Surgery is not one decision. It includes the reason for the operation, the timing, the surgeon and facility, anesthesia, preparation, recovery, follow-up, and the alternatives. Breaking the discussion into those parts can make the decision easier to understand.
Why is surgery recommended now?
Ask the surgeon to explain the problem the operation is meant to address and why surgery is being recommended at this point.
- What is the diagnosis?
- What problem will the surgery treat?
- Is the goal to cure, repair, remove, diagnose, prevent, or relieve symptoms?
- How urgent is the surgery?
- What could happen if I wait?
What are the alternatives?
Depending on the condition, reasonable alternatives might include medication, physical therapy, injections, monitoring, another procedure, lifestyle changes, or waiting. Ask which alternatives are medically reasonable for you and what tradeoffs they involve.
NIA recommends discussing different treatment choices and specifically suggests asking surgeons about the pros and cons of surgery.
What exactly will be done?
Ask for a plain-English description:
- What part of the body is involved?
- Is the surgery open, laparoscopic, robotic, endoscopic, or another approach?
- Will anything be removed, repaired, implanted, or sampled?
- Could the plan change during the operation?
- Will tissue be sent to pathology?
You do not need to understand every technical step. You should understand the goal and major parts of the operation.
Ask about the surgeon’s experience
Reasonable questions include:
- How often do you perform this operation?
- Is this a routine procedure in your practice?
- Who else will participate in the surgery?
- Who is responsible for my care after the operation?
NIA includes surgeon experience and expected outcomes among the questions patients may ask before surgery.
Understand the risks in context
Ask the surgeon to identify:
- The most common complications
- The most serious complications
- How your personal health history affects risk
- What is done to reduce those risks
- What warning signs matter after discharge
If a percentage is difficult to interpret, ask for an explanation such as “How many people out of 100 have this problem?”
Ask about anesthesia
Find out what type of anesthesia or sedation is expected and whether you will speak with the anesthesia team before surgery. Make sure they know your medication list, allergies, prior anesthesia problems, sleep-related breathing problems, implanted devices, and other relevant history.
Ask:
- What type of anesthesia is planned?
- What should I expect before and after it?
- Which medicines should I take or hold on the day of surgery?
- When must I stop eating or drinking?
Follow the surgical and anesthesia team’s instructions rather than general fasting or medication rules found online.
Plan for recovery before the day of surgery
Ask what you will realistically need at home:
- Will I go home the same day?
- Do I need someone to drive me?
- Should someone stay with me?
- Will I need help with meals, bathing, stairs, pets, children, or household tasks?
- Will I need a walker, brace, wound supplies, or other equipment?
- When can I drive?
- When can I return to work?
- What lifting or activity restrictions apply?
Know how pain and nausea will be managed
Ask what pain control is commonly used, what side effects to expect, and whom to call if pain or nausea is not controlled. If opioid pain medicine may be prescribed, ask about safe use, constipation prevention, storage, and disposal.
Clarify the follow-up plan
Before surgery, know:
- When the first follow-up visit is
- How the incision or wound should be cared for
- When bathing is allowed
- How pathology or test results will be communicated
- Who handles questions after hours
- Which symptoms should prompt a call, urgent visit, or emergency care
Ask about costs and coverage
For planned surgery, check the network status of the surgeon and facility and ask whether anesthesia, pathology, radiology, assistants, or other services may bill separately. Ask your insurer whether prior authorization is required.
Use a surgery decision sheet
| Topic | What I was told |
|---|---|
| Why surgery is recommended | |
| How urgent it is | |
| Alternatives | |
| Main expected benefit | |
| Main risks | |
| Anesthesia | |
| Recovery / restrictions | |
| Help needed at home | |
| Follow-up | |
| Cost / authorization |