These are the 13 essential questions you should ask before surgery

A publication of the American College of Surgery compiles a list of questions to ask before a surgery. Today we will summarize them. First of all, remember that there are two main types of surgery: elective surgery, in which a date is scheduled for the operation, and emergency surgery, which must be done to save the person’s life. While some of the questions do not apply in an emergency, all of them do apply for elective surgery.

1. What operation are you recommending? Using simple language and even drawings or diagrams, the doctor must explain all the steps of the operation to be performed.

2. Why do I need an operation? The physician must clearly explain the reasons for the operation. Is it to prevent any future complications or to relieve pain? Will it improve the function of any part of the body?

3. Are there medical alternatives to the surgery you want to have? Sometimes the surgery it is not the only answer to a medical problem, and many times waiting a while to see how the symptoms evolve can be more useful than a rushed surgery.

4. What are the benefits of having the operation? The surgeon You should not only explain the immediate benefit of the operation, but also how long that benefit will last. For example, in a varicose vein operation, the surgeon must explain that the benefit will be temporary, because the varicose veins will return over time.

5. What are the risks of the operation? There is no risk-free operation. Typical complications are infection, excessive bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, or accidental injury. Possible immediate and long-term complications should be explained to you.

6. What would happen if I don’t have surgery? After weighing the benefits and risks, your surgeon should explain clearly and without frightening you what the course of your condition will be if you do not have surgery. Is he going to have more pain or deformities?

7. What type of anesthesia will I need? Your surgeon should tell you if you will need local, regional, or general anesthesia, and which one is best for you. Local anesthesia temporarily numbs only part of your body. The regional numbs a larger area for a few hours, for example, the lower part of the body, and the general involves being asleep for the entire night. operation. It is a great idea to meet with the anesthesiologist before the operation.

“A well-intentioned surgeon […] You shouldn’t be upset when your patient asks for a second opinion.”

8. How long will it take to recover? Your surgeon will tell you what you can do in the first few days, weeks, or months after surgery. Ask what kind of equipment and help you will need when you return home from operation. Knowing what to expect can help you recover faster. Ask how long it will be before you can return to work, start regular exercise, or start your sex life.

9. What are your credentials? Don’t be afraid to ask this question, many surgeons have undergone specialized training and have passed rigorous examinations by professional organizations. Make sure your surgeon has a specialist degree.

10. How much experience do you have with this type of operation? Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon this question, either: how many operations like the one you’re about to do on me have you had? Ask about the types of complications they have encountered in their surgical practice. If it’s easier for you, ask your GP these questions.

11. Where will the operation take place? Depending on the type of operation, this may be done on an outpatient basis or in a hospital, and if so, ask the surgeon how long you will need to stay in the hospital. Due to the danger of hospital-acquired infections, the current trend is to keep the patient in the hospital for as short a time as possible.

12. Where could I get a second opinion? This is a litmus test for the surgeon. An honest, well-meaning, and confident doctor should never be bothered that his patient requests a second opinion. The second opinion is a patient’s right. If he doesn’t feel comfortable asking his operating surgeon the question, ask your primary care physician. If you get a second opinion, be sure to bring all the documentation so you don’t repeat the tests.

13. How much will the operation cost? Even if you have health insurance, this is a very important question. Many health plans hide in the fine print so-called copays, which can be exorbitant. Ask for the full estimate, which will include the doctor’s fees and an estimate for anesthesia, the operating room, and post-op visits. Call your insurance company to find out how much of the cost of the operation will be covered by your health plan. And if you don’t have insurance, this question is the most important.

Lastly, ask your surgeon to mark the place where you will operate. Many professional surgical organizations encourage their members to use a marker to show where they are going to operate. Surgeons do this by writing directly on the patient’s skin on the day of surgery. surgery.

The doctor-patient relationship must be horizontal and of mutual respect. Don’t be afraid to ask the right questions before an operation. Prevention is better than regret.