With an estimated 151,030 cases of colorectal cancer expected in 2022, it has become the third most prevalent form of diagnosed cancer among men and women in the United States. Whether you are concerned about damage within your rectum, colon, or anus, there are numerous reasons why one might consider colorectal surgery. Luckily for you, if you are under the care of Dr. Peter K. Hon, you can expect the safest and most effective colorectal surgery procedures available. In this post, Dr. Hon gives an insight into what you should expect if you or somebody you know has colorectal surgery. Read on to find out more.
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How to Prepare For Colorectal Surgery?
You will have a pre-surgery consultation around a month before surgery. During this visit, Dr. Hon will go over the procedure with you, including how it is done, why it is needed, and the benefits and hazards. Your physician will also go through preoperative procedures and what drugs you can take the day of your surgery. You can raise any concerns about your colorectal surgery preparation and recuperation at this session.
Before your procedure, your specialist will suggest a slew of tests, including an electrocardiogram (EKG), urine and blood tests, and potentially an ultrasound, X-ray, and more. A week before your surgery, Dr. Hon may suggest you cease using particular medications, including NSAIDs, as they can affect blood clotting, thus, increasing the risk of hemorrhaging.
Besides, you should discontinue supplements and herbal treatments. However, do not quit using your current prescriptions without a doctor’s consultation. Your provider will advise you on what drugs you can buy for preparation and recovery.
What to Expect One Day to Surgery?
Adhere to your physician’s recommendations for preparing for colorectal surgery. With bowel preparation, do not consume solid foods. However, take plenty of fluids; ideally, not less than eight ounces of water when awake. If your doctor has administered antibiotics, follow the directions carefully. To avoid irritation, administer zinc oxide ointment to the skin near your anus after each bowel motion.
What to Expect On the Day of Surgery?
Do not drink or consume anything past midnight during your scheduled surgery date. If your specialist has directed you to take your meds on this day, do so in the morning with only a little water sip. Furthermore, do not put on any cream, makeup, perfume, jewelry, lotion, or deodorant.
Arrive way past your scheduled surgery hour to finish the required pre-op procedures. During your procedure, Dr. Hon will insert an intravenous line into your hand or arm to administer fluids and drugs. He will also utilize a urinary catheter to drain pee from the bladder. If anesthesia is required, an anesthesiologist will review the type of anesthetic with you. After you have fallen asleep, a breathing tube is inserted in your mouth to assist with breathing.
What Happens After Surgery?
The hospitalization period varies depending on the treatment and whether there are complications. Nonetheless, it is generally 4-7 days. Before discharge, Dr. Hon must ensure that you eat normally, have bowel motions, and respond well to post-surgical discomfort with oral pain relievers.
If you suffer discomfort, your specialist might suggest pain-relieving meds. You will experience reduced pain as your cut heals. In case the staples or sutures used to seal your cut are not removed before your discharge, you will have to arrange a return visit to have them eliminated.
Ensure your hands are clean before touching your bandages, and ensure you are regularly re-dressed. What’s more, constantly monitor your incision during these re-dressing sessions for any indications of an infection, including swelling, redness, puslike discharge, or heightened sensitivity.
Understand that it is not the end of the road for you if you are diagnosed with colon and rectal cancer. With early detection and therapy, colorectal cancer can be effectively managed. If you are looking for the finest colorectal surgery procedure and compassionate support as you triumph over this daunting condition, Surgical Specialists of NY is the place for you. Call the New Jersey office near you or book a consultation online to discuss your unique concerns with Dr. Hon today.
