It’s always good to be prepared, especially before going in for a surgical procedure. Preparing properly for heart bypass surgery is just as important as the operation itself. At Venturi Cardiology, we believe that having all the information available to you about a health issue will give you peace of mind. Preparation is critical.
According to BMC, “preoperative anxiety has a great influence on the surgery outcomes”. Following that line of reasoning, knowing what’s likely to happen and which pre-op tests to expect will increase leave you feeling more relaxed about the whole process, and will improve the chances of its success.
What Happens During a Heart Bypass?
A coronary bypass procedure involves replacing narrowed or damaged blood vessels to restore correct blood flow and oxygen levels to the heart.
This procedure is generally done for patients suffering from coronary heart disease. This condition, unless treated, can lead to severe and commonly fatal occurrences like heart attacks and strokes.
Our aim with this article is to brief you on what to expect from your healthcare provider in the case of pre-op tests. We’ll talk about what the tests are, the reasons for having the tests done and how they are done.
What Pre-op Tests Can We Expect?
Pre-admission clinic
The pre-admission clinic is usually done the day before you are admitted to hospital. This is where most of the pre-op preparation is done. The tests are done to evaluate your general health. It helps the medical practitioners to plan the surgery accordingly.
The tests you can expect to be done in pre-admission are;
- Blood tests
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Urine tests
- X-Ray
You might also be tested for MRSA, which checks for hospital-acquired blood clots, depending on your risk factors.
These tests help to identify anything which might mean you are at a higher risk for coronary bypass surgery. This is done to ensure your safety.
Pre-Surgery
Just before bypass surgery, you’ll be asked a series of questions by your surgeon, such as;
- If you have ever had an anaesthetic before.
- Any previous reactions to anaesthetic?
- Information about your next of kin and emergency contact details.
- When you last ate or drank, this can affect the anaesthetic.
This gives you time to ask relevant questions and fully process what is about to happen.
These tests are what you can expect from your pre-op experience with a coronary bypass. If you have any worries or concerns about an upcoming bypass operation, or anything related to your heart health, then don’t hesitate to contact Venturi Cardiology. Use the contact us page online or contact us by email.
