If you are considering surgery to treat a recent injury or a preexisting condition, there are specific questions you should ask your doctor before following through with a procedure. Consider the following questions before making a final decision on whether surgery is the most appropriate option.
Surgery Questions
Depending on the extent of your injury or condition, there may be alternative solutions that allow you to avoid surgery. Ask your doctor the following questions to learn more about your available options:
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- How will the condition progress without surgery?
- Why does the surgeon believe surgery is necessary?
- Are there alternative options?
- What are the potential short and long-term risks?
- Are there other patients who have experienced similar surgical procedures? What are typical results?
- How many similar procedures does the surgeon perform each year?
- What type of training or experience does the surgeon have performing their recommended procedure?
- Who will provide assistance during the operation?
- What does the operation consist of?
- How long will the operation take?
- How will the surgeons respond to other potential conditions?
- What does the recovery process look like?
- How long does it take on average to return to work?
- How often will I need to return for a checkup after the procedure?
- Will I need to wait to bathe?
- Will I need to avoid driving? If so, for how long?
- Is physical therapy necessary after the procedure? If so, how soon should I visit a therapist?
Contact AICA Orthopedics For More Answers
You should feel comfortable asking your doctor any question you have regarding a potential surgical procedure. Your consultation should be an educational experience that allows you to understand all of the details related to your operation like the associated pros and cons. If you are interested in learning whether surgery is an appropriate treatment solution for your condition, contact our office to schedule a consultation. Just dial (404) 855-2141 to speak with one of our staff members.
