OR Anxiety

Specialties Operating Room

Published

Hello,

I found this site while searching for surgery information and hope someone can help me. I am not a nurse but a patient scheduled to undergo a fistula operation in two weeks. The surgeon has explained the operation is done in the lithotomy (sp?) position which I have discovered is rather undignified and uncomfortable. I am concerned with what will happen with my.....meat and two veg as Austin Powers might say. Do they automatically flop out of the way or is somebody going to be ready with duct tape? I just can't manage to ask the surgeon (who is female). I am not overly modest (no problem with office visits or DRE) it is just the thought of being unconcious when everything is taking place.

Also I tend bar at a restaurant across from the hospital and a lot of employees including nurses visit. It is unnerving to think that one might someone who handled my private parts (for professional reason of course) but that I didnt even know. My girlfriend says that I am being a wuss and that the OR is not an office party. I am rambling so let me ask specifically.

1. in this kind of operation are the genitals touched/why/by whom

2. is there any chance of an erection during the procedure? What happens in such a case.

3. do people really say stupid things under anesthesia? especially when waking up? I dont want to mutter "nice rack" to a nurse, particularly when Jen (GF) is with me (in "recovery" they said she could come see me) I never would make such a comment but people keep telling me that the gas reduces your inhibitions

4. does operating room banter ever include casual comments about the patient. I mean every work setting needs some humor.

Jen said it was probably harder for men because then didnt undergo periodic exams like women. I served in the Marine Corps but I have never been so anxious about anything. Please give me the truth. It is really the unknown that worries me and if I have a good understanding of what is likely to happen i will probably be ok - last night I started crying about it.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I really hate to sound like i'm giving the brush off (i'm not), however, these are questions that are best answered by the facility and staff that is to do this procedure.

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

Short answer: it's just a job. We don't enjoy looking at patients' private parts and only handle what we have to. I'm not trying to be unkind, but honest.

Specific questions about what your particular surgery entails are best directed to your surgeon as Marie stated. If you're too uncomfortable with your surgeon to ask her everything you need to to get over these concerns, maybe you should consider getting a new one.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

Website with info re repair fistula:

http://www.fascrs.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=1

Please seek guidance from your surgeon for answers to your questions.

Best wishes on successful healing.

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