Patient Resources & Guidelines
Access essential guidelines to prepare for your consultation, understand pre-operative instructions, and ensure a smooth, safe recovery post-surgery.
Pre-Consultation Guidelines
If you are visiting Dr. Ankit Ahuja for an initial consultation or diagnostic evaluation, please keep these points in mind:
Fasting & Dietary Guidelines
If you are experiencing abdominal pain or suspect gallbladder/liver issues, try to be fasting (avoid solid foods, tea, and coffee) for at least 4 to 6 hours before your appointment. You may drink plain water. This ensures you are ready if an ultrasound or specific blood tests are required immediately.
Essential Documents to Carry
Carry your active prescription files, list of ongoing medications, past ultrasound/CT scan reports, and blood test results. Also, bring your government photo ID and health insurance card for documentation.
List of Active Medications
Prepare a list of all current medications, especially blood thinners (Aspirin, Clopidogrel, etc.) or diabetes medications (Metformin, Insulin), as they need special instructions prior to any intervention.
Note down Symptoms
Briefly note down when your pain or symptoms started, their frequency, triggers (like fatty meals), and what provides temporary relief. This helps in an accurate clinical assessment.
Pre-Operative Instructions
Once your surgery is scheduled, you must strictly follow these instructions to ensure anesthesia safety and reduce complications:
Fasting (Nothing by Mouth - NPO)
Do not consume solid food for 8 hours before your scheduled surgery. Clear liquids (such as water, clear apple juice, black tea, or black coffee without milk)may be taken up to 4 hours before surgery, unless instructed otherwise by your surgeon or anesthesiologist.
Blood Thinners & Regular Medications
Blood thinners (Aspirin, Clopidogrel) must be stopped 3 to 5 days prior to surgery, but only under the explicit direction of Dr. Ankit. Thyroid and blood pressure medications should be taken in the morning with a tiny sip of water as directed by your anesthesiologist.
Personal Hygiene & Preparation
Take a bath using antibacterial soap the night before and the morning of the surgery. Clean the abdominal area and navel thoroughly. Cut nails short and remove any nail paint, jewelry, piercings, makeup, or contact lenses.
Pre-Op Diagnostics (PAC)
Ensure all pre-anesthetic checkups (PAC) are complete, including blood tests, ECG, and Chest X-ray. Keep these reports ready and bring them along on the day of admission.
Post-Operative Recovery Guidelines
Your post-surgical care is vital for proper tissue healing and to prevent infection or hernias at the keyhole incisions:
Activity & Mobilization
Walk around gently on the day of surgery itself. Climbing stairs is allowed. Avoid heavy lifting (above 5 kg), intense core exercises, or running for 3 to 4 weeks to allow the muscle wall to heal completely.
Wound Care & Showering
Keep the dressing clean and dry. You can usually take a shower 48 hours post-op once the initial waterproof dressing is evaluated. Gently pat the incisions dry; do not rub them or apply unprescribed ointments.
Diet Progression
Begin with a light, easily digestible diet (soups, soft rice and lentil khichdi, porridge) on Day 1. Gradually progress to your regular diet. Emphasize high-fiber foods and drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to prevent constipation and abdominal straining.
Warning Signs (Contact Immediately)
Reach out to the coordinator or visit emergency if you experience fever above 101°F, worsening abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, redness or discharge at the stitches, or inability to pass urine or gas.
