Your Guide to Colorectal Surgery Preparation

Understanding Your Procedure

Before surgery, you will have several appointments with your colorectal surgeon to review the procedure in detail. Use this time to ask questions about the type of surgical approach, expected duration, potential risks, and recovery timeline. This ensures you are well-informed and prepared for the procedure.

Medical and Lifestyle Adjustments

Your surgeon may recommend changes to your medications before surgery. In many cases, this means pausing anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, or certain herbal supplements that could increase bleeding risks. Be sure to check with your doctor before making any changes to prescribed medicines.

Additionally, lifestyle adjustments, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol, are advised to lower the risk of complications and support proper wound healing. These steps can have a meaningful impact on recovery and overall outcomes.

Dietary Preparations

To reduce strain on the gastrointestinal tract, your surgeon may recommend a low-fibre diet for a few days before surgery, including foods like white rice, peeled or boiled vegetables, and lean proteins.

Bowel preparation may also be required, often with laxatives or special oral solutions, to thoroughly cleanse the colon. Proper bowel cleansing can lower the risk of infection and help ensure a smoother surgical process. This helps to thoroughly cleanse the bowel, lowering the risk of infection and ensuring a safer, more effective surgery.

Preparing Your Home for Recovery

Creating a safe and comfortable environment at home can make your recovery more manageable. If possible, set up a recovery area on the ground floor to avoid unnecessary stair climbing.

Stock essentials such as medication, personal hygiene products, medical supplies like dressings, and easy-to-digest meals. Additionally, keep frequently used items within reach and clear walkways to minimise the risk of trips or falls.

Preparing Mentally and Emotionally

Feeling anxious before surgery is normal, but there are ways to help yourself feel calmer and more in control. Practising mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle relaxation exercises can help reduce stress. Leaning on the support of family, friends, or even connecting with others who have gone through similar procedures can also provide comfort and reassurance.

Most importantly, discussing any questions or concerns directly with your surgeon can help ease anxieties and give you confidence about what to expect before, during, and after the operation.

The Day Before Surgery

On the day before your procedure, it’s important to follow your doctor’s fasting instructions closely. This usually means avoiding food and drinks after a certain time to keep your stomach empty and reduce risks during anaesthesia.

Additionally, be sure to have all necessary documents, such as identification and insurance information, ready and review any last-minute instructions from your doctor..

The Day of Surgery

On the day of your surgery, plan to arrive at the hospital at your scheduled time, usually around two hours before the operation. Some pre-operative checks will be conducted, such as monitoring your vital signs, along with final conversations with the surgical team. The anaesthesiologist will also review your medical history and explain the anaesthesia plan. Keep your medical documents on hand, and arrange for someone to accompany you home, as you won’t be able to drive after surgery.

Key Takeaways

The success of colorectal surgery depends not only on the procedure itself and the care provided during hospitalisation, but also on proper pre-operative preparation.

At Kam Colorectal Centre, we offer colorectal surgery in Singapore using advanced surgical techniques. Our skilled colorectal surgeon, Dr Kam Ming Hian, is dedicated to guiding all patients through every step of their surgical journey, from initial consultation through complete recovery.

Schedule your consultation to discuss your options and develop a personalised preparation plan. Call us at 6443 1005 today.