The drugs commonly used before, during, and aftersurgical proceduresvary widely from patient to patient.
Any underlying health issues you may have also play a role in the choice of drugs used.
Drugs calledanxiolyticsare also routinely given to help ease anxiety before surgery.
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This article will explore medications that may be used before, during, and after your surgery.
It will also explain what to expect before and after your procedure.
What Happens Before Surgery?
Before surgery, you will meet with ananesthesiologist.
They are specially trained doctors who administer drugs calledanesthetics.
These drugs impact how awake you are during surgery.
They also help with pain control.
Talking About Anxiety
Most people feel someanxiety before surgery.
Anti-anxiety medications are often given before surgery to help patients feel more comfortable.
Studies show that managing anxiety before surgery can have a positive impact on outcomes.
Most scheduled surgeries will be preceded by an appointment with a surgeon and/or a meeting with the anesthesiologist.
Quitting smokingis ideal before your surgery.
What Medications Are Given Before Surgery?
Some medications may be given before surgery even begins.
Common examples include antibiotics and anti-anxiety medications.
Antibiotics
Before your surgery, you may be given anantibioticto help prevent infections.
Antibiotics are used to combat bacteria.
The antibiotic given depends on the bang out of surgery a person is having.
The antibiotic is usually given 30-60 minutes before surgery begins.
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Sedatives are drugs that are used to help with pain and nervousness.
They may be given before surgery begins to help you feel calmer.
While in surgery, you will continue to get this medication.
You will be awake if not also under anesthesia.
Sedatives may be given intravenously, in pill form, or inhaled through a mask.
Medications called anxiolytics are often used for anxiety before surgery to help patients relax.
They include:
Midazolam and diazepam are two of the most common drugs given to reduce preoperative anxiety.
What Medications Are Given During Surgery?
Types of anesthesia include:
Diprivan (propofol)is a short-acting sedative that may be used for anesthesia.
Aparalyticmedicationmay be used to relax the muscles duringintubationand surgery.
Paralytic drugs may be used in addition to anesthetics.
What Medications Are Given After Surgery?
Analgesics
Analgesicsare drugs that are used to help with pain after surgery.
They can be given intravenously, in pill form, and as a liquid.
They may also be given as a patch, where the medication is taken in through the skin.
Many post-operative analgesics contain opioids, which are a class of pain-relieving drugs.
These may cause uncomfortable side effects.
Common opioid medications given in the hospital after surgery include morphine and hydromorphone.
Types of symptom-reducing drugs may include:
What Happens After Surgery?
When your surgery is over, you will go to a recovery room.
There, your vitals will be monitored and your pain managed.
If staying overnight, you will move to a hospital room to recover.
Healthcare providers will continue to check your vitals.
Surgeons may have specific instructions for you, like how to properly care for your surgical wound.
Your doctor may also order blood tests to check for signs of bleeding or infection.
Summary
Before taking any medication, you will go over your medical history with your doctor.
Before surgery, you may be given an antibiotic to help prevent an infection.
This may be given in pill form or intravenously.
Anti-anxiety medications may also be used before surgery to help you relax.
You may also be given other drugs to help with constipation, nausea, andstomach discomfort.
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