Top things to know before your surgery

by lonnie somers

No one has to tell you that surgery is scary. It's a universal truth that most people would rather avoid it at all costs. Surgery being performed on your unborn child adds a whole new level of anxiety, fright, and uncertainty.

Almost 15 years ago, my wife and I went through fetal surgery to save our unborn twin daughters. We know all too well how this time feels like an eternity, yet everything around you is moving at lightning-fast pace. We put a list together below of things you should know before your surgery to help you feel more at ease and know what to expect should the need for surgery arise.

1. Have faith that you have come to this decision as the best option for your baby (or babies). Since first hearing there was a problem, you have learned as much as possible, you have asked the hard questions, and you know all there is to know about the fetal syndrome diagnosis your baby (or babies) might be facing. Personally, we took solace in knowing that something rather than nothing was going to be tried, as our prognosis outside of any intervention was extremely grim.

2. Be sure you understand how the surgery will be performed. Your doctor and/or patient coordinator will take you through all that will take place during your surgery. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand. Here are a few questions to which you should know the answers (and this may not be inclusive):

a. Will you be awake during the procedure? You may very likely be awake, but you may want to inquire about what will be done to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. In the end, it will give you a little more peace of mind.

b. During the surgery, if I am awake, who do I communicate with if I am not feeling well, or need something? This is important so that you feel safe and knowledgeable about each step along the way, but most importantly, who will be your safe haven should you need to communicate something.

c. Who will be in the operating room? This is important to ask, because you don’t want

to be surprised of all the people that may be in the room. There are often additional doctors shadowing or assisting the primary fetal surgeon, as well as a team of nurses who are there to assist the surgery team and some who will be focused primarily on you. Know who will be in there and what their role is. This will help comfort you.

d. How long generally will the surgery be? This varies from surgery to surgery and from case to case.

e. How will you keep my family updated? This is far more important for your loved ones waiting on your surgery to be complete, but you will recover much easier knowing who will communicate with them and when.

f. If I am awake, will the surgeon be explaining to me everything they are doing? Some fetal surgeons do their best to keep the patient in the loop as the surgery is progressing, while others like to get right to business. Knowing which type of surgeon you have will help you go into it much more easily.

There may be a host of other questions that you have, but each of these are a good start and are important for your peace of mind in helping you feel prepared before, during and even after your surgery.

3. Know that the doctors and nurses have compassion and care for you and your baby (or babies). Things move very quickly in fetal surgery, but know that these doctors and nurses truly are concerned deeply for you and your baby (or babies). Prior to our surgery, our doctor walked in, put his hands on my wife’s belly to feel our baby girls kicking, and looked at us both and said, “I will do everything I can for them.” He may not even remember doing it, but this small gesture made us feel such comfort and we knew we were in great hands.

4. Know what to expect post-surgery.

Usually, you will be monitored for contractions or any other complications that could arise after the procedure. Ask about how you will be monitored, what they will be monitoring, and perhaps even for how long. Also be sure to understand any of the complications they will look for and if a complication should arise, what will take place to address it.

5. The first 24 to 48 hours are the most

critical. Be sure you know when your doctor will be checking on you the next day and what things they will be looking for in the baby’s (or

babies') health, as well as for your own well-being.

6. Be sure you know how long they intend to keep you in the

hospital. Most fetal procedures will require an overnight stay. If all looks well the next day, they may release you, but they may want you to stay in town for an extra day or two (assuming that you traveled to a center).

7. Finally, it is important to know once discharged what your restrictions will

be. Since part of your restrictions may include bedrest, be sure you are set with a circle of care that includes your high-risk specialist, your fetal specialist (who did the surgery), and possibly your main OB/ Gyn. For the rest of your pregnancy, you should be seen by your high-risk specialist along with your OB/Gyn. Both should communicate with each other frequently, and keep the main fetal surgeon in the loop to stay on top of your care.

Fetal surgery is no doubt a scary time, but being prepared, asking questions, and ensuring you have much of the above taken care of will leave you to focus on what is most important --- the health and well-being of you and your baby (or babies).

Lonnie Somers is the co-founder of the Fetal Health Foundation, and spearheads Denver's Great Candy Run. He and his wife Michelle own Hal Sports, a Denver based event management company, where he serves various running, stairclimbing and other charitable events all over the country in timing, production, and even as announcer. He is an avid runner and recently completed a half marathon with his twin daughters.