smoking even a few weeks before surgery can improve recovery. If you smoke heavily, surgery may not be advised due to the risks of poor blood flow, lung damage, and other health issues. It’s recommended to stop smoking several weeks before surgery and continue to avoid it during recovery. Speak with your GP about smoking cessation support.

Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol can interfere with both your anaesthesia and your recovery. It increases the risk of bleeding, infections, and blood clots during and after surgery, and it can slow down your healing. If you drink heavily, you may face longer hospital stays and a slower recovery. Cutting back on alcohol for several weeks before and after surgery will improve your chances of a better outcome. If you have concerns about alcohol, speak to your GP for guidance.

Recreational drugs

The use of recreational drugs can interfere with your anaesthesia and recovery. Some drugs make anaesthesia more difficult or may affect your body’s ability to heal. It’s important to tell your healthcare team if you use any recreational drugs, as this information helps ensure your safety during surgery. If needed, there are support programs available to help reduce your risk of complications related to drug use.

Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus can affect how your body responds to surgery. Some medications used to manage these conditions may need to be adjusted around the time of surgery to reduce risks. If you have an autoimmune or inflammatory condition, inform your surgeon so they can plan the best approach for your treatment.

Mental health

Your emotional well-being is just as important as your physical health when it comes to surgery. Anxiety, depression, and loneliness can affect your ability to recover. These conditions can increase pain, delay healing, and make it harder to follow recovery plans. If you’re struggling with mental health issues, it’s important to address them before surgery. Your GP can help provide support, and improving your mental health can have a positive impact on your recovery.

Over-the-counter medications and supplements

Some non-prescription medications, including herbal remedies and skin products, can interfere with surgery and anaesthesia. They may increase the risk of bleeding, infections, or poor healing. Always inform your surgeon and anaesthetist about any over the counter medications or supplements you’re taking to ensure your safety during surgery.

Caffeine

It’s best to avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate) for several days before and after surgery. Caffeine can reduce blood flow, hinder healing, and increase the risk of infection or scarring. Reducing your caffeine intake will support your recovery.

Following medical advice

Throughout your surgical journey, you’ll meet with various healthcare professionals. Remember that their goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome. While your surgery might only last a few hours, your recovery could take months or even years. Following the medical advice and treatment plans given to you is crucial for a successful recovery.