PATIENT RESOURCES

Surgery can be classified as major or minor, depending on the seriousness of the illness, the parts of the body affected, the complexity of the operation, and the expected recovery time.

- Major surgery: These operations most often occur on the head, neck, chest, and abdomen, and can greatly affect the way the body functions. The recovery time can be lengthy and may involve a stay in intensive care or at least several days in the hospital. There is a higher risk of complications after such operations. Types of major surgery may include the following: hepatectomy (resection of liver), pancreatectomy (resection of pancreas), gastrectomy (resection of stomach), colectomy (resection of large bowel), or esophagectomy (resection of esophagus).

 

- Minor surgery: Some procedures that patients undergo are considered minor. The recovery time is short and patients return to their usual activities rapidly. These operations are most often done as an outpatient, and patients can return home the same day or after an overnight hospital stay. Complications from these types of operations are rare. Examples of the most common types of minor surgery may include the following:

-hernia repairs

-Laparoscopic cholecystectomy or appendectomy

-removal of skin lesions

 

- Elective surgery: These are voluntary procedures you decide to undergo to ensure a better quality of life for yourself. This kind of surgery, unlike emergency surgery, does not necessarily have to be done immediately and can be done later to prepare yourself for the operation.

 

- Urgent or emergency surgery: This type of surgery is done in reaction to an urgent medical condition, such as correction of a life-threatening congenital heart malformation, repair of injured internal organs after an automobile accident, or a problem such as appendicitis.

We would clearly explain the surgical procedure, such as the steps involved and provide you with examples. You should ask if there are different methods for doing this operation and why they favor one way over another.

Reasons to have surgery may vary from relieving or preventing pain to diagnosing a problem to improving bodily function. Ask us to specifically explain why this procedure is being recommended for you and make sure you understand how this may improve your medical condition.

In some cases, medicine, nonsurgical treatments, or lifestyle changes may be as helpful in improving a condition as surgery. We would clearly explain the risks and benefits of each choice so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not surgery is necessary. Sometimes, "watchful waiting" is recommended, in which we will monitor your condition over time to observe changes and the progression of a disease. You may still need surgery, or if your condition improves or stabilizes, you may be able to postpone surgery. After a period of "watchful waiting," it may be determined that surgery is still the best choice.

It is important to outline the specific benefits of having surgery for you. You should also ask how long the benefits typically last. Some benefits only last a short while or will need a second operation, while others may last a lifetime. Also, you may ask us about published information regarding the outcomes of the recommended procedure. This will allow you to make an informed decision and have realistic expectations about the surgery.

Surgery always carries some risks, so it is important to weigh the benefits against the risks before surgery. We would outline the possible complications, such as infection and bleeding, and possible side effects that could follow the procedure. Be sure to understand when you should notify us or seek immediate medical attention for complications. You should also discuss pain and ways to manage any pain that may follow the procedure.

If you decide, after weighing the benefits and risks of the surgery, not to have the operation, what will happen? You need to know whether the condition will worsen or if there is a possibility that it may resolve itself.

You can ask us regarding our training and experience in doing the procedure, including the number of times we have done it.

Until recently, most surgeries were done in hospitals. Today, however, some procedures are done on an outpatient basis or in ambulatory surgical centers. Certain procedures may need to be done on an inpatient basis. Your overall health is also considered when making a decision as to where the operation will be done.

Our anesthesiologist colleagues will tell you whether a local, regional, or general anesthesia will be given and why this type of anesthesia is recommended for your procedure. You should also ask who will be giving the anesthesia (such as an anesthesiologist or a nurse anesthetist, both of whom are highly qualified to give anesthesia). You will meet with that person before your operation.

We will tell you what to expect in the first few days following surgery, as well as in the weeks and months that follow. You need to know how long you will be hospitalized, what limitations will be placed on you, and if there are special supplies or equipment you will need when discharged. Knowing ahead of time what to expect will help you recover more quickly following the surgery. You should also ask about the typical length of time it takes for a full recovery in order to resume work and everyday activities.

Because health plans vary in their coverage of different procedures, there may be costs you will be responsible for. You may ask your insurance to know what the specific costs of the operation will be and how much your insurance or health plan will cover. This information is not typically available to us.

It is important to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with us before having surgery. The following suggestions may help to improve communication between you and us:

- If you do not understand our responses, please ask questions until you do.

- Take notes, and/or ask a family member or friend to accompany you and take notes for you.

- if necessary, ask us to write down the instructions.

Ask us where you can find printed material about your condition. You can find information on our website or in our office. To receive clarification, please call or send an email.

It is important to have confidence in the healthcare provider who will be doing your surgery. Whether this is someone you have chosen yourself or a healthcare provider or surgeon you have been referred to, you should make sure that they are qualified. This may include any or all of the following questions:

- Ask your primary healthcare provider, local medical society, or health insurance company for information about the healthcare provider or surgeon's experience with the procedure.

- Ask about the healthcare provider or surgeon's credentials and whether they have any additional certifications or experience in doing the procedure.

- Make certain the healthcare provider or surgeon is affiliated with an accredited healthcare facility. When considering surgery, where it is done is often as important as who is doing the procedure.

Before you have surgery, discuss the costs with someone from our billing department. These costs may include the following:

- The surgeon's fee for surgery

- Hospital fees (if you need hospitalization) or ambulatory surgical center fees (for outpatient services) - check with the hospital's business office regarding these rates. Your healthcare provider or surgeon should be able to give you an approximate idea of how long you will be in the hospital.

- Separate billing for other services - you will also be billed separately for the professional services of others who might be involved in your care, such as the assisting surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other medical consultants.

Check with your health insurance plan before surgery to be certain of what portion of the costs you will be responsible for. If your anticipated costs present a problem, discuss financial solutions with your healthcare provider before the surgery.