How to prepare for bile duct surgery?
Preparing for bile duct surgery usually involves several important steps to ensure the procedure occurs safely and effectively. We will describe below the main aspects involved in this process.
Pre-operative consultation
Before the operation, the patient will undergo a pre-operative consultation with the responsible surgeon. At this appointment, your medical history, imaging tests, blood tests and other relevant results will be reviewed.
The surgeon will discuss the details of the surgery, possible risks and benefits, and answer any questions the patient may have.
Complementary exams
The patient may need to undergo some additional tests, such as blood tests, abdominal ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, depending on the specific case. These exams help evaluate the condition of the bile ducts, the presence of stones or other abnormalities, and provide important information for surgical planning.
Medications
The surgeon may prescribe medications to be taken before surgery. This may include prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infections, medications to manage pain, or other specific medications depending on the patient's individual needs.
Pre-operative fasting
Pre-operative fasting is a standard requirement before any surgery. The patient is instructed not to eat or drink anything (including water) for a certain period of time before surgery. This dietary restriction is important to reduce the risk of aspiration of gastric contents during the operation.
Hospital stay
On the day of surgery, the patient will be admitted to the hospital and will undergo a series of preparatory procedures, such as changing clothes into a sterile surgical suit. Vital sign checks will be performed, an intravenous line will be inserted to administer fluids and medications, and a pre-anesthetic assessment will be conducted to ensure the patient is suitable for surgery.