In medicine, a lot of incomprehensible terms are used. Sometimes these names sound daunting. That is why the patient before the treatment should get acquainted with some terminology for his own development and understanding of everything that is happening to him. In this article we will talk about the concept of "premedication."This term is used by surgeons, anesthetists and operating sisters. You will also learn how to do this manipulation.
Premedication is what?
To begin with it is worth saying that this term means preparing for the prescribed treatment. Depending on what kind of manipulation is carried out, the method of premedication is chosen.
This procedure helps the patient to calm down, relax and tune in to a positive outcome. Also, in some cases, premedication is a rescue from the often manifested allergic reaction to various medications.
Where is premedication used?
Most often this preparation is carried out before surgical interventions of various types. In some cases premedication is used before the operation under local anesthesia or without anesthesia at all.
Also similar training is conducted before dental treatment. In some cases, premedication in dentistry helps the doctor to perform his work as correctly as possible. So, preparation is always carried out in the treatment of teeth in young children, the elderly or in complex operations.
The effectiveness of premedication in medicine
Currently, many physicians refuse some points of this manipulation. They explain this by the fact that the injected medication is not always effective, and the reaction to the drug occurs very often. Sometimes there are situations that the injected remedy does not have time to act on the human body.
Premedication should always be subject to patient consent. Also before the procedure it is necessary to clarify whether a person has a tendency to any allergy.
What drugs are used for premedication?
It is worth noting that there is a large number of tools used. If you have intolerance to one of them, then it is necessary to warn the doctor. In this case, an alternative drug is chosen.
Includes premedication drugs in the following groups: sedatives, antihistamines, and solutions that reduce the contractile work of muscles and various glands.
So, to sedatives, you can refer:
- "Phenobarbital";
- "Sedonal";
- "Luminal" and other drugs.
Antihistamines can be used as follows:
- "Tavegil";
- Suprastin;
- "Dimedrol" and others.
Blockers of contractile function are most commonly used:
- Metacin;
- Atropine;
- "Glycopyrrolate" and so on.
In some cases, premedication before surgery may require the introduction of narcotics that can reduce the dose of anesthetic.
Conducting a premedication
Manipulation consists of several main points. There is a so-called early premedication. This is a procedure that takes place the night before( before surgery).Also, preparation is necessarily carried out on the day on which surgical treatment is prescribed. So, let's consider in detail the way of conducting premedication.
The first step: early preparation of the patient
In the evening on the eve of the established day of operation, bowel cleansing is performed. This is done by enema or by taking laxatives. Such preparation is necessary in the case when the surgical intervention will be carried out in the abdominal cavity. If the operation requires touching other parts of the body, then this stage can be avoided.
Also in the evening, the patient is offered a long-acting hypnotic. Everyone experiences anxiety and fear of surgical intervention. That is why this stage is so necessary for the patient.
The second step: premedication on the day of operation
A few hours before the start of the surgical treatment, you will undergo an additional premedication. Atropine and other blockers are used at this stage. They are necessary in the event that the device for artificial ventilation of the lungs is used, or when the treatment is performed on the muscular organ. So, often before the study of the genital organ in women, large doses of this substance are used.
You will also be given an antihistamine. It will help to avoid an allergic reaction to the anesthetic and various medicinal substances in the blood. In addition, it is proposed to take a sedative. Thanks to his action, the patient will be able to relax and cope with mental stress. The main condition for preparing for the operation is the refusal of food and water.
The third step: premedication on the operating table
There is also a so-called premedication of anesthesia. At this stage, the patient is injected with drugs that help to fall into euphoria and enhance the action of the anesthetic. With a possible allergy to pain medications, this item is taken into account necessarily.
This manipulation is carried out at a time when the person is already on the operating table. The least harmless assistant to anesthesia is oxygen. It helps a person to quickly turn off and not hear everything that happens around. Also at this stage, the following drugs can be used: "Droperidol", "Valium", "Morphine sulfate" and other products.
Fourth step: anesthesia
After the premedication is finished, the anesthesiologist can begin to work. The doctor prescribes an individual dose of a substance to each patient. This takes into account the growth, weight, age, area of work and the presence of premedication.
In the future, the doctor performing the surgery, can proceed to surgical treatment.
Premedication features that need to be considered
Most drugs that are used during preparation for surgery are administered orally or rectally. This method is explained by the fact that the medicine lasts longer and does not come into direct reaction with anesthetics. Also, some agents can be used by intramuscular injection.
With a direct hit in the blood, drugs quickly lose their effectiveness and are eliminated from the body. It should be noted that, depending on sex, age and weight, an individual dosage of the means for premedication should be selected. Otherwise, the substance may simply not work, or an overdose will occur.
Summarizing and a small conclusion
If you are assigned surgical treatment, it is worth knowing about premedication, what preparations are used for its conduct and why this manipulation is needed at all. Do not abstain from this procedure. If you are confused by an item, talk to your doctor. If necessary, the doctor can replace some of the medicines at your request.
Premedication will help you tune into an operation and cope with psychological stress. Get well and be always healthy!