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Should I have surgery?
Many surgeries are performed on an emergency basis and there is little or no
time to consider this question. There are many types of procedures that are
either elective or necessary to your medical condition as recommended by your
physician. This allows you to have more time to become an informed member of
your treatment team and permits you to make more decisions about your surgery,
including whether or not to have a particular procedure.
Surgical procedures, now more than ever, offer an increased number of less
invasive options. Talk with your surgeon about any alternatives that may be
available. Surgery may not be the only option available. It is important that
you understand all of your treatment options and why surgery is suggested. Here
are a few things to discuss with your doctor about the recommendation for surgery:
- Your current health and medical history and
implications for surgery
- The severity of your medical condition
- Potential non-surgical options
- Living without surgery, risks, trade offs or any benefits
What are the benefits of my surgery?
It is important to discuss with your surgeon the realistic benefits to having
any surgical procedure. There are many procedures that have short-term results
others can have long-lasting, even permanent effects. There are even surgeries
that may require additional medical treatment or further surgical intervention.
In
choosing a surgeon and a facility, experience is the number one most
important aspect to consider. Choose a surgeon who has extensive training and
experience in performing the surgery.
Will I have inpatient our outpatient surgery?
Today, more than ever, there are many surgeries that are performed on an outpatient
basis. Be sure that you fully discuss with your surgeon the procedure, how long
it may take, and recovery time. It is important for you to be fully prepared
for either an inpatient stay or to return to home.
At times even a planned outpatient procedure may have some unforeseen complications
that may lead to a need an overnight stay. Speak with your surgeon to see if
your type of surgery or if you may have any particular medical conditions that
may increase the risk for developing postoperative complications. Your surgical
team will do everything possible to prepare you for the type of surgery planned.
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