There are many important questions that you should ask before having surgery. There are questions that should be answered by your surgeon, insurance companies and your family/friends. This list may help prevent help you find a qualified surgeon, prevent you from having surgery unnecessarily and help make your recovery flow as smoothly as possible. In addition, determining the time you will be away from work and activities will help you better plan for the financial ramifications of having surgery.
While these questions are not appropriate for every surgery, you can use them to create a personalized list of questions that you should ask your surgeon, better enabling you to determine if surgery is right for you and how best to prepare for the procedure.
Questions To Ask Your Surgeon About The Surgical Procedure:
What are the alternatives to this procedure?
In what ways will my life be different after this surgical procedure?
What is the proper name of the procedure?
What are the risks of the surgery?
What are the risks of anesthesia?
Are the risks for me greater than other patients for any reason?
Is this procedure necessary? What will happen if I say no to having surgery?
What type of anesthesia will I be given?
Is this procedure a cure?
How long will the benefits of the procedure last?
Will this be an inpatient or outpatient procedure?
What type of incision will be used? Will it be an open procedure or a minimally invasive, or laparoscopic, procedure?
What medications should I take the morning of my surgery?
When should I stop eating prior to my procedure?
Questions About the Surgeon's Credentials:
Are you board certified in a surgical specialty?
How often do you perform this procedure?
If you needed this surgery, who would be your surgeon?
