Having surgery is a serious decision, and you want to be fully informed about the procedure before the day of the surgery. It is totally understandable that people will be nervous and even have a hundred questions running through their minds about their surgery. But, at the same time, most people tend to forget those questions when they are in their surgeon’s office scheduling their operation. Your Glendora General Surgeon wants to ensure that you have all of the information you need while planning your operation.
Important Questions About
Before the surgery:
- Are there any pre-qualification tests required?
- Does your surgery require clearance from any of your other doctors?
- What home or personal preparations are needed for the surgery?
- Are there any pre-surgery restrictions on your current use of prescription medications or over-the-counter supplements and vitamins?
- What are the risks, if any, associated with your operation?
- Do you need to pre-register at the surgery location?
Day of the surgery:
- Is your operation performed in a hospital or as an out-patient procedure?
- Is there a fasting period required before the surgery?
- When do you need to arrive at the surgery location?
- Do you need to wear or bring any special clothing for after the surgery?
- What type of anesthetic will be used during the operation?
- What will happen during the surgery?
- How long does the operation take?
- What type of stitches will be used?
- Will there be any scars?
- If the surgery is an out-patient procedure, do you need to have someone else drive you home?
After the surgery:
- How long will you need to be in recovery before leaving or being moved to a hospital room?
- What is the recovery period for your type of surgery?
- Are there any physical restrictions during your recovery?
- When can you expect to return to work or your normal daily activities?
- Will you need any prescription or over-the-counter pain medication during your recovery?
- How do you care for the surgery site during recovery?
- What complications, if any, may occur during recovery?
- What are the chances that the surgery will fully correct your medical situation?
- How many follow up appointments will be needed?
- Will you need any rehabilitation services at a rehab center or in your home?
- If rehabilitation is part of your recovery, does the surgeon or the hospital make the arrangements?
General information:
- Does the surgeon accept your insurance policy?
- Does your insurance policy require a second opinion?
- If you need to pay for some, or all, of the procedure, does the surgeon have a payment plan?
Summary
While the above questions are not all-inclusive, they will give you a good starting point to fully understand all of the details involved with your personal surgery. As well as being physically prepared for an operation, you want to be mentally prepared for all stages related to your particular operation and recovery.
