Six Questions to Ask a Doctor Before Surgery

Just because you have a medical condition doesn't mean you need immediate surgery. Certain surgeries can be delayed for months or years. A surgery typically involves time off from work and days of bed rest. Persons without disability insurance may have to plan a surgery in-advance. Before setting a date, ask whether the procedure can be delayed. If so, begin preparing for the operation.

2. How Many Times Has the Doctor Done the Procedure?

It's natural to feel nervous before a surgical procedure. However, if the doctor is highly experienced and has performed a particular operation many times, patients are likely to feel confident and less nervous. Don't worry about offending the doctor. This is a common question. If the situation was reversed, the doctor would probably ask the same question.

3. What are the Benefits?

Since many surgeries are elective, before establishing a date, consider the benefits of having the procedure. For example, if the problem is with your knees, will having surgery improve mobility, stop chronic pain, or allow you to walk better? Furthermore, inquire about the success rate. Some surgical procedures are always successful. On the other hand, some procedures only have a 20 - 30 percent success rate. As a result, the patient's condition does not improve with surgery.

4. What are the Risks?

Know the risk before consenting to a surgical procedure. While the majority of operations have a high success rate, there are potential risks with each surgery. For example, nerve damage could occur, in which the patient sustains temporary or permanent loss of feeling in an area of their body. If a patient has eye surgery, there is a risk of blindness. Lastly, if a patient has a major procedure, complications such as excessive blood loss could result in death.

5. Is Surgery the Only Option?

In some instances, physicians can recommend additional therapies, which could improve their patient's condition. Before surgery is performed, many doctors suggest physical therapy or medications. If the patient doesn't respond to the treatment options, the doctor may advocate surgery.

6. Should I Get a Second Opinion?

If you doubt the physician's recommendation, get a second option. Don't disclose the suggestive treatment options with the second doctor. Rather, allow him or her to conduct their examination, diagnose the condition, and advise a treatment option. They may agree with the previous physician, or recommend a completely different treatment.