Undergoing any form of surgery can be a daunting experience. To ease some of your worries and help make sure you have the best outcome possible, it is important to ask questions to medical professionals. With this in mind, here are some common questions to ask:
What type of anesthesia will be used?
It is important to know what kind of anesthetic will be used and what risks may be associated with it. For example, general anesthesia is used for most major surgeries and carries a greater risk than local anesthetics. How do they work? What are the potential side effects?
What is the expected length of recovery time?
Recovery times can vary depending on the type of surgery and the individual. Ask your surgeon what they expect your recovery time to be, and what you can do to help speed it up. While some surgeries may have a very short recovery time, others may require an extended period.
Are there any complications associated with this procedure?
All surgeries come with a certain level of risk – ask your surgeon about any potential complications that may be associated with the procedure and how they can be managed. It
How long will the surgery take?
Knowing how long the procedure is likely to last will help you plan and prepare for a post-operative recovery period. In fact, it will even help with silly things like when your loved one will arrive to pick you up and knowing when they can check on you.
What type of follow-up care may be necessary after surgery?
Depending on the type of surgery, you may need special follow-up care or tests. Make sure you understand the details of this type of care before you agree to have surgery. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy or other special treatments, such as topical medications or creams.
Who will be performing the surgery?
You should be aware of who will be performing the surgery – is it the person who has been talking to you all along? Ask your doctor to explain the credentials and qualifications of the person performing the procedure. Although it might sound obvious, don’t assume because it may just come as a nasty last-minute surprise after getting comfortable with the idea of somebody specific performing the surgery.
Do I need to stop drinking and eating before the surgery?
It is important to make sure you follow all of the pre-surgery instructions given by your surgeon. This may include not eating or drinking for a certain number of hours before the surgery. Ask your surgeon what instructions you should follow and if there are any medications you should take or stop taking.
Why are patients asked to stop eating and drinking before surgery? Stopping eating and drinking before surgery helps reduce the chances of vomiting or aspirating during or after the procedure. This is important because it can make the surgery safer and reduce the risks of complications.
What will I need to bring to the hospital?
Generally, you’ll need to bring a list of all the medications, vitamins, or other supplements that you’re currently taking; you’ll also need to bring any paperwork related to the surgery. Furthermore, you should bring comfortable clothes and toiletries for your stay in the hospital. However, there’s no harm in asking so that you don’t leave anything important behind.
With this list, you’ll be able to make sure you have everything covered before your surgery. You can also ask your surgeon for more specific questions that are relevant to your surgery type. For example, David Slattery is an orthopedic surgeon, which typically means working with bones, joints, and muscles.
