I read today a very practical article about questions to ask your doctor before and after surgery…
Learning to Ask Tough Questions Of Your Surgeon
January 9, 2008/Wall Street Journal
Questions patients and families should ask before surgery…
- Do you perform this operation regularly? What are your results?
- Are you board certified in the surgical specialty in which you practice?
- Do you have any health problems that would interfere with your ability to do this operation?
- What is your success rate with this operation and your safety record regarding complications?
- Will I be involved in marking the surgical site?
…And after the surgery
- Did anything unexpected happen during the operation?
- Is there any change in the post-operative plans?
- Did anything happen during surgery that could complicate recovery?
- Are there any instructions for me in case of bleeding or other problems after surgery?
- When should I next see the surgeon?
Source: “I Need an Operation-Now What?”/Thomas R. Russell/American College of Surgeons
