Pancreas surgery can be needed for a variety of reasons, be it due to pancreatic cancer, tumor development or simply because of an infection or disease. The vast majority of people undergoing pancreas surgery are doing so for the very first time, so they likely have plenty of questions. One of the most common questions we receive during a pre-op consultation is “what should I do to prepare for my surgery?” Today, we thought we’d share some tips for preparing for your pancreas operation.
Prepping For Pancreas Surgery
You can prepare for pancreas surgery by making sure these four areas of your life are accounted for prior to your operation.
Your Surgeon
If you’re in the pre-op consultation phase, odds are you already have a surgeon assigned to your surgery, but it always helps to meet with them days or even weeks before the operation to ask any questions you might have. Ask them about their experience with the procedure, what your expected recovery may look like, and anything else that may be on your mind. If you aren’t happy with the surgeon, now is the time to find a new doctor.
Your Health
Your pancreas might not be the healthiest, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore other aspects of your health. You’ll want to eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated in the days leading up to your operation, although you will need to fast in the hours prior to your surgery. This also means that you’ll want to exercise and maintain a healthy weight. If you’re overweight or obese, your likelihood of surgical complications increases.
Your Family
Make sure you set expectations with your family members prior to your operation. Ask if they have any questions about your operation so they too can be informed, and talk about how the days after your surgery are going to go. Your spouse or your kids may have to take on some additional responsibilities, or you may need some help from friends. Arrange for carpools and for help around the house prior to your operation so things aren’t left to the last minute.
Your Job/School
Unless you work from home, odds are you are going to miss some work while you’re recovering from your pancreas operation. Tell your manager or boss well in advance so you can make sure your absence is approved, and if possible, see if you can take some work home with you so you don’t fall too far behind. Same goes for people who are in school. Let your teachers know about your absence well in advance so they can get you the materials to stay on top of your coursework while you recover.
If you have any other questions about preparing for your pancreas surgery or any surgery in general, don’t be afraid to contact us today!
