If you need surgery, knowing about the operation will help you make informed decisions. It also will help you get ready for the surgery. Proper preparation makes for a better recovery.

Before Agreeing To Surgery

Gather as much information as you can. For instance:

• An explanation you understand of the objective to be accomplished.
•  What the operation involves.
• The risks.
• The alternatives, including what the alternatives are, their advantages and disadvantages. 

It is advisable to get a second, independent opinion from another doctor who is not in your doctor's same practice. Second opinions are so important that most health insurance covers them. 

Once You Agree To Surgery

Once you agreed to to have surgery, choose a surgeon who is (1) board certified  and (2) does the procedure regularly successfully. Ask that the surgeon use an anesthesiologist with whom the surgeon works regularly. An anesthesiologist is the person who puts patients to sleep and monitors bodily functions. 

Follow time tested tips to help assure a successful result. For example, do what you can to build yourself up physically and mentally before the operation. If you smoke, stop at least 3 days before the operation. Give your surgeon a list of all the medications you are taking. Include those you recently discontinued.

If you have a choice about timing, consider not undergoing surgery just before a weekend or in July.

Learn about steps you can take to help avoid medical error. For instance, try to have the surgery scheduled for early in the week (not before a holiday) and early in the morning. Hospitals tend to be understaffed on weekends and holidays. An early morning operation is ideal because the surgeon will be fresher. It is also easier to get through the prep period without eating and delays are less likely.

Find out what recovery will be like, how long you can expect recovery to take, and what you can and cannot do during that period of time. If changes will be needed in your home, make them before the surgery.

Expect anxiety and possibly even depression before the surgery. Don't be surprised if there is a period of depression after the surgery. If the emotions interfere with your life, tell your doctor. He or she may prescribe medications. The documents in "To Learn More" describe non-drug methods to help.

If the procedure will be in a hospital, choose a hospital with good experience in the procedure. It is worth taking a few moments to learn what to do before entering a hospital, what to expect immediately before an operation, how to maximize your time in a hospital, and what to do after discharge from the hospital. 

If you will not have to enter a hospital for the operation, surgery will be on what is known as an "outpatient basis."  Ideally outpatient surgery would take place in a hospital setting. If there is a problem, the hospital staff and facilities are immediately available. If the surgery is not in a hospital setting, find out what procedures are in place in the event of an emergency.
 
NOTE: If you don't have a Living Will, a Health Care Proxy or a DNR ("Advance Directives"), now is a good time to consider executing these documents "just in case." Writing the documents does not mean that you will need them. On the other hand, if something does happen, you may be submitted to long term procedures and expense that neither you  your family want.  If you already have advance directives, check to make sure they still express your wishes.

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