Shannon Medical Center | Health Beat | Fall 2018

Fall 2018 5 Butts out before surgery Are you a smoker who needs elective surgery? Then here’s some crucial advice: Make every effort to quit before your operation. Smoking raises your risk of potentially serious complications from surgery, including having a slow- healing wound or infection. But quitting four to six weeks before surgery and staying smoke-free for four weeks afterward cuts your risk of wound complications in half. And quitting for good can add years to your life. Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American College of Surgeons 7 questions for your surgeon Before going ahead with any surgery, be sure to ask your doctor these questions: 1 . Why do I need this operation? 2 . What will happen if I don’t have this procedure now? 3 . Are there other treat- ment options—and is this surgery the best option for me? 4 . What are the risks and possible complications of this surgery? 5 . What is the success rate for this procedure? 6 . Will I need any spe- cial preparation for this surgery, such as medical tests, a blood donation or a change in my medicines? 7 . What can I expect for my recovery—for instance, will I need home care and when can I return to work or drive again? Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American College of Surgeons We can help you find a gynecologist. Go to shannonhealth.com and select the gynecology specialty under “Physician Finder.”