This preparation must be done before undergoing cardiac surgery

Feelings of anxiety will probably be felt by most patients who will undergo heart surgery. Therefore, before the operation is carried out, preparation is needed to reduce anxiety so that it remains in optimal condition so that the operation goes smoothly. This article will guide you about the preparation that needs to be done before performing the heart surgery. Heart surgery is a surgical procedure on the heart or large blood vessels, which is performed by a cardiac surgeon. Some conditions that commonly require cardiac surgery include congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, ischemic heart disease, and heart transplantation. For ischemic heart disease, the usual type of surgery is coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or heart bypass surgery. The purpose of doing heart surgery varies, depending on the conditions experienced. There are forms of surgery aimed at repairing or replacing heart valves to expedite blood flow through the heart. In addition, there are those that aim to repair damaged heart parts, or aim to put medical devices in the heart area to help the heart work better.

Type of Heart Surgery

There are three types of cardiac surgery, namely:

• Open heart surgery

This heart surgery is done by making a large incision in the chest to open the rib cage and reach the heart, then connecting the heart to the heart-lung bypass machine. After the heart stops beating, the bypass machine will drain blood replacing the heart's function, while the doctor performs surgery on the heart.

• Off-pump heart surgery

This heart surgery is done by opening the chest to reach the heart but not using a heart-lung bypass machine.

• Minimally invasive cardiac surgery

Heart surgery is performed by making a small incision between the ribs to reach the heart. This operation is usually done to repair a heart valve or insert a pacemaker.

Shortly before getting a surgery, you might feel nervous, even stressed. But that's okay because this kind of feeling is natural. Even so, there are some things that you must prepare. Not only is a healthy physical form, but good mental preparation is also important, especially to reduce anxiety.

Things You Need To Do Ahead of and After Surgery

There are things that need to be prepared before a heart surgery, and also need to be done after a heart surgery is completed, including:

• Follow the doctor's advice and make sure there is someone accompanying you

Before an action is performed, the surgeon will provide instructions so that the procedure will go smoothly. Obey the instructions given by the doctor. If necessary, record all the things mentioned by the doctor. Therefore, you are advised to invite friends or family as a companion when meeting a doctor, to come listen to these instructions and avoid misunderstandings. If no one can accompany you, write down every detail of the instructions. After that, read it again to make sure you did not record wrong and have understood all the instructions earlier. If there are things that are still unclear, don't hesitate to ask the doctor directly.

• Talk about things to do

You are advised to discuss and ask what should be done related to the operation to be undertaken. For example, the rules of taking medication before and after surgery, when to go to the hospital, what will happen before, when, and after surgery, the risk of surgery, what drugs may be consumed and not, hours of eating or food menu that must be consumed, notify the doctor about a history of allergies to certain drugs, as well as procedures for postoperative recovery.

• Take care of other health conditions first

If you have a dental problem, see your dentist first to get treatment. Teeth that are in trouble can make surgery or heart surgery postponed. Likewise with other diseases, such as diabetes or problems in certain organs, the heart surgeon needs to make sure your condition is stable and safe for heart surgery.

• Pay attention to health

To speed up the healing process after heart surgery it is advisable to stop smoking, eat healthy, balanced nutritious foods, be diligent in moving, and manage stress before surgery.

• The day before surgery

Patients are usually asked to come to the hospital the day before D-day or in the morning of H. After that, the patient will be asked to:
• Fasting according to doctor's instructions.
• Bathing using special soap in the afternoon before D-day to reduce bacteria on the skin, and reduce the risk of infection after heart surgery.
• Enough rest.

• D-day

On the day of cardiac surgery, patients will be asked to:
• Take the medicine given.
• Bath with special soap.
• Checked blood pressure, breathing, body temperature, heart rate.
• Urination.
• Removing glasses, hearing aids, dentures, and jewelry attached to the body.

• Recovery period

Physical and mental conditions are very supportive of the recovery period after you undergo cardiac surgery. Make sure you consult with your doctor about everything during this recovery period, such as food and medicine that must be consumed, the length of time to recover, when to consult with the doctor again, when to do the examination or test again. Your doctor will also ask you to adopt a healthy lifestyle, by stopping smoking, changing your diet, exercising diligently, and reducing and managing stress. In addition, doctors can also refer you to cardiac rehabilitation.

What should be taken when undergoing cardiac surgery?

When leaving for the hospital to undergo cardiac surgery, some important items to carry are as follows:

• Medications and prescription drugs that you are currently using.
• Wallet, ID, and insurance card.
• Personal items, such as dentures, hearing aids, cellphones, and glasses.
• Change clothes and underwear.
• Slippers and walking aids, such as canes or wheelchairs.
• Toiletries, such as towels, toothbrushes, combs and razors.

With good preparation and complete information about the processes and procedures for cardiac surgery, anxiety before undergoing surgery can be reduced. Thus, the surgical process can take place more smoothly.