An Overview of MOHs Surgery and Pre Surgery Coffee
COVID-19 pandemic has made it necessary for patients to focus on safety. As MOHs Surgery is one of the most effective treatments for skin cancer, many people are curious about whether they can drink coffee before this surgery. In this article, we will discuss important facts on MOHs Surgery, its pre-surgery prescriptions, and the effects of coffee on it.
MOHs Surgery
MOHs Surgery is a modern technique used to remove skin cancer cells completely with the help of a dermatologist. This novel method preserves the maximum amount of tissue and minimizes the chances of worsening of cancer. The MOHs surgeon examines the skin in the operating room and takes numerous deep tissue samples from the area.
These samples are then tested for the presence of cancer cells. If any sample shows malignancy, the surgeon will carefully trace and remove these cancerous cells with the help of a scalpel. This process is repeated until all cancer cells are removed entirely.
Preparing for MOHs Surgery
The most important part of MOHs Surgery is its preparation. Patients are advised to follow all instructions given 50 to 60 minutes before their surgery. This period also serves as an opportunity of meditative relaxation, where the patient can clear their mind and prepare for the surgery.
Some patients are asked to take prescribed pain or anaesthetic medications in this period. At the same time, the MOHs surgeon will also conduct the physical examination of a patient in this time. In addition to this, it is essential to ask the healthcare provider about the dietary restrictions. Certain foods are known to interact with medications used in MOHs Surgery.
Can you Drink Coffee before MOHs Surgery?
It is recommended to avoid the intake of caffeine before MOHs Surgery as it can increase the heart rate and interfere with the anaesthetic medication. Moreover, caffeine can also aggravate anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. For the same reason, health authorities recommend avoiding the intake of caffeinated drinks and energy drinks in this crucial period.
In fact, excessive consumption of caffeinated drinks can also worsen the symptoms of dry mouth syndrome, which is often caused due to anaesthetic medications. Some doctors also advise avoiding the intake of caffeinated drinks and supplements a few days before MOHs Surgery.
Alternatives to Caffeinated Drinks
It is recommended to choose decaffeinated drinks before MOHs Surgery. Decaffeinated coffee and tea are prepared without the use of caffeine and, therefore, they will not interfere with MOHs Surgery or anaesthetic medications. You can also use herbal teas and healthy juices to fulfill your hydration needs.
It is also important to stay away from alcohol and sugary-drinks. Sugary-drinks are difficult to digest, and alcohol can interfere with anaesthesia. Therefore, consuming either of these things before MOHs Surgery is strongly not recommended.
Effects of Coffee on MOHs Surgery
Caffeine is a powerful stimulant and therefore, it is always advised to use it in moderation. In the same way, using coffee before MOHs Surgery can also cause serious side-effects. It can increase the heart rate and can also interfere with the working of anaesthetic medications.
Excessive consumption of coffee can also worsen the symptoms related to nausea and dizziness. In some cases, caffeine can have serious side-effects such as chest pain and headaches. Therefore, it would be wise to consult your doctor before taking any caffeinated drink before MOHs Surgery.
Alternatives to Anaesthetic Medications
Anaesthetic medications are powerful drugs used during MOHs Surgery. It helps in eliminating the pain associated with the surgery and provides an overall calming effect. Despite this, some patients are unable to tolerate anaesthetic medications and it can also cause serious side-effects in some cases. Therefore, it is advisable to consider alternative treatments in these cases.
The most common alternative to anaesthetic medications is hypnosis. This technique has been used since the 1950s to reduce or eliminate the pain associated with surgeries. Another technique is the use of meditation, which is believed to provide a calming effect and also helps in reducing stress.
Pre-Surgery Instructions
It is important to follow all pre-surgery instructions given by your MOHs surgeon to ensure the success of the surgery. All instructions should be followed exactly as prescribed to avoid any sort of complication. It is also advisable to take rest the night before your surgery and reach the hospital on time.
Furthermore, smoking can interfere with the working of anaesthetic medications. Therefore, it is advised to stop smoking for at least one week before your MOHs Surgery. Lastly, prior to the surgery, it is also important to arrive in the hospital well-prepared with all the necessary documents.
Pre Surgery Tests and Examinations
Before the surgery, the dermatologist will perform physical examinations to ensure that the patient is fit and healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Blood tests and other laboratory tests might also be performed to check for any underlying medical conditions. The dermatologist will also ask about your medical history to rule out any potential risk factors.
Moreover, the dermatologist will also check for any drug interactions as certain medications can interfere with the working of anaesthetic medications used in MOHs Surgery. In addition, the doctor might ask to do the tumour mapping and image testing. These tests will help the dermatologist to compare the images and past results of the tumours.
The Doctor’s Advice
The advice of the doctor or MOHs surgeon should always be taken into consideration before MOHs Surgery. It is important to follow all instructions given by the doctor. It is recommended to avoid drinking or eating anything after midnight on the day of the surgery as it can interfere with the anaesthetic medications.
If you have been asked to take any pain or anaesthetic medications prior to the surgery, it is important to take those medications exactly as prescribed. Furthermore, the doctor might also ask the patient to make certain lifestyle changes such as avoiding the intake of caffeine, alcohol, and sugary-foods.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MOHs Surgery is an advanced technique used to remove skin cancer completely. Although, it is necessary to follow all instructions given by the MOHs surgeon. It is advisable to avoid the intake of caffeine, alcohol and sugary-drinks before surgery as they can interfere with anaesthetic medications. In addition, it is important to take all medications as prescribed and to make required lifestyle changes.
