Almost 50 million surgical procedures are performed every year in the US alone! As almost commonplace as many surgeries are, they can still be very nerve-wracking experiences.
When you go in for surgery, you’re giving up control and trusting your surgeon’s expertise. Those last few minutes before you go under anesthesia can be very scary! However, there are a few questions to ask before surgery that will assuage your fears and help you feel much more confident and comfortable.
If you’re looking at having surgery soon, don’t worry! In this article, we’ll be covering all the questions you should ask in order to mentally prepare for surgery. Read on to learn how to put your fears to rest!
1. How Much Experience Do You Have With This Procedure?
Studies have shown that the more experience a surgeon has with a specific procedure, the better the patient outcomes are. Asking this question will help you gauge your doctor’s experience level.
Bear in mind that some procedures are specifically tailored to their patients, and your surgeon might not have performed your exact surgery before. In that case, you can use this question to gauge your surgeon’s experience with similar procedures.
2. What Is Your Hospital’s Patient Safety Rating?
With any procedure, your doctor and their hospital are both responsible for your safety. It’s worth asking about your hospital’s safety rating, and post-surgical rates of complications like sepsis or clots.
For more information, you can also look for any accreditation or awards that the hospital has received from trustworthy sources.
3. Can You Describe the Procedure?
Understanding your upcoming surgery is one of the best methods of preparing for surgery. It can demystify the process and make it more palatable.
Your doctor should be able to walk you through the procedure and address any questions you have about the specifics. You can also have them walk you through some medical animations to really help you conceptualize exactly what your operation will involve.
Not only will this help you feel more comfortable before an operation, but it will also help you trust your surgeon’s knowledge.
4. Why Do You Suggest I Have This Surgery?
This is one of the most important questions to ask your surgeon, as it will help you understand the benefits and intended outcome of your upcoming surgery. You should feel compelled by your doctor’s answer and feel motivated by the promise of a better quality of life, reduced pain, or a longer lifespan.
You can also ask if there are non-surgical options, and find out why your doctor is encouraging surgery. If you’re not convinced, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. You should always feel confident that you’re making the best choice for your body.
Use These Questions to Ask Before Surgery to Reduce Your Nerves
The next time you’re looking at surgery and find yourself nervous or wondering if it’s the best choice, return to this article. These questions to ask before surgery will help you trust your doctor, the hospital, and the procedure. Once you’re armed with knowledge, you can rest assured that this is the best treatment for your case.
If you enjoyed learning how to mentally prepare for surgery, we have lots of other health and lifestyle advice on our blog! Check it out for more!
Read Also : Expert Tips on How to Choose the Best Diaper Bag
