Five Things Every Patient Should Know Before Surgery - But May Not Know to Ask

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Five Things Every Patient Should Know Before Surgery - But May Not Know

to Ask

--When You Find Out You Need Surgery

--When Choosing a Surgeon

--When You Are Preparing for Your Surgery

--When You Are Recovering From Surgery

--More Resources

=================================

>From smarterpatient.com ...

Five Things Every Patient Should Know Before Surgery -- But May Not Know to

Ask

Thinking about the risks that accompany surgery can be overwhelming, but

your

healthcare team is there to provide you with the best possible care and

protect your safety during the procedure.

As a patient you are a member of your healthcare team, and you can provide

an

important safety check for yourself. Ask your healthcare team these five

important questions that every surgical patient should know before surgery:

1. Are there other treatment options for my condition?

Ask your surgeon whether there are other ways to treat your condition.

_more_ (http://smarterpatient.com/question1.html)

2. Will there be a registered nurse (RN) in the operating room during

my

surgery?

Confirm that an RN will be present in the operating room throughout the

duration of your surgery. _more_ (http://smarterpatient.com/question2.html)

3. Will reprocessed disposable surgical instruments be used on me

during

surgery?

Make sure that reprocessed disposable surgical instruments will NOT be used

in your surgery. _more_ (http://smarterpatient.com/question3.html)

4. Am I Receiving the Right Medication?

Make sure your doctor or nurse is checking the five rights before they give

you medication: the right patient, the right medication, the right delivery

route, and the right dose, at the right time. _more_

(http://smarterpatient.com/question4.html)

5. How will the surgeon verify he or she is performing the right

surgery, on the right place on my body?

Ask the operating surgeon to mark the area that is to be operated upon on

the day of surgery _more_ (http://smarterpatient.com/question4.html)

6. ================================

When You Find Out You Need Surgery

News of the need for surgery raises many emotions and anxieties. It is

often

hard to remember that you are a member - not simply a recipient - of your

healthcare team.

You can become an active member of that team by knowing the right questions

to ask about your surgery. Below are some general questions to help you

start

talking with your healthcare team about the procedure and your options.3

1. What operation are you recommending?

2. Why do I need the operation?

3. Are there alternatives to surgery?

4. Are there other surgery options?

5. What are the benefits of having the operation?

6. What are the risks of having the operation?

7. What if I don't have this operation?

8. Where can I get a second opinion?

9. What has been your experience in doing the operation?

10. Where will the operation be performed?

11. Will you be performing the surgery, or a resident?

12. What kind of anesthesia will I need?

13. How long will it take me to recover?

14. Will you be available after my surgery?

15. ==========================

When Choosing a Surgeon

Choosing a surgeon often begins with which surgeon your primary care

physician recommends and who is in your insurance plan. You will want to

know that

your surgeon is experienced and qualified to perform the procedure.6

* Ask whether the surgeon is certified by a national surgical board

approved by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

* Some surgeons also have the letters F.A.C.S. after their name. This

means they are Fellows of the American College of Surgeons and have passed

another review by surgeons, and their credentials are consistent with the

principles established by the College.

* Find out if any actions have been taken against your surgeon by

visiting your state medical board's web site.

Visit the Federation of State Medical Boards web site at _www.fsmb.org_

(http://www.fsmb.org/) .

========================

When You Are Preparing for Your Surgery

Before leaving for the hospital, you can be proactive in preparing for

surgery and you may need to take certain actions recommended by your doctor

before

the procedure. Here are some things you can do to prepare:4

* Check with your doctor to see if you should avoid taking certain

medications before surgery.

* Check with your doctor about what you can or cannot eat and drink,

and whether you should fast (not eat or drink) before your procedure.

* Ask your doctor if it is okay to brush your teeth, shave or wear

deodorant or make-up before the surgery.

* Ask your doctor or nurse what you should bring to the hospital.

* Write down your questions or concerns before going to the hospital

so

you don't forget.

* Ask a family member or friend to be with you at the hospital to

serve

as your advocate.

* =======================

When You Are Recovering From Surgery

The physical and emotional drain after surgery is often overwhelming. But

you

(or your advocate) can continue to have an active part in your care and

keep

your healthcare team " on their toes " by doing the following:5

* If you have an IV catheter or a dressing on a wound, keep the skin

around the dressing clean and dry. Let your nurse know promptly if it

becomes

loose or gets wet.

* To avoid infection, wash your hands frequently - especially after

using the bathroom.

* When your doctor or nurse gives you medication, ask what it is for

and what are the side effects.

* Ask your doctor about any therapy or medications you will need and

when you can resume normal activity.

* ============================

More Resources

Get more information on surgery and ways you can become a Smarter Patient

from the links below.

Clicking on any of the links below will take you to a Web site to which this

Privacy Policy does not apply. You are solely responsible for your

interactions with such Web sites.

Patient Organizations

* The National Patient Safety Foundation

_http://www.npsf.org_ (http://www.npsf.org/)

* * Singleuse.org

_http://www.singleuse.org_

(javascript:leaveSite('http://www.singleuse.org');)

Regulatory and Federal Agencies

* The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

_http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/index.html#surgery_

(javascript:leaveSite('http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/index.html#surgery');)

Professional Surgeon and Nurse Societies

* Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses

_http://www.aorn.org_ (http://www.aorn.org/)

* * American College of Surgeons

_http://facs.org_ (javascript:leaveSite('http://facs.org');)

Medical News and Information

* WebMD

_http://www.webmd.com_ (javascript:leaveSite('http://www.webmd.com');)