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Questions Before Surgery

Questions Before Surgery

Prior to an operation, you should fully comprehend the procedure and make sure you review any concerns with the surgeon.

In some instances, there may be more than one method of surgery to solve your problem. Discuss the details with the doctor, and be sure to understand exactly what you're getting into. Here are a few topics you may want to bring up.

Why do I require surgery? There are a variety of explanations for having surgery; some procedures reduce or avert pain, while others may reduce side effects or improve some bodily task. Some operations are performed to detect an area in need of improvement, while others can be essential to saving someone's life. The surgeon will explain the purpose of the operation in simple terms. Don't hesitate to find out why the doctor has chosen this particular course of action to address your problem.

Do I have other options besides surgery? If the possibility of undergoing surgery is really bothering you, find out if you have any alternatives. Medication or other natural treatment, such as a change in dietary or exercise routines, may be exactly what you're looking for. Inquire about the advantages or disadvantages these choices may yield. The only way you can make an informed decision is to gain as much knowledge regarding these alternative measures as possible. One option may be what's known as "watchful waiting," or a period in which you postpone any surgery in order to see if your symptoms diminish or worsen. If symptoms escalate, it could be a sign that surgery is imminent. However, if problems subside, you may be able to delay surgery indefinitely.

What will I gain upon completion of the operation? Be sure you know why the operation will benefit you. For example, undergoing hip replacement surgery could allow you to walk without pain.

Understand the duration of these surgical benefits; in some cases, the patient may see signs of improvement for only a short time. But in others, positive results could be permanent. Sometimes, people have such high hopes that surgery will cure them that they become disappointed if the outcome is not in tune to what they had expected. Inquire about any reading material that could provide you with documentation of prior results to similar procedures.

What kinds of side effects can I expect? Some level of risk is always associated with an operation. For this reason, you must compare the benefits with the downsides of the procedure.

Complications, unexpected occurrences, can arise during surgery. These can include infection, excessive bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, or inadvertent injury. Other medical conditions can enhance the risk associated with surgery. A patient may also experience post-op side effects, but these can usually be anticipated. For example, the doctor can tell you that the site of the procedure will become inflamed and tender. Discuss these complications with the surgeon, as there is almost always some soreness associated with an operation. Find out how extreme the pain will be and what the medical staff will do to reduce ease it. The ability to manage this pain will contribute to faster healing and improved results.

What if I decide not to go through with it? After weighing the pros and cons of the operation, you may decide against it. Find out what you will gain or lose by avoiding surgery. Will pain increase? Will the condition worsen? Will the problem work its way out?

Who can provide a second opinion? Consulting with another physician is one way to be sure you absolutely require surgery. Be sure to bring all paperwork from the visit with the first doctor so that the second one does not perform duplicate tests.

How much experience does the surgeon have with this type of procedure? Patients often exhibit high anxiety prior to surgery. One way to combat this fear of the unknown is to have confidence in your surgeon. Find out if the surgeon has been thoroughly trained in this area of expertise as well as how much experience they have performing the same operation. Question the surgeon about their previous success rate and instances in which complications may have occurred. If you don't feel comfortable confronting your surgeon, consider talking it over with your primary care doctor.

Where will I go for surgery? The majority of surgeons practice at a couple local hospitals, but be certain to find out where your operation will be performed beforehand. How many subsequent operations of this sort have been performed at this hospital? If the hospital's success rate for this procedure is shockingly low, request that you be transferred to another facility. In years past, operations were usually performed on an inpatient basis, meaning patients would typically remain in the hospital for one day or more. Nowadays, surgery is often performed on an inpatient basis at a doctor's office, offsite surgical center, or a hospital's day surgery unit. Outpatient procedures are more inexpensive because patients are not required to pay for a hospital stay. Find out whether your operation is classified as inpatient or outpatient. If your doctor suggests inpatient surgery for an operation that is typically considered outpatient or vice versa, find out why. You should be in a place that will provide you with as much safety and comfort as possible.

What type of anesthetic do I require? The purpose of anesthesia is so that surgery can be performed in a painless manor. The surgeon will inform you as to whether your procedure involves general, regional, or local anesthesia, and why one is preferred over the other. General anesthesia numbs your entire body for the duration of an operation and forces the patient to be unconscious. Regional anesthesia numbs a section of your body (i.e. upper torso) for just a few hours at a time, and patients will normally remain awake. The least severe form, local anesthesia, numbs an even smaller portion of your body (i.e. tooth) for less time than regional. Anesthesia is a safe bet for most people and is typically overseen by an anesthesiologist or highly trained anesthetist. If you choose to undergo surgery, ask about meeting with the professional administering anesthesia. Find out about their qualifications and how the side effects of the drug directly relate to your procedure. Notify them of any medical conditions, including allergies, because your body may react differently under certain conditions.

What about recovery time? Your surgeon will be able to inform you as to how you will feel and how active you can expect to be for the first days, weeks, or even months following the operation. Find out how long your hospital stay will be and what kind of supplies, equipment, and any additional assistance you may need during your transition back home. Having some idea what to expect will make coping with recovery easier. Also, inquire about when you can resume regular exercise and return to work. Pushing yourself too quickly can impede the recovery process. Performing an everyday task like lifting a bag of groceries may seem easy enough, but it could set you back if you aggravate something unexpectedly. Following the doctor's advice is your best bet for the quickest recovery possible.

How expensive will my procedure be? Health insurance payout differs depending on the surgery, and the patient may even be asked to pay out-of-pocket in some instances. Find out how much your surgeon charges and what the fee includes. Surgical fees often include several follow-up appointments to the operation. Also, expect the hospital to bill you for inpatient or outpatient care in addition to the anesthesiologist or any others providing care in relation to you surgery.