Oftentimes, surgery is the turning point in many people’s health journeys — it’s the pivotal step that makes a world of difference for their long-term wellness. Even so, hearing that you may need surgery can feel daunting. It’s natural to have a lot of questions before making this big a decision, and your surgical care team is here to walk you through everything you need to know to make the right choice for you.
Informed Consent Starts With Asking Questions
A big part of deciding on and preparing for any procedure is asking questions, which is welcomed and encouraged. You have the right to ask broad and specific questions about surgery — including the risks and benefits, other options and more — and get detailed answers from your healthcare team so you can make well-informed and voluntary choices about your treatment.
This process, called informed consent, is a key part of how we ensure safe and effective care that puts you first. It’s your decision whether to have surgery, and open communication between you and your care team supports informed consent and shared decision-making. Asking the right questions is the first part of getting the kind of care that respects your health needs and goals.
Key Questions to Ask Before a Surgical Procedure
Patient education is our priority. We’re here to help you understand which questions to ask your care team so you can feel confident choosing surgery as the next best step in your healthcare.
What is the goal of the surgery?
Going hand in hand with a foundational question like “Why do I need surgery?” your surgeon’s answer to this big-picture question will help you better understand why the procedure is being recommended for you. Be sure to also ask about:
- Your surgeon’s experience with this procedure
- Typical success rates of the operation
- What kind of benefits can you expect after the procedure
- How long the benefits will last (if not permanent)
- Whether a follow-up procedure will be needed
An open and honest conversation with your surgeon about your goals for your health and the benefits of the procedure will help you better understand surgical procedures in general and determine if surgery is the right path for you.
What are the risks and possible complications?
All surgeries have some level of risk. With any elective procedure, discussing with your surgeon and care team whether the benefits outweigh any potential complications will help you make an informed decision about your treatment. Your surgeon is there to explain everything you need to know, so don’t hesitate to ask clarifying questions about:
- The surgical risks associated with your specific operation
- Known complications with this procedure, and the likelihood that you’ll experience them
- What kind of side effects could you experience after surgery, and when to call your surgeon
When weighing the risks, one of the most important questions to ask is what might happen if you choose not to pursue surgery. Your surgeon will be able to explain if they anticipate your health condition growing worse over time without surgery or if it could resolve.
What are my anesthesia options?
Anesthesia is part of many surgical procedures. As you consider or prepare for surgery, you’ll likely sit down with an anesthesiologist to discuss your medical history and what you can expect with this procedure. Ask them questions like:
- Which kind of anesthesia is right for me (ask about local vs. general)?
- What are the risks and benefits of anesthesia?
- What can I expect with this kind of anesthesia?
- How will I be monitored while under anesthesia?
- After surgery, what kind of warning signs would indicate I need to call the surgeon?
When you discuss anesthesia with your care team, be sure to tell them if you’ve ever had any problems with anesthesia in the past, like nausea or vomiting.
Who will be involved in my care?
Your surgical care team typically includes your surgeon, an anesthesiologist, nurses and healthcare technicians. However, your care team could vary depending on the type of procedure you’re having. Talk with your surgeon about who will be involved in your preoperative care, procedure and postoperative recovery so you can get a better picture of everyone who’ll support your healing.
What happens before surgery?
After you’ve decided on surgery, you’ll discuss with your care team how to prepare in the weeks and days leading up to your procedure. Be sure to ask about:
- Preoperative testing and assessment: Ask what’s involved in your preoperative assessment, what to bring and what to expect for this standard appointment.
- Medication guidance: Ask when and how to stop medications before your procedure or if you can continue taking them.
- Fasting instructions: Ask about how many hours in advance you need to stop eating or drinking.
- Your surgery preparation checklist: Ask for a specific list of instructions for what to do the day before and day of your surgery.
Discussing what happens before surgery is a key part of feeling prepared, and your care team will go the extra mile to make sure you’re comfortable.
How should I prepare physically and mentally?
The more physically and mentally prepared you are for surgery, the calmer you’ll be and the smoother your recovery can go. Ask your care team about:
- Pre-surgery exercise considerations: Depending on your procedure, you may be asked to adhere to a specific exercise routine beforehand, and you will likely need to avoid exercises like heavy lifting after surgery. Be sure to clarify with your care team.
- Pre-surgery diet plan: You may need to be on a specific diet (e.g., liquids only) before your procedure, and you may also need to take steps to lower your blood sugar. Your care team will walk you through the specifics. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit before surgery.
- Mental preparation for surgery: Having all your questions answered is a great first step toward feeling mentally ready for surgery, so don’t be afraid to ask anything you’d like to know. Planning for the day of and the day after, like who will drive you home and who will stay with you, can also go a long way to ease your mind ahead of time.
We know surgery is a big decision, and it’s normal to feel apprehensive. Your surgeon and your care team will do everything they can to help you prepare physically and mentally.
Evaluating Alternatives to Surgery
Our UChicago Medicine AdventHealth care teams always evaluate the most conservative treatments first before recommending surgery. Be sure to talk with your care team about:
- Nonsurgical treatment options: Physical therapy, medications and lifestyle changes may provide similar results, depending on your needs.
- Minimally invasive alternatives: Not all surgeries are open or invasive. Talk with your surgeon about your available options. Robotic-assisted, minimally invasive procedures may use natural openings on your body (e.g., the nose) or tiny incisions for a faster recovery.
- Second opinions: Asking for a second opinion is a part of a patient’s rights, and your care team may be able to refer you to a different surgeon. You may want to seek a second opinion if you have a rare health condition, the recommended surgery is complex or if you’re concerned about whether surgery is necessary.
- Delaying, changing or declining surgery: Emergency surgery will need to happen right away. For an elective procedure, your surgeon will cover the urgency of the operation and the recommended timeframe, depending on your specific health needs. As you weigh your options, be sure to discuss what might happen if you choose to delay, change or decline surgery, too, so that you can make a well-informed decision.
Understanding all the available alternatives will help you make a well-informed decision about what comes next in your care.
Financial Considerations of Surgery
Before you decide on a procedure, be sure to discuss the financial considerations for surgery with your care team, including:
- Surgery costs: In addition to the cost of the surgery itself, the total cost will also include the surgeon’s fee. Our team can work with you to provide an estimated total cost.
- Insurance coverage: Your doctor’s office will provide your insurance information to your surgery team, who will verify your benefits. If you have questions or concerns about your coverage, you can clarify these with your insurance company.
- Separate billing: You may receive separate bills from an anesthesiologist and other specialists, for example.
- Hospital fees: Ask about these if you’ll be staying in the hospital as opposed to an outpatient center.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: You’re allowed to ask about the total estimated cost of your care, including out-of-pocket costs. Make sure to discuss what you and your family can expect to pay.
At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, our financial services representatives in our patient access departments are here to guide you. To discuss financial concerns or get an estimate on costs for surgery, call the hospital where your surgery is scheduled and ask to speak with someone in the patient access department.
Your Surgical Aftercare and Recovery
Your care team will walk you through aftercare instructions and recovery steps both before and after surgery, so you know what to expect. You may receive materials like a physical checklist, paperwork, handouts or guidebooks as well to keep handy. When you talk with your team, make sure all your questions are answered about:
- Postoperative care: Your care team will give you specific and detailed instructions on what to do immediately following surgery and after you’re discharged from the hospital. This guidance will likely include travel arrangements, medication use, guidelines for rest, symptoms to be aware of and immediate changes to your daily routine.
- Post-surgery pain management: Mild to moderate pain is expected after many procedures. Talk with your care team about what to expect and what pain-management options you’ll receive. Be sure to talk through pain levels and when to call your surgeon after you’re home.
- Home care after surgery: Discuss any necessary changes you’ll need to make around the house to help you recover, such as setting up a recliner and recovery area and having a friend or family member stay with you. You’ll receive detailed discharge instructions that should cover home care as well.
- Physical therapy options: Depending on your procedure, physical therapy (or occupational and speech therapy) may be a necessary part of your healing process to help you regain your mobility and independence.
- Expected surgical recovery timeline: Talk with your care team about how long your recovery is anticipated to last, as the timelines can vary depending on the procedure. You can expect a temporary change to your daily routine for at least a few days, but in some cases, you may need to take several weeks off work. Your care team will discuss your timeline in depth with you.
Knowing what to expect with recovery before you arrive for surgery will go a long way to help you feel informed, prepared and confident.
