Surgery

Preparing for Surgery

Everything you need to know before your surgical procedure.

Medication

If you take a blood thinning medication, you need to stop taking it before your surgery.

Take your regular medications (unless you were told something different at your preoperative appointment) no later than 3 hours before your surgery.

Do not eat anything after midnight the night before your surgery. Continue to drink clear fluids. This includes water, black coffee or tea (you may add sugar or sweetener but no milk or cream), sports drinks (no red or purple), carbonated drinks, pulp free fruit juices (no orange or grapefruit juice). Drinking clear fluids before surgery can help you stay hydrated, improve your blood pressure and decrease any nausea, vomiting, or anxiety after surgery.

Food & Drink

Stop drinking fluids 3 hours before the scheduled time of your surgery

If there are more than 2 weeks before your surgery, stop smoking. This will reduce the risk of complications from your surgery.

If there are less than 2 weeks before your surgery, try to reduce the amount you smoke. There is no benefit if you stop at this time.

Smoking puts you at risk for lung problems after surgery. This includes all tobacco products (pipes, cigars, cigarettes, vaping and chewing tobacco). Tobacco smoke destroys the tiny hairs that line your airway (cilia). Cilia help you cough up any secretions from your lungs. Ask the nurse navigator at your surgeon’s office about people and programs to help you quit smoking. You can also call Health Connect Ontario at 811 (a free, confidential telephone service).

Smoking

Other

Call the nurse navigator at your surgeon’s office if you have symptoms of a cold or flu before surgery.

Plan to have someone drive you home after surgery. You cannot drive yourself home.

Getting to Your Appointment

1. Enter the north entrance of Lakeridge Health Oshawa (on Hospital Court). Walk past the Gift Shop and Food Court.

2. Take the escalator or elevator up to the 2nd floor and turn right into the hallway.

3. Go to the Surgical Registration Desk to register for your appointment.

Managing Pain

You will have some pain (or discomfort) around your incisions and chest tube. This may include feelings of numbness, tingling or burning.
You will receive medication to help manage your pain. It is important to take this medication when you have pain. This helps you recover after surgery.
Tell your healthcare team if your pain medication is not working.
You may be given pain medication through an epidural catheter (a small flexible tube put in your back by a doctor) or through a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) Pump. You receive the information you need about this if it applies to you.
You will continue to receive pain medications by mouth (a pill or tablet) after the epidural catheter or PCA pump is removed.

Your Care Team

The following healthcare team members may be involved in your care during your hospital stay.

Thoracic (Lung) Surgeon

Your surgeon decides what type of surgery you need and how it is done. The surgeon guides your care before, during and after your surgery.

Social Worker

Social workers have training in counselling and can help you solve problems, make decisions and improve your feelings of wellbeing. A social worker offers support and information to help you and your family member/partner-in-care with your worries or concerns. Ask a member of your healthcare team about a referral to a social worker.

Registered Nurse / Registered Practical Nurse

Nurses cares for you before and after surgery. They give you the support, medications and information you need while in hospital.

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Registered Dietitian

Dietitians specialize in nutrition counselling and education. A registered dietitian is available to talk with you about what to eat and drink to help you recover from your surgery. Ask a member of your healthcare team about a referral to a registered dietitian.