How to Shave the Male Patient for Gallbladder Surgery

Gallbladder removal is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States. When preparing for gallbladder removal surgery, the nurse will shave the male patient's abdomen to prevent any hairs from getting inside the incision. The shaving process is quick and pain free.

Things You'll Need

• Wash cloth
• Soap
• Warm water
• Shaving cream or gel
• Razor
• Towel

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash the abdomen with a mild soap. This will help prevent an infection if you accidentally nick the patient. After washing, rinse thoroughly with warm water, removing all soap residue from the skin.

• 2

  Squirt a ball of shaving cream or gel into the palm of your hand. Apply it to the abdomen, covering all areas that you need to shave with a layer of the cream.

• 3

  Use a new razor for a closer shave with fewer nicks. Using a new razor will also cut out the risk of infection being transferred.

• 4

  Shave the abdomen. Using the razor, shave with the direction of the hair growth, not against it. You may need to pull the skin tight with your free hand to achieve a closer shave.

• 5

  Rinse the razor off with running water after each stroke. This will prevent the razor from becoming clogged.

• 6

  Wash off excess shaving cream with a washcloth and warm water. Check for any areas that you may have missed. Wet your razor to shave the missed areas. Dry the abdomen with a towel.