Do you often get patients with the fear of dying on the table during surgery?

Question

I am going into surgery on Friday June 12th 2015 for a tummy tuck and lipo. I am very excited to do this but very worried and scared at the same time.

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a fear my patients sometimes relate.  Somehow, especially if they have children.  Discuss with your surgeon your overall medical status, and your surgeon should be able to help you with your fears.  Modern anesthesia and surgery are extremely safe.  If you have any medical conditions your surgeon may have you medically evaluated by an internist or cardiologist prior to surgery.  Best of luck!

Kelvin Eusebio, MD · Answer

Dear Emma B,Yes it is normal to feel fear before a procedure. Try to stay calm and confident of the decisión you already made. Have support from relatives and Friends; and trust you plastic surgeon who already studied your case and performed the indicated labs and evaluations. Best wishes.

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Fear of surgery is very common. Be sure that your trust your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and that you have seen his hundreds of successful results. As long as you have had approval from your primary physician, you will be fine to undergo general anesthesia. Good luck,Dr. JSB

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Yes, this is a common fear and
you should not feel alone. However, general anesthesia is very very safe as long as you are
physiologically fit for surgery and follow all pre-op instructions. Also make
sure that you are being operated on by a reputable, board certified PS in an
accredited facility. If you are healthy, approved for surgery by a reputable
surgeon, and follow your PS’s instructions, the changes of encountering anything life threatening during surgery are miniscule. Rest assured that you have nothing to worry about. If you voice your concerns with your PS and anesthesiologist, I’m
sure they can help put your mind at ease. Best regards.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is not uncommon for patients to fear anesthesia and surgery. Facts are the risks are very low and comparatively the risk of driving your car and being in an unfortunate accident are higher. You should discuss this with your board-certified plastic surgeon who uses a board-certified anesthesiologist in an accredited operating facility. Care should also be taken before surgery to sure you're medically optimized.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Anxiety prior to surgery is very normal; its complete elimination is usually not possible. Careful selection of your plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make; everything else including choice of anesthesia provider, surgery facility, good judgment, and avoidance of morbidity/mortality will follow. Generally speaking, prior to surgery, I ask my patients to try to be as calm as possible; this “calmness" tends to translate to a smoother postoperative course. You may be able to alleviate some pre operative anxiety with music, exercise, meditation, a glass of wine (if ok with your surgeon), sexual activity (be careful...), and positive/objective focus on the long term outcome/benefits etc. prior to your procedure.Generally, patients find that they did “get worked up for nothing” after their recovery is completed.I hope this, and the attached link, helps.  Best wishes.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

This is something that does come up. Fear of anesthesia and not waking up is a valid emotion. It can be lessened by discussion with your surgeon or anesthesiologist.

Carlos Burnett, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Emma B. Being fearful or anxious prior to a surgical procedure is quite common. It may be difficult to stay calm but it's also a very exciting time. You have committed to a fascinating form of self-improvement. Perhaps you need to talk to someone about your fears in-depth before your scheduled case. To your health and to your beauty,Dr. Burnett

Douglas J. Raskin, MD (retired) · Answer

Greetings,I am certain that many patients have a fear of dying on the table during surgery.  Not many patients will verbalize this to their plastic surgeon. It is a present concern which is dwarfed by the excitement of their upcoming elective surgery.If you need peace of mind, call your surgeon's office for another pre-surgery visit to discuss your anxiety.Good luck with your surgery.Best Regards,

Do you often get patients with the fear of dying on the table during surgery?

Answers (9)

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