Meeting with a surgeon to discuss surgical procedures and your condition can be nerve wrecking, especially if it’s your first time considering surgery. Knowing what to expect before going into the consultation can alleviate the stress of the situation and help save time for yourself and the consulting surgeon. Here are a few tips for preparing sufficiently for your surgical consultation.

Bring any Previous Tests

If you have previously had any imaging tests done (such as an MRI, CT scan, or X-rays), bring those to the consultation so the surgeon can review them to get a better understanding of the history of your issue. In addition, come prepared with a list of medications you are currently taking.

Prepare Questions

You will no doubt have questions for your surgeon. Write all your questions down ahead of time and physically bring them to your consultation. Here are a few examples of good questions to ask your surgeon prior to surgery:

• What is the success rate of the procedure?
• What are the risk factors associated with the surgery?
• How many of these procedures have your performed in the past?
• What are my alternative options for treatment?
• What will the recovery entail?

With so much going on it’s all too easy for questions to slip your mind. You don’t want to leave the consultation and remember a burning question when you get home.

Do Some Research

Do a bit of general research about the surgical procedure(s) you are considering. Your surgeon will explain the procedures in greater depth, but it will save time if you have a basic understanding of what each surgery entails.

These easy tips can make your surgical consultation go much smoother. Both you and your surgeon will be thankful that you came prepared. For a step-by-step walkthrough of what to expect during your consultation, check out our blog on the topic.

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