The Surgical Process in Mersin: From Appointment to Discharge

Once the decision to operate has been made, the questions asked most often are these: "When will I be admitted?", "How many days will I stay?", "What should I bring?", "Do I need someone with me?" This article sets out how a planned general surgical operation proceeds in Mersin from beginning to end. Emergency operations fall outside this sequence; there the steps are compressed according to the situation.

1. The First Assessment

The process begins with a consultation. The history of the complaint is taken, an examination is carried out and any tests you already have are reviewed. It matters that you bring the imaging itself rather than only the report; CT, ultrasound and MRI records show details the report does not mention.

What should be discussed at this stage: the treatment options, open versus closed technique, the expected benefit, the risks and the alternatives. Not every consultation ends in a decision to operate; in a proportion of patients follow up or medical treatment is sufficient. The criteria applied are covered in the article on general surgery in Mersin.

2. Preoperative Tests

The tests requested vary with the operation and your age, but generally include:

• Full blood count, clotting tests, kidney and liver function, blood glucose.
• Blood group.
• ECG and, where needed, a chest X-ray.
• Imaging specific to the operation.
• Cardiology, respiratory or endocrinology opinion where considered necessary.

The anaesthetic review is a separate and important part of this stage. The anaesthetist assesses your chronic conditions, the medicines you take, your previous experience of anaesthesia and any drug allergies. Nothing should be left out in this conversation; cardiac, respiratory and thyroid conditions and clotting problems matter particularly.

A practical note for patients travelling in: some of the tests can be done locally and the results sent on. This reduces the number of visits and is covered in the article on patients coming from the surrounding provinces.

3. The Days Before Surgery

• Blood thinners. These medicines must not be stopped on your own initiative. Whether and when they are stopped is decided by your doctor, taking your cardiac and vascular condition into account.
• Smoking. Stopping before surgery makes a measurable difference to wound healing and to breathing. The longer the interval, the greater the benefit.
• Long term medication. Whether blood pressure, thyroid and diabetes medicines are taken on the morning of surgery is decided individually.
• Herbal products and supplements. Some can increase bleeding and must be reported.
• Signs of infection. If fever, cough or urinary symptoms develop in the days before surgery, tell the team; the operation may be postponed.

Fasting. Nothing is generally taken by mouth after a stated time on the night before surgery. The exact time is given to you separately, and following it is mandatory for the safety of the anaesthetic.

4. Admission Day: What to Bring

• Identification and, if you have one, your private insurance policy details.
• Existing test results and imaging records.
• A written list of the medicines you take, and the boxes.
• Discharge summaries from previous operations.
• Comfortable clothing, slippers, personal care items.
• Personal medical aids such as glasses, hearing aids or dentures.

Jewellery, large amounts of cash and valuables are best left at home. Nail varnish and false nails should be removed, as they interfere with the oxygen measurement taken from the fingertip during surgery.

A companion. Someone should be with you for operations under general anaesthesia. Even for day case procedures you need someone to take you home, because driving after anaesthesia is not permitted.

5. The Day of Surgery and Length of Stay

Before you are taken to theatre your identity and the operative site are confirmed, intravenous access is established and the necessary preventive measures are carried out. After surgery you are monitored in recovery for a period and then taken to your room.

Length of stay varies with the operation. An approximate framework:

• Closed gallbladder surgery: usually one day.
• Inguinal hernia and umbilical hernia: day case or one day.
• Haemorrhoids and pilonidal sinus: day case or one day.
• Thyroid operations: one to two days.
• Bariatric surgery: two to three days.
• Colorectal operations: longer, generally from a few days to a week.

These are averages and vary with the course of the operation, accompanying conditions and the speed of recovery.

Early mobilisation is expected after surgery. Getting out of bed early is one of the most effective measures for reducing lung complications and clot formation in the leg veins. Pain control is provided for the same reason: a patient in pain cannot move.

6. Discharge

You are given a discharge summary, prescriptions, wound care instructions, dietary advice and a follow up appointment. Keep these documents; they are the most valuable source of information at later consultations and if you see another doctor.

What to observe at home differs by operation, but the common headings are: keeping the wound clean and dry, when you may shower, how long to avoid heavy lifting and straining, and when you may return to work and to driving.

Situations requiring immediate attention are explained separately and generally include: high fever, increasing abdominal pain, redness, swelling or discharge at the wound, vomiting, cessation of wind and stool, painful swelling in one leg, and breathlessness. Do not wait in these situations; attend the nearest healthcare facility.

7. Follow Up

The first check up is usually within a week or ten days of discharge; the wound is assessed and any pathology result discussed. The frequency of later check ups depends on the operation: a few may be enough after hernia and gallbladder surgery, whereas after bariatric surgery follow up continues for life and runs at months 1, 3, 6 and 12 in the first year. This schedule is set out in the article on the first year after surgery.

Where Does This Take Place?

Op. Dr. Ersan Semerci's consultations and operations are carried out at VM Medicalpark Mersin Hospital (Mezitli, Mersin). Coverage, payment and insurance are a separate subject and are covered in the article on insurance and coverage.

Disclaimer. This article is provided for general information only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or a treatment recommendation, and it is not a substitute for examination, diagnosis and treatment by a physician. The content is not tailored to any individual and is not intended as advertising. Do not start, change or stop any treatment on the basis of the information here. Consult your own doctor about any decision concerning your health and see a healthcare provider about your symptoms. The site owner accepts no liability for any consequences arising from use of this content. Last updated: 2026-09-08.