Pulmonary complications are shockingly common in the hospital setting, and can be attributed to a number of factors. Before you undergo many types of surgery at one of the major medical centers in Suffolk County, NY, a physician, like an internist or pulmonologist, will evaluate your lungs. A combination of X-rays, a physical examination, discussion of your medical history and daily habits, and other methods may be used to inspect your pulmonary system. Here's some information to help you prepare for pre-op pulmonary testing.
Pre-Op Pulmonary Evaluations
The goal of a pulmonary evaluation before major surgery is to minimize your risk of pulmonary complications. Many of these complications are preventable or can be found early. A pre-op pulmonary evaluation is a doctor's main line of defense against you developing such complications, like fever and hypoxemia.
Your risk of complications will be assessed, and may even affect the method used during surgery. Preventative steps may be taken to prevent the onset of complications. In some cases, postponing, changing, or even cancelling a surgery may be warranted. However, the goal of these changes, like the goal of the pulmonary evaluation itself, is to prevent respiratory failure and other treats to your health.
The risk can depend on your current pulmonary health, the condition for which you're being treated, the type of surgery you're having, and more.
Preparing for the Examination
A physician in the medical center will walk you through the process and help you feel comfortable. In order to prepare for your examination, it's best that you follow your surgeon's orders, or the doctor who has recommended you as a candidate for surgery. They will inform you how to prepare for the procedure, as well as any pre-op work, like a blood test, in addition to the pulmonary evaluation. Follow their instructions very closely. You may be asked not to eat food or drink any fluids after midnight of the previous day. You may be asked not to take certain medications, and may even be told to bring certain medications with you.
The best medical centers will guide you and help calm your nerves. They can also explain why your particular health needs require steps like a pre-operative pulmonary evaluation, and if any additional work, like a CT scan of the lungs, may be required. Other than that, simply trust that medical health centers are very experienced with such examinations, and that you will be in good hands.
The best medical centers in Suffolk County, NY, like Peconic Bay Medical Center, will make every effort to make you comfortable and to walk you through the process. However, their chief goal is to guard the health of your pulmonary system and to help you recover with ease. Check out their website today.