Surgical Evaluation and Preparation

Preparing for surgery involves addressing several issues. Sometimes a surgical preparation program may help you:

• Gather accurate information about the surgical procedure and the recovery process
• Develop communication and assertiveness skills for interactions with health care providers and loved ones
• Set realistic expectations about surgery and recovery
• Learn how to practice relaxation techniques before surgery
• Learn appropriate cognitive techniques to challenge catastrophic thinking or other presurgical anxiety
• Sleep well before and after surgery
• Learn pain and nausea control skills for post-operative pain

More information: How to prepare psychologically for back surgery

More: Glossary