Surgery can feel scary.
The operating room, bright lights, masked doctors and nurses hovering over you.
General anesthesia pulling you into a deep, dark, dreamless slumber while the surgeons slice into your flesh.
There’s a lot that can go wrong.
But knowledge is power.
Asking the right questions beforehand can help put your mind at ease, ensure you understand exactly what will happen during the procedure, and improve the odds of a smooth recovery.
The more you know going in, the more confident and relaxed you’ll feel as they wheel you into the OR.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Going Under the Knife
Before you hand your body over to a surgeon’s scalpel, get answers to these ten essential questions. They’ll give you clarity on the procedure and recovery so there are no surprises.
1. What are the specific benefits and goals of the surgery?
Don’t be shy. Politely but directly ask your surgeon: “Can you please explain the main reasons for doing this operation and what improvements I can realistically expect?”
This gets right to the heart of the matter. You need to understand exactly why you’re having surgery and what outcome you’re aiming for. Are you trying to resolve chronic pain, improve mobility, correct a deformity, remove a tumor, or repair an injury?
If the surgeon struggles to clearly articulate the rationale and intended benefits, that’s a red flag. A good surgeon should have no problem explaining things in simple terms a layperson can grasp.
Their answer will also reveal if you’re on the same page regarding goals and expectations. Maybe you assume the surgery will completely eliminate pain, but the actual goal is only to reduce it to a manageable level. Better to discuss this now than be disappointed later.
Of course, even a successful surgery may not produce perfect results. But you should come away from this conversation with a clear picture of what the surgery aims to achieve and what limitations may still remain.
2. What are the potential risks and complications?
It’s crucial to inquire: “Can you walk me through the main risks and possible complications of this surgery?”
No surgery is risk-free. Even a relatively minor, routine procedure can have potentially serious complications. You need to know what those risks are so you can weigh them against the benefits.
Some issues, like surgical site infections, excessive bleeding, or reaction to anesthesia are possibilities with any surgery. But each procedure also has its own unique set of potential pitfalls.
A good surgeon will carefully review the risks most relevant to your specific surgery. They’ll cover issues like potential damage to surrounding organs, nerves, or blood vessels. Possible impact on continence, fertility or mobility. Risk of blood clots, pneumonia, or trouble breathing.
They should discuss not only short-term surgical complications but also long-term problems that could crop up down the road, like chronic pain, adhesions, hernias, or implant failure.
Listen to how they talk about risk. Do they seem concerned and transparent, acknowledging the severity of potential complications? Or dismissive and vague, downplaying the negatives? You want a surgeon who takes risk seriously.
If they claim the surgery is virtually risk-free, that’s worrisome. Every surgery has real risks. You need a realistic, eyes-wide-open understanding of the dangers and potential downsides, not false assurances.
3. What is your experience with this specific procedure?
Don’t hesitate to ask: “How many times have you performed this exact operation and what have the outcomes been like for your patients?”
When it comes to surgery, experience matters – a lot. Studies show a clear link between surgical volume (number of procedures) and complication rates. The more a surgeon performs a procedure, the better they get at it.
So you want to know if this operation is one they do regularly or just occasionally. Have they done it 5 times? 50 times? 500 times?
Frequency helps build skill. It keeps them sharp, efficient, and ready to handle potential complications. A complex, rare surgery you only do once every few years is tougher to master than a bread-and-butter procedure you do weekly.
But the experience goes beyond just numbers. Probe a bit into their track record. Ask what percentage of their patients have had major complications or required reoperation. Have they had cases with “bad outcomes” like permanent disability or death?
If they balk at such questions, that’s concerning. A good surgeon should be open and upfront about their level of experience and past results – good and bad. Transparency builds trust.
Of course, every surgeon has to start somewhere. A younger surgeon may have done the procedure fewer times overall but might be more up-to-date on the latest techniques. Attitude matters too. Look for a surgeon who exudes humble confidence and readily admits when something is outside their wheelhouse.
4. Are there alternatives to surgery?
Make a point to ask: “Are there any non-surgical approaches that could help fix my problem or at least improve my symptoms?”
When a surgeon recommends an operation, it’s easy to assume it’s the only solution. But that’s not always the case. For many conditions, surgery is just one option among several potential treatments.
Maybe physical therapy, medications, injections, or lifestyle changes could provide significant relief. Even if they don’t totally fix the underlying problem, they might control symptoms enough to make surgery unnecessary.
This is especially important to explore if your condition isn’t acutely dangerous or severely impacting your quality of life. Surgery always involves risk. For milder cases, the risk-benefit ratio may tilt away from an invasive procedure.
Don’t forget to ask about the implications of not having surgery too. What happens if you just leave things as they are? Will your condition get progressively worse? Could a delay make the eventual surgery more complex?
If the surgeon insists there are zero alternatives to surgery, take that with a grain of salt. Good surgeons recognize surgery isn’t always the answer. Great surgeons actively look for opportunities to avoid surgery when possible.
A surgeon who seems to view every problem as a nail that needs a surgical hammer may be operating more for their benefit than yours. Trust your gut if their recommendation feels excessively aggressive.
Not every surgeon will be an expert on non-surgical treatments. Consider seeking a second opinion from a non-surgeon before deciding. A primary care doctor, physiatrist, or physical therapist can often provide valuable perspective.
5. What type of anesthesia will be used and what are the risks?
Be sure to inquire: “Will I be under general anesthesia or a regional block? Are there different anesthesia options and what are the pros and cons of each?”
Many patients focus so intently on the surgery itself, they forget to ask about anesthesia. But the drugs used to block pain and put you to sleep can have major impacts on your health, comfort and recovery.
Will you have general anesthesia that renders you totally unconscious? Will you be awake but numb from a targeted nerve block? Will you have a breathing tube down your throat or a spinal injection? Different procedures require different approaches.
Anesthesia is safer today than ever but still carries risks. Some are mild, like nausea, sore throat, or foggy thinking for a few days after. But others can be serious, like allergic reactions, breathing problems, nerve damage, or even stroke or heart attack in rare cases.
Certain health issues raise the stakes. A history of heart, lung or kidney disease, smoking, diabetes, or obesity can make adverse effects more likely. Get clarity on your personal anesthesia risks.
Make sure to also ask about your anesthesia team. Will you have a board-certified anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist? There’s a big difference in training. Ideally, you want a physician anesthesiologist for any major surgery.
Don’t be afraid to request a pre-op consultation with your anesthesiologist if you have concerns. They can often adjust the anesthesia plan to reduce side effects. For some patients, nerve blocks or regional anesthesia may provide a safer, more comfortable alternative to general.
Remember – you’ll be unconscious and unable to make decisions once the anesthesia starts flowing. Now’s the time to do your due diligence and make sure you’re getting the safest, most appropriate anesthesia for your needs.
6. What is the expected recuperation time?
Ask your surgeon frankly: “How long will it realistically take me to heal from this surgery and get back to my normal routine and activities?”
You need specifics on the anticipated recovery process and timeline. Exactly how much downtime should you plan for? Will you be laid up in bed for days or weeks? Confined to the house? Off work for how long?
Surgeons sometimes focus so much on the technical aspects of the operation itself, they gloss over the nitty-gritty details of recovery. Don’t let them breeze past this crucial info.
When can you expect to be up and around independently? Driving? Climbing stairs? Lifting more than 10 pounds? Returning to an office job? Restarting an exercise routine? Having sex? These are practical questions you need answered to plan your life post-op.
And don’t let them give you a sugar-coated, best-case scenario. Insist on realistic estimates. What’s the typical amount of time off their patients need – not the rare overachiever who bounces back immediately?
Get granular about how much help you’ll need too. Will you require assistance with basics like dressing, bathing and using the bathroom? For how long? Are there red-flags to watch for that warrant an immediate callback?
You’ll also want some sense of the anticipated pain level and duration. Will this be a few days of mild soreness easily managed with over-the-counter meds? Or weeks of intense pain requiring heavy narcotics?
Of course, every patient heals differently. Recovery depends on many factors like age, overall health, and following post-op instructions. But your surgeon should be able to provide a general framework of what to expect based on past experience with similar cases.
If you have major life events or work deadlines coming up, make sure your surgeon knows. You may need to postpone those plans or adjust your surgery date to ensure enough recovery time. Better to rearrange things in advance than scramble at the last minute.
7. What will my scar look like?
Consider asking: “Where exactly will the incision be and how big and noticeable will the resulting scar likely be? Is there anything that can be done to minimize scarring?”
If your surgery will be done through an open incision rather than laparoscopically, scarring is pretty much inevitable. But scars can range from faint, thin lines to thick, ropey ridges.
You need to know what to realistically expect in terms of scar location, size and appearance. Will the incision be hidden in a skin crease or clearly visible? Two inches long or twelve? Barely detectable or permanently discoloring?
This may seem like a vain concern but scars matter. A mark on your face or neck carries different cosmetic and emotional weight than one on your hip or back under clothing.
Scars can also have functional effects, limiting motion as they contract and shrink over time. Hypertrophic or keloid scars can be particularly problematic, growing into raised, itchy, painful masses.
Certain areas of the body are more prone to problematic scarring. If you have a history of bad scars or are at higher risk for reasons like genetics or diabetes, make sure your surgeon knows.
Ask what steps they take to optimize wound healing and minimize scar formation. Do they use special suture techniques, tapes, glues or dressings? Is there anything you can do before or after surgery to help, like nutrition changes or massage?
Get a clear picture of the expected healing timeline too. Scars usually look worst in the initial weeks but most fade significantly over months. Some may take a year or two to fully mature.
Your surgeon should be upfront about all this. If they act like scar specifics are no big deal, that’s a red flag. A great surgeon understands that a scar, no matter how small, can have a huge impact on a patient’s self-image and quality of life.
8. What are the signs and symptoms of complications I should watch for after surgery?
Directly inquire: “What specific issues should I be on the lookout for that could signal a complication in the days and weeks after my operation? What’s normal and what’s cause for concern?”
Once you head home from the hospital or surgical center to continue recovering, you need to know exactly what should prompt a call to the doctor. You can’t expect to feel great immediately but some changes demand quick medical attention.
Get clear guidance on key warning signs like:
- Fever over 101°F
- Increasing pain, redness or swelling at the incision
- Thick, foul-smelling discharge or pus from the wound
- Difficulty breathing or sudden shortness of breath
- Chest pain or heart palpitations
- Severe headache, dizziness or fainting
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Inability to keep food/fluid down
- Little or no urination
- Calf pain or swelling in your legs
- Confusion or neurological changes
Some signs may be specific to your procedure, like seizures after brain surgery or jaundice after gallbladder removal. Make sure you understand them all.
Also, ask what the protocol is if problems arise. Who should you call first – the surgeon, surgical nurse, primary care doctor, or hospital? Is there a 24-hour number for urgent issues?
You want to feel confident you can distinguish normal post-op discomfort and healing from red-alert symptoms. False alarms are better than ignoring a serious issue until it’s too late.
This information should all be provided in writing too, so you’re not relying on your foggy, anesthesia-addled brain to remember it later. If they don’t offer written discharge instructions, ask for them.
Don’t assume no news is good news either. Clarify your follow-up plan, including when your first post-op appointment will be. Many complications brew silently at first before causing dramatic symptoms. Prompt post-surgical check-ins can catch problems early.
9. Will I need any special supplies or equipment at home?
Ask your surgeon: “Are there any assistive devices, medical supplies, or special equipment I should get in advance to aid in my recovery at home?”
Depending on your surgery, your house may need to transform into a mini hospital room to support your recovery needs. You want to stock up on necessary items before the surgery so they’re ready to go as soon as you get home.
This might include things like:
- Shower chair or bathtub bench
- Toilet riser seat
- Grabber tool for reaching items
- Handheld showerhead
- Elevated toilet seat
- Walker or crutches
- Cane or hiking poles
- Braces or slings
- Ice packs or heating pads
- Bandages, tape and gauze
- Antiseptic wipes or sprays
- Disposable gloves
- Stool softeners and laxatives
You may also need to modify your space for safety and accessibility. Think grip bars in the shower, non-slip mats, night lights, or rearranged furniture for wider walkways.
In some cases, you might even require hospital bed rental, supplemental oxygen, or at-home nursing visits. Better to identify those needs early.
Your doctor should provide a full list of recommended recovery supplies so you can hit the ground running post-op. You may get some items from the hospital or surgical center but you’ll likely need to purchase others.
If you’re unsure where to find medical equipment, ask for suggested vendors. Your insurance may cover certain supplies too if they’re ordered by the doctor.
Don’t forget medications either. You’ll probably leave with prescriptions for pain meds and maybe antibiotics, steroids, or blood thinners. Get them filled before your surgery date so you’re not scrambling in pain later.
If buying a bunch of supplies feels overwhelming, see if friends or family can help. People like to feel useful and many may have items you can borrow.
The key is to over-prepare so you can focus on rest and healing those first few post-op days, not stressing about what you need to recover safely and comfortably.
10. When can I resume my usual medications, diet, and activities?
Remember to ask: “What medications, foods, and activities should I avoid before surgery and for how long should I continue to abstain afterward? When can I get back to ‘normal’ routines?”
In a laserlike focus on the actual operation, it’s easy to forget about all the things you may need to do (or not do) both before and after to optimize results.
Many common meds can interfere with surgery. Aspirin and ibuprofen can increase bleeding. Certain supplements like fish oil, ginkgo, or St. John’s wort can interact dangerously with anesthesia. Diabetic drugs may need adjustment.
Your doctor should provide a precise list of what to stop and when. This may range from a couple of days to weeks prior. Some may be obvious (blood thinners) but others can surprise you (some vitamins, herbs, even your daily coffee!)
Afterward, you’ll also need guidance on resuming medications. Stopping some drugs suddenly can trigger problems. Some may need to be held longer or require substitute therapies short-term (like injectable blood thinners replacing oral ones).
Food rules matter too. A liquid or soft diet may be required initially. You might need to steer clear of things that promote bloating,
constipation, or bleeding like cabbage, raw veggies, red meat, or alcohol. If you have dietary restrictions already, alert your medical team.
Then there’s activity. When can you shower or bathe? Drive? Return to work? Have sex? Lift weights? Run? Swim? Fly on an airplane? Your surgeon should give you a written schedule of what’s safe and when.
The real question underlying all of this is: when will you feel like yourself again? When can you put the surgery behind you and move on with normal life?
The full answer may be unsatisfying: it depends. However, having a general timeline of what to expect can help you regain a sense of autonomy and control. Knowledge is power.
Wrapping Up 10 Essential Surgical Queries
Surgery is a big deal.
It’s natural to feel nervous, even scared.
But you can regain some control over the experience by arming yourself with information.
Asking these 10 key questions will give you crucial knowledge about the procedure, recovery, risks, and benefits.
It will help you choose a surgeon you trust. Clarify your expectations.
Prepare your body, mind, and home for the challenges ahead.
You’ll know what to do, what to watch for, and when to worry.
And that can make all the difference in having a smooth, successful surgical journey and optimal outcome.
Remember, there’s no silly question when it comes to something as serious as surgery.
If you don’t understand something or feel uncertain, speak up.
Persist until you get the answers you need to feel confident moving forward.
You have a right to be informed about your care.
And the more you know, the better you’ll likely do. So ask away – your health depends on it.