Whether you’re undergoing a routine appendectomy or intricate tumor removal surgery, there is always a chance for complications and risks. Thankfully medical science continues to find new ways to make even the most extensive operations safer for the patient. Today, we take a look at some of the ways surgeons works to reduce risks in the operating room. Here are five ways surgical teams cut down on risks when performing surgery.

Check the Charts

The first thing a surgical team will do is look at the patient’s history and past health records. This can help them learn if the patient has any underlying conditions – like diabetes or high blood pressure – that need to be monitored during surgery, or they can learn if the patient is allergic to any anesthesia that might be used. This, along with one or two consultations with the patient, will help doctors understand if there is anything specific they need to watch for.

Pre-Surgical Diet

If you want to reduce the risk of an infection or complications, eat a healthy diet in the days and weeks leading up to surgery. Find foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Talk to your surgeon about what your food and water intake should look like in the hours before surgery, because many times you are advised not to eat or drink for a number of hours before your operation.

Sterilized Equipment

When you’re putting surgical tools inside a person’s body, you’re going to want to ensure that they are clean and disinfected. Surgical teams disinfect all tools and their hands and arms to ensure bacteria doesn’t enter the surgical site.

Avoid Traffic into the Operating Room

A surgical team should avoid entering and exiting the operating room numerous times throughout the procedure. Surgical rooms are often well vented, but germs can enter if the doors are opening and closing a lot. Surgical teams need to ensure they have all the equipment they need to perform a procedure before creating the surgical incision, and they should remain in the room unless it’s absolutely necessary to leave.

After Surgery Care

Even though the surgery is complete, you can still develop an infection if you don’t take good care of the surgical site. Doctors explain to the patient how they should care for their incision site and what signs to look for in the coming days. They’ll also tell you if there are any activities you should avoid, like physical activity or getting the wound wet. After surgery care is an important part of avoiding an infection.