Karim Sarhane Explains Important Steps Before Undergoing Surgery
About Karim Sarhane and His Approach to Surgical Preparation
Karim Sarhane is a consultant general and advanced laparoscopic surgeon in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, and an adjunct assistant professor of surgery at United Arab Emirates University. His background includes medical education at the American University of Beirut, research training at Johns Hopkins University, and general surgery residency at the University of Toledo. His experience spans general surgery, surgical oncology, breast surgery, and minimally invasive procedures.
Karim Sarhane highlights that preparation before surgery is an important part of safe and organized patient care. In his clinical approach, preparation involves understanding the patient’s condition, reviewing relevant medical information, discussing the planned procedure, and making sure the patient knows what to expect before and after surgery.
Medical Evaluation Before Surgery
Karim Sarhane believes that a thorough medical evaluation helps the surgical team understand the patient’s individual needs before a procedure. The evaluation may include a medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, imaging, and other assessments depending on the type of surgery.
Karim Sarhane highlights several important areas that patients should discuss during their surgical consultation:
The reason surgery is being recommended and the expected goal.
Previous operations, allergies, medications, and relevant medical conditions.
Required blood tests, imaging, or other preoperative assessments.
Possible risks, complications, and expected recovery.
Instructions concerning food, drinks, and medications before surgery.
Karim Sarhane emphasizes that these discussions should be specific to the patient’s condition rather than based on a standard checklist alone.
Understanding the Planned Surgical Procedure
Karim Sarhane believes patients should have a clear understanding of the procedure before consenting to surgery. During his surgical consultations, the discussion can include why the operation is recommended, how it will be performed, available alternatives when appropriate, and what recovery may involve.
For example, in advanced laparoscopic surgery, Karim Sarhane explains that patients may benefit from understanding where the surgical access points will be, what the procedure aims to accomplish, and how postoperative recovery may differ from traditional open surgery.
A patient’s questions are also an important part of this conversation. Karim Sarhane highlights that asking about expected pain, hospital stay, activity restrictions, follow-up appointments, and warning signs can help patients prepare realistically for recovery.
Medication, Fasting, and Preoperative Instructions
Karim Sarhane believes careful attention to preoperative instructions is essential. Some patients may need specific guidance about regular medications, supplements, fasting, or preparation required for a particular operation.
Karim Sarhane highlights that patients should not independently stop prescribed medication simply because surgery is approaching. Medication instructions should come from the treating surgical or medical team because requirements vary according to the patient’s health and the planned procedure.
For certain abdominal or colorectal operations, Karim Sarhane may also consider procedure-specific preparation, which can include dietary instructions or bowel preparation when clinically indicated.
Preparing for Minimally Invasive Surgery
Karim Sarhane’s approach to minimally invasive surgery illustrates why preparation is individualized. Consider a patient undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgery after evaluation of a condition requiring operative treatment. Before surgery, Karim Sarhane would consider the patient’s medical history, review relevant imaging and investigations, explain the planned laparoscopic approach, and discuss recovery expectations.
This preparation allows the patient to understand the treatment plan and gives the surgical team an opportunity to identify factors that may affect operative or postoperative care. Karim Sarhane highlights that the exact preparation depends on the patient’s diagnosis and overall circumstances.
Planning Recovery Before the Operation
Karim Sarhane believes preparation should not end when the patient enters the operating room. Planning for recovery is another important part of surgical care.
Patients may need to arrange transportation, understand expected activity limitations, organize support at home, and know when follow-up will occur. Karim Sarhane highlights that understanding postoperative instructions in advance can make the transition from hospital care to home care more organized.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should patients ask before surgery?
Karim Sarhane recommends discussing the purpose of surgery, expected benefits, possible risks, alternatives when applicable, preparation instructions, and recovery expectations with the surgical team.
Should medications be stopped before surgery?
Karim Sarhane emphasizes that medication changes should only be made according to instructions from the treating healthcare team.
Why is preoperative assessment important?
Karim Sarhane highlights that assessment helps the surgical team understand the patient’s health status and plan care according to the individual’s needs.
How can patients prepare for recovery?
Karim Sarhane believes patients should understand postoperative instructions, arrange appropriate support, and know which symptoms require medical attention.
Conclusion
Karim Sarhane highlights that good surgical preparation begins well before the operation itself. Medical evaluation, understanding the planned procedure, following individualized instructions, reviewing medications, and preparing for recovery all contribute to an organized surgical pathway. Through his experience in general, advanced laparoscopic, and surgical oncology care, Karim Sarhane emphasizes clear communication and individualized planning as important elements of responsible surgical care.
