Why remove nail polish before surgery

Most hospitals and offices will advise patients to remove nail polish before surgery, but have you ever wondered why? Possibly the most important monitoring device that helps make modern anesthesia so safe is the pulse oximeter.

A sensor is placed on the fingertip and this measures the level of oxygen in the blood and works by passing red light through tissue. If you recently ate, the vomit could go down into your windpipe and lungs a process called aspiration.

Therefore, less risk of aspiration. One of the least invasive ways to monitor the oxygen level in your blood is with a pulse oximeter. See the photo above. The pulse ox needs clear access to the blood vessels in the fingertip and nail polish can affect the readings.

However, nail polish can also pose a challenge in this scenario as well. An oximeter is a tiny clip that is placed on your finger during surgery to measure your oxygen level. If your nails are painted a dark hue, such as navy, black, or a deep purple, the machine will have difficulty reading through the colour. Because the oximeter only requires the use of one finger on each hand, you can usually keep the majority of your manicure, if you want, in most situations.

After all, gels, wraps, and tips can get expensive, and it is much more affordable to replace two nails than to get a full do-over. The best way to find out if polish is permitted during your procedure is to as your surgeon directly. There are times when the pre-op team will allow nail polish as long as they can see your nail beds through it.

It really depends on the procedure. Do not wear makeup, jewelry or contact lenses. Do not eat anything after midnight the day before your surgery. Michelle Kelly Reminders If you are on prescription blood pressure medication, take it in the morning, but only with a small amount of water.

Wear dentures and glasses if you have them, but remember you will have to take them off prior to the procedure. Thoroughly read the instructions from your surgeon and follow the preparation steps, including instructions on diet and medications. Before surgery, proceed with your normal exercise routine unless you are told not to. Usually, those in good physical health recover better.

Eat a healthy diet with adequate protein. In addition, drinks like ginger ale and Sprite and bland foods such as toast, broth, soup and crackers can help.