I'm having surgery and I have some questions!!

Specialties Operating Room

Published

Hi All,I am having the lapband surgery in a week. Has anyone worked in the OR with this type of surgery? My concern is if I will be naked on the table. Exactly what is the prep for this type of surgery? Does the gown completely come off and then they dress you how they need to? I know everyone is professional (I hope) and everyone has seen a naked body, etc, etc. it doesn't make me feel better. Do you make an effort to cover people up? It's really bothering me that I'm going to be naked for all to see... Plus my doctor is hot! Sucks!

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Even though you are asleep and will not know it, competent nurses will keep you covered as much as possible. At times that may not be possible, such as when inserting the foley, but exposure is limited to the time needed. Technically, the gown should come off as usually a forced-air warming blanket is used, and manufacturers state that there should be nothing between the blanket and skin. Also, drapes will cover all but the incision's area. Some doors with windows may also have blinds that you can request be closed. Nudity is nothing sexual or perverted to nurses. A professional nurse will listen to your concerns, respect your privacy, and not expose you more than needs to be. Not quite sure how your comment that your doctor is hot plays into the professionalism of nurses and surgeons. These are concerns that you should address with your surgeon and the specific facility you will be having surgery at. My comments are geared more towards my experience as an OR nurse.

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Right but from the point from when the person is rolled in to when the drapes are put on... Will I be laying there naked? I was thinking I could ask the nurse if she could make sure I'm covered as much as possible.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Very unlikely. One of the things OR nurses must be concerned with is loss of body heat. ORs are cold, hypothermia is not beneficial in most cases (with exceptions such as CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass where hypothermia actually protects the heart muscle), and not keeping the patient covered is a way to lose a lot of body heat. Again, please discuss your concerns with your surgeon and the particular facility.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You really need to discuss your concerns with your surgeon and the nurses you meet during your pre-op visit. Facilities have policies, there are general procedures as described above by the other poster. There is no way for any one of us to know the policies of the facility where you are having surgery. The staff will do their best to keep you as covered as much as possible, if nothing else to ensure you are kept at a stable temperature (OR's are generally kept at cooler temperatures for a variety of reasons). Good luck.

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Specializes in Perioperative; Cardiovascular.

As an OR nurse. I'm an advocate throughout anyone's surgical experience. Your full abdomen is prepped for surgery. Your gown does not come off in my room. I roll the gown up to your chest without "flashing" anyone. I will apply the upper bairhugger drape over the gown.

The prep is Chloroprep, which is CHG based and the ideal prepping solution. Your legs will be frog legged for Foley catheter insertion after your intubated. Afterwards, a warm blanket covers your lower body to the suprapubic area. Patient's privacy is of upmost importance and we stand by that. No one not dealing with the case (even collagues) are not allowed in the room. Hope I answered your concerns.

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As an OR nurse. I'm an advocate throughout anyone's surgical experience. Your full abdomen is prepped for surgery. Your gown does not come off in my room. I roll the gown up to your chest without "flashing" anyone. I will apply the upper bairhugger drape over the gown. The prep is Chloroprep, which is CHG based and the ideal prepping solution. Your legs will be frog legged for Foley catheter insertion after your intubated. Afterwards, a warm blanket covers your lower body to the suprapubic area. Patient's privacy is of upmost importance and we stand by that. No one not dealing with the case (even collagues) are not allowed in the room. Hope I answered your concerns.
That makes me feel better. Thanks!
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Yes nurses are professionals. I talked to many and the answered I received are less then comforting. Off the wall remarks and making fun of body parts are the norm. Don't kid yourself!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Yes nurses are professionals. I talked to many and the answered I received are less then comforting. Off the wall remarks and making fun of body parts are the norm. Don't kid yourself!

I am so sorry you have had negative expereinces as a patient....just to let you know that this thread is 2 years old.

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Specializes in OR.

Although I agree the OP should speak with her surgeon, this post was very helpful and appropriate. As a budding OR nurse, I appreciated it too :)

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.

I would hope you get a nurse concerned with your dignity and keeping you warm. However I would let the nurse know that you would like minimal exposure after you go to sleep.

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For open heart surgery you are naked on the gurney for at least an hour. The surgeons assistant will map you leg to find a proper vein for the grafts. Then you will be relieved of all your hair from the neck down, via clippers. Then two coats of chlorhexidine will be applied to that same area. Then you will be catherized and intubated. Even moving at warp speed, this will last about an hour. During the entire time you will be completely naked for the, approximately, nine members of the surgical team. That's just the way it is folks. You have a right to know.

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