Lastly, if you may be depressed, please see a psychiatrist and seek treatment prior to surgery. This is extremely important because depression has been tied to higher mortality rates in surgical patients. The psychiatrist, in consultation with other members of the surgical team, may also recommend minimizing the use of sedatives, especially long-acting drugs such as benzodiazepines.

2.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions about the procedure
Having a surgical procedure can bring up a lot of questions, and it is important to bring that list of questions to your preoperative appointments in order to ensure you are as educated and confident as possible. Important questions to ask include:

• Can you tell me more about the procedure?
  
• Where will the surgery be conducted?
  
• What do I need to do before the procedure?
  
• At what point in the procedure will anesthesia be administered? What type of anesthesia will I receive?
  
• Who will be my anesthesia provider?
  
• When can I speak with my anesthesiologist?
  
• As a senior citizen, are there any specific complications associated with anesthesia and this procedure that I should be aware of?
  
• How long will the entire surgery take?
  
• Will the anesthesia make me nauseous after the procedure?
  
• Will I be in pain when I wake up from the procedure?
  
•  When will I be discharged from the hospital?
  
• When will I be completely healed?

3.  Make sure to prepare for your preoperative conversation with your physician
Once you’ve made the decision to undergo a surgical procedure, your physician will schedule a preoperative meeting to make sure the entire procedure is both as safe and as comfortable for you as possible. You will likely discuss the following with your physician at that time:

• Medical history, including past experiences with depression
  
• Any known allergies
  
• Dietary restrictions you will need to be aware of leading up to the procedure
  
• Lab tests and diagnostic studies you will undergo in preparation for surgery
  
• Type of anesthesia that will be administered during the procedure
  
• Potential complications associated with the procedure – both physical and mental
  
• Status of family and friend support network leading up to, during and after surgery
  
• Any concerns or anxieties you might have about the procedure

4.  Provide your physician with a comprehensive list of medications and substances you take regularly
To help identify those substances that may affect your anesthesia and surgery, it is very important that you provide your physician with a complete list of all medications, including prescription, over-the-counter or natural. Specifically, sleeping pills, anxiety medications and alcohol withdrawal have been shown to increase the risk of postoperative complications in the elderly, such as delirium. In order to be prepared, fill out, print and carry a medication record with you when you visit your physician. The form will help you keep track of your personal medical history, prescriptions, allergies, emergency contacts and the information of your primary and secondary physicians.

 

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