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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Fear

Answer: Fear

Answer: Don't worry

Answer: Don't worry

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Fear

Answer: Fear

Answer: Don't worry

Answer: Don't worry

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.