Before you say yes to surgery: 7 questions every patient should ask their surgeon

Being told that surgery may be necessary can leave a patient with more questions than answers. Even when an operation is recommended to treat a serious condition or improve quality of life, agreeing to it is an important decision that deserves careful consideration. A patient should understand not only what the surgeon plans to do, but also why it is being recommended and what can be expected afterwards.

Before signing a consent form, asking the right questions can help a patient make a more informed decision. Here are seven questions that should be part of that conversation.

1. Why is surgery necessary?

The first question should be about the reason for the operation. Patients should ask what condition the surgery is intended to treat, how serious it is and what could happen if it is not performed.

In some situations, surgery may be the most effective treatment. In others, medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, monitoring or another less-invasive procedure may also be possible. Understanding the medical reasoning behind the recommendation allows the patient to weigh the options rather than simply accepting surgery as the only choice.

2. Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Patients should ask whether there are non-surgical or less-invasive alternatives and how effective they are likely to be.

The answer may depend on the person's age, overall health, diagnosis and severity of the condition. A treatment that works well for one patient may not be appropriate for another. Knowing the alternatives also helps patients understand why their surgeon considers an operation preferable in their particular case.

3. What exactly will happen during the procedure?

Medical terminology can sometimes make an operation sound more complicated than it is—or less serious than it actually is. Patients should ask the surgeon to explain the procedure in simple language.

They should understand which part of the body will be treated, whether the operation will be open, laparoscopic or robotic where applicable, how long it is expected to take and what type of anaesthesia will be used.

A clear explanation can also help patients prepare mentally for the procedure.

4. What are the possible risks and complications?

Every surgical procedure carries some degree of risk. These risks vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's individual health.

Patients should ask about the most common complications as well as serious, less common risks. They should also ask whether existing conditions, medications, allergies, smoking or other factors could increase their risk.

Understanding potential complications is not about creating unnecessary fear. It is about ensuring that consent is properly informed.

5. How long will recovery take?

Recovery does not end when the operation is over. Patients should ask how long they may need to stay in hospital, when they can return to normal activities, whether they will need physiotherapy and when they can return to work, exercise or driving.

It is also useful to ask what symptoms are considered normal during recovery and which signs should prompt immediate medical attention.

Having realistic expectations can make the recovery period considerably easier to manage.

6. What outcome can realistically be expected?

Patients should ask what the surgery is expected to achieve and whether the goal is to cure the condition, control symptoms, prevent deterioration or improve function.

No operation can guarantee a particular outcome. The result can depend on the underlying disease, the patient's health and how well they follow post-operative advice. A surgeon should be able to explain the likely benefits without promising unrealistic results.

7. What happens if the surgery does not work as expected?

This question is often overlooked. Patients should understand what the next step would be if symptoms persist, complications occur or the expected improvement does not happen.

Knowing about follow-up appointments, additional treatment and possible further procedures gives patients a clearer picture of the entire treatment journey.

Ultimately, informed consent should be a conversation, not simply a signature on a form. Patients have the right to understand why surgery is being recommended, what alternatives exist, what risks they face and what recovery may involve. Taking time to ask questions does not mean doubting the surgeon; it means taking an active role in an important healthcare decision.

The author is the director of General & Minimally Invasive Surgery at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. 

 

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.