The surgical process begins in the visit prior to the surgery, where it is very important to take down all the relevant data about the patients medical history, inform them about the type of surgery that is going to take place, the need for postoperative care and also introduce the management of expectations of short and long term results.
The fact of having and providing the appropriate information will allow us to minimize and anticipate the possible complications that may arise and build a relationship of trust between doctor and patient that will undoubtedly make the entire process easier.
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Generally, it is recommended that you do not come driving in your own car and you come accompanied by a family member or friend.
If it is an intervention under local anesthesia, you can eat a light meal at least two hours before the intervention and be fasting if you must undergo general anesthesia or sedation.
An important aspect to consider the same day of the surgery, is that the surgeon can maintain an initial brief conversation with you before proceeding with the surgery. In this way, we will know how the patient is feeling, if there has been any intercurrent event up to now, and we empathically resume our relationship, which will help to minimize the understandable worry and concern that may accompany you on the day of the surgery.
It is also appropriate to notify you about the steps that we are going to follow next, whether it is information related to local anesthesia or the surgery itself, a fact that will allow you to maintain regular communication with us and also give you peace of mind and security.
If the surgery takes a long time, as can occur in some Mohs surgeries, it would be appropriate to also inform your accompanying family members of the situation to reduce uncertainty and transmit serenity.
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Once the surgery has been completed, it is recommended that the surgeon informs you about the postoperative duration of anesthesia applied during the intervention, the treatment of possible posterior pain, the probable complications that could appear and clear instructions on wound healing.
The first postoperative visit is usually done within the first two weeks after the surgery, requiring in many occasions and in function of the type of surgery that was performed, a closer monitoring, being able to indicate a first check up in the first 3 postoperative days to check the condition of the wound.
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