You and Your Surgery

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KEY POINTS

• If you have been told that you need surgery, it’s important to get as much information as you need from your surgeon. It’s also important for you to give your surgeon information to make sure that you will be safe and have good results.
• It is hard to remember everything. Have a family member or friend with you to help remember what was said. Take notes and ask questions.

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If you have been told that you need surgery, it’s important to get as much information as you need from your surgeon. It’s also important for you to give your surgeon information to make sure that you will be safe and have good results.

What does my surgeon need to know?

Whether filling out a form or talking with your surgeon, be honest and thorough. Many things can affect how and when your surgery will be done, and how well you will do afterward. Tell your surgeon about:

• Health conditions you have such as diabetes, angina, breathing problems, or an infection
• Previous surgeries and problems you had such as nausea, bleeding, breathing problems, or scar tissue after the procedure
• Allergies to foods, latex, metal, or medicines
• Alcohol, drug use, and smoking, which can affect anesthesia, pain control, and healing
• All the medicines, supplements, and vitamins that you take. Many products can interact with anesthesia or cause bleeding or other problems.

Talk about any problems or concerns you have, even if your surgeon does not ask about them.

What can I do to get the most out of a visit with my surgeon?

Although your surgeon might like to talk with you at length, time is limited for each patient. To get the most out of your appointment:

• Before your visit, write down a list of things you want to ask about.
• You may want to take a family member or friend with you to help remember which questions to ask and to take notes about what was said.
• Get written information from your surgeon to take home with you. Sometimes it helps to ask your surgeon to write down some things for you such as the name of a medical problem you have or how the treatment will help.

What questions should I ask?

• Why do I need this surgery?
• What is the procedure called? Exactly what will you do?
• What are the possible risks and side effects of this surgery?
• What are the chances it will take care of my problem?
• Is there any other way to treat or relieve the problem?
• What will happen if I don’t have this surgery now?
• Will I need more surgery in the future?
• Will I need physical therapy or other treatments before or after surgery?
• Do I need to get tests, donate blood, or change my diet or my medicines before surgery?
• How many surgeries like this have you done? What’s your success rate?
• Where will the surgery be done? How many of these surgeries are done each year at this facility?
• What kind of anesthesia is best for me considering my health, age, and the medicines and supplements I take?
• How long will the surgery take?
• How long will I need to be in the hospital?
• What can I expect after surgery? Will I be in a lot of pain?
• Will I need someone to help take care of me when I go home?
• Will my body work or look differently after the surgery?
• How long will it take for me to get back to my usual activities such as work, driving, exercise, and having sex? Will I have some restrictions for the rest of my life?
• Will I need to make changes in my living space to prepare for life after surgery, such as getting a shower chair?
• What can I do to recover quickly?
• Will my insurance pay for this surgery? How much will I have to pay?
• Do you have any handouts or online resources that I can read?
• Who do I call if I have more questions?

Medical words may sound like a foreign language to you, and surgeons may forget to use words you understand. Ask questions when you don't know the meaning of a medical word or when instructions are not clear. It may help to repeat what you think your surgeon means in your own words and ask, "Is this correct?" If you don't ask questions, your surgeon may think that you understand everything and that you don't want more information.

Should I get a second opinion?

You need to get enough information to believe that you are making the right choice. One way to do this is to get the opinion of another surgeon. Your surgeon should not mind this and may even refer you to another specialist. When the first surgeon’s opinion is the same or similar to the second surgeon’s, you may feel confident that this surgery is the best choice for you.

Call your insurance company before you have treatment or get a second opinion. You need to know what will be covered. You may need to pay more to see an out-of-network healthcare provider and to have more lab work or tests.

What do I need to know when my surgery is done?

You will be given instructions when you are released from the hospital or surgery center. It is hard to remember everything. Have a family member or friend with you to take notes and help remember what was said. You may want to ask questions such as:

• What medicines do I need to take and when should I take them?
• When do I need to see the surgeon again?
• Do I need to schedule home nurses or therapists, or will you do that?
• Do I need to change any bandages? How often?
• When can I take a bath or shower?
• When it is okay for me to be alone in the house?
• What signs of infections, blood clots, or other problems should I watch for? Who do I call if I have these signs?
• Who do I call if I have trouble with my medicines or other questions?

Make sure you know all of the medicines you need. Someone may need to get prescriptions filled for you right after you leave the surgery center.