3 - Preparing for Surgery and Enhancing Recovery Flashcards
What is the likelihood of needing surgery during a cancer journey?
Chances are high that surgery will be needed for diagnosis or treatment.
What is one way natural therapies can assist patients undergoing surgery?
They can help prepare for and heal more quickly from surgery.
What is the purpose of informed consent in the surgical process?
To ensure patients understand the risks and benefits before surgery.
What dietary changes should be made one to two months before surgery?
Start the Clean and Green Detox Diet.
Which herb is recommended to support immune function before surgery?
Milk thistle.
What is the role of echinacea in pre-surgical preparation?
To optimize the immune system.
Which herb is suggested to reduce systemic inflammation?
Turmeric.
Fill in the blank: The protocol for bowel health before surgery includes _______.
weeding, seeding, and feeding.
Name a few herbs that support liver detox pathways.
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Dandelion root
What is the importance of weight management before surgery?
Anesthetic gases are stored in fat tissue and can contribute to complications.
True or False: Supplemental oxygen can reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting.
True.
What are antithrombotic enzymes used for?
To thin the blood and prevent blood clots.
Name an herb that can help prevent postoperative cognitive impairment (POCI).
Lobelia (Lobelia inflata).
What is a useful application of Let Go Liniment in postoperative care?
To relieve muscle cramping and spasming.
List some brain tonic herbs recommended for recovery after surgery.
- Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
- Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica)
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
What are the four phases of wound healing?
- Hemostasis
- Defense/Inflammation
- Proliferation/Epithelialization
- Maturation/Remodeling
What is the purpose of the Tumor Spray?
To provide a cooling, soothing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial treatment.
What is the role of echinacea in the context of surgery?
To support the immune system.
What can castor oil packs be used for post-surgery?
To reduce swelling and promote healing.
Fill in the blank: The mixture for Tumor Spray includes aloe vera gel, chamomile, and _______.
lavender.
What complications can arise during the healing process after surgery?
- Scarring
- Keloid
- Adhesions
What is recommended for managing local infection post-surgery?
Utilize cicatrants and vulneraries.
True or False: The use of cicatrants and vulneraries can help reduce the risk of scarring.
True.
What is the potential effect of anesthetic size on postoperative cognitive impairment?
Smaller anesthetic agents may increase neuroinflammation.
What is the frequency of application for a castor oil pack?
Three to six times weekly until no more swelling or congestion is felt
The pack should be discarded after a few uses.
What should be done if irritation occurs from castor oil use?
Wash the area well with soap and water, then apply a paste of baking soda and water
Repeat as needed until the irritation clears.
What properties does scar oil have?
Anti-inflammatory, promotes proper architecture of connective tissue, reduces scarring, swelling, and itching
It penetrates well because of the castor oil.
List the ingredients of scar oil.
- 20 mL rose hip seed oil
- 20 mL jojoba oil
- 20 mL pokeroot-infused oil
- 20 mL calendula-infused oil
- 20 mL comfrey leaf–infused oil
- 20 mL gotu kola–infused oil
- 10 mL sea buckthorn oil
- 10 mL vitamin E oil
- 5 mL castor oil
- 1 mL each essential oils of helichrysum, benzoin, frankincense, and Peru balsam
What is the purpose of dietary supplements after surgery?
To support healing
Includes B-Complex Vitamins, Zinc, Vitamin C, and others.
What are some supplements to take with meals?
- High-potency adaptogen blend
- Turmeric
- Green tea
- Flavonoids
- Alpha-lipoic acid
- CoQ10
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Whey protein
- Vitamin E succinate
- Omega-3 fats
- Glucosamine sulfate
- Liquid chlorophyll
What is the recommended dosage for Omega-3 fats from fish oil?
1,200–1,500 mg EPA, 600–800 mg DHA
What should be taken at bedtime to support recovery?
- Milk thistle
- Serrapeptase/nattokinase/lumbrokinase
- N-acetylcysteine
- Probiotic blend
What is the purpose of the Healing and Recuperation Tincture?
To promote tissue repair and healing after surgery
List the ingredients of the Healing and Recuperation Tincture.
- 20 mL gotu kola
- 15 mL horsetail
- 15 mL licorice
- 15 mL meadowsweet
- 10 mL rosemary
- 10 mL yarrow leaf and flower
- 5 mL cinnamon
- 10 mL milk thistle
What is the benefit of sunlight for wound healing?
Accelerates wound healing by producing vitamin D in the skin
What is Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)?
A potent inducer of angiogenesis, necessary for wound healing but can enhance tumor growth
What happens to plasma levels of VEGF after major surgery?
They increase, which may contribute to tumor growth
What role does the NM (Nonmetastatic) 23 gene play?
Inhibits metastatic cancer; loss may promote metastasis
How does curcumin from turmeric affect nm23 genes?
May enhance the expression of nm23 and upregulate antimetastatic proteins
What are the opposing effects of ginseng in wound healing?
Wound healing and antiangiogenic
What is the effect of Rg1 in ginseng extracts?
Promotes neovascularization and endothelial cell proliferation
What does Rb1 in ginseng do?
Inhibits the chemo-invasion of endothelial cells
What are the active constituents of rhodiola?
- Salidroside
- Rosavin
- Rosin
- Rosarin
What is the paradoxical action of rhodiola on angiogenesis?
Inhibits angiogenesis in cancer cells but promotes it in normal tissues after surgery
What are the mechanisms of rhodiola?
- Antioxidant
- Cholinergic-regulating
- Anti-apoptotic
- Anti-inflammatory
