I am planning on having a tummy tuck (w hernia and diastasis recti repair) hopefully mid November. Overall I think I am pretty healthy but with this being a major surgery I want to make sure everything is ok. What type of things should be checked during the exam for this type of surgery? Is a regular physical exam sufficient enough or do I need additional things checked?
September 20, 2017
Answer: Preop exam Thank you for your question. The answer to this question is very physician and patient dependent! Some physicians have ALL their patients get an involved pre-op examination (including labs) and some don't. I don't think getting an involved pre-op exam is necessary for MOST HEALTHY patients. I obtain an extremely thorough medical history and if after that there are no concerns then I usually just get some minimal blood work that we do right here in the office. However, if I am concerned for a patient's health in ANY way shape or form then I will get a medical clearance on them. A medical clearance is performed by your PCP and they determine what further tests or lab work needs to be done. If you are concerned and you want to make sure you are healthy to undergo surgery then you should be able to go to your PCP and ask them for a preop exam. I Hope this helps and good luck on your upcoming surgery!Ankur Mehta MD
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September 20, 2017
Answer: Preop exam Thank you for your question. The answer to this question is very physician and patient dependent! Some physicians have ALL their patients get an involved pre-op examination (including labs) and some don't. I don't think getting an involved pre-op exam is necessary for MOST HEALTHY patients. I obtain an extremely thorough medical history and if after that there are no concerns then I usually just get some minimal blood work that we do right here in the office. However, if I am concerned for a patient's health in ANY way shape or form then I will get a medical clearance on them. A medical clearance is performed by your PCP and they determine what further tests or lab work needs to be done. If you are concerned and you want to make sure you are healthy to undergo surgery then you should be able to go to your PCP and ask them for a preop exam. I Hope this helps and good luck on your upcoming surgery!Ankur Mehta MD
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September 21, 2017
Answer: Pre-op clearance Hello and thank you for your question. Need for pre-operative clearance and studies needed will depend on your age and your overall health. Some patient's may need just basic lab work such as blood count and electrolytes. Older patient may need an EKG. Some surgeons may ask for you to see your family doctor and get a clearance letter from your doctor. Depending on the size of your hernia, your surgeon may also want to see some imaging studies. Hope this answers your question.
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September 21, 2017
Answer: Pre-op clearance Hello and thank you for your question. Need for pre-operative clearance and studies needed will depend on your age and your overall health. Some patient's may need just basic lab work such as blood count and electrolytes. Older patient may need an EKG. Some surgeons may ask for you to see your family doctor and get a clearance letter from your doctor. Depending on the size of your hernia, your surgeon may also want to see some imaging studies. Hope this answers your question.
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