Preparing for surgery

Being told by your doctor you need surgery may feel overwhelming and stressful. You may not know what to expect and may be worried about the outcome. This article will help guide you through the process.

How do I choose the right surgeon for me?

When choosing a surgeon, you want to find someone who has the skills you need. You want someone who listens and want to be able to talk to your surgeon about your concerns.

You could ask your doctor who the best surgeon is and why.

You could ask your surgeon about their experience with this surgery. It's a good idea to ask questions. Here are some examples:

• How many times have you done this surgery?
• What results do you get for your patients?

All surgeons must keep records of their operations and their patients' outcomes. Your surgeon should be happy to share this information with you.

What questions should I ask before my surgery?

You may want to ask questions about your surgery. You can ask your doctor or surgeon any question, but here are some examples of questions to ask before you book your surgery.

Do I really need this surgery?

Your doctor can explain how the surgery might help you. For example, if surgery is recommended for your leg, you could ask:

• will the surgery make my leg less painful?
• will it make walking easier?
• how long will the benefits last?
• what are the chances of success?

What are the risks of surgery?

There are risks with both surgery and anaesthetic. Risks of surgery may include:

• bleeding from your wound
• wound infection
• allergic reaction to a medicine

You have the right to know all the risks that may happen with your procedure.

What happens if I choose not to have the surgery?

Your doctor can explain what happens if you choose not to have the surgery. You can ask your doctor if your health issue may get better without surgery.

Are there simpler, safer options?

You may not need surgery. Some health issues get better by themselves. Other health issues may improve with:

• exercise
• physiotherapy
• dietary changes
• medicines

You may want to ask:

• what are my other treatment options?
• are other treatment options safer?
• what is likely to happen if I wait and do nothing for now?

Remember, deciding to have surgery or refuse surgery is your choice. It is a big decision. You may get advice from others, but the final decision is yours.

How much will this surgery cost me?

Surgery, and the time it may take you to feel better, cost money. You could ask your surgeon questions. Here are some examples:

• How much will I pay for the surgery? What will I pay for the surgeon, the anaesthetist and the hospital?
• Is the surgery covered by Medicare? If so, how much will Medicare pay? What will my out-of-pocket costs be?
• What will it cost me in time, effort and stress?
• How long will it take me to recover?
• When can I go back to work after surgery?

If you have private health insurance, find out what fees might be covered. Some policies may not cover all procedures. You may have some out-of-pocket costs.

The Australian government's Medical Costs Finder tool can help you understand surgery costs.

What will my recovery be like?

Recovery after surgery depends on your age, health and the type of surgery. It's important to follow your surgeon's advice.

You could ask your surgeon questions. Here are some examples:

• How long will it take to fully recover?
• What will my rehabilitation involve?
• How can I plan for rehabilitation?
• Will I be able to look after myself at home?
• Will I need pain-relief or medicines after going home?

Your doctor or surgeon should give you written information about what to expect during recovery.

Ask your doctor questions so you can get the answers you need to make your decision. This helps you to give your informed consent.

Can I get a second opinion?

It is your right to ask for a second opinion from another surgeon. Simply ask your doctor to refer you for a second opinion.

What happens in the days leading up to my surgery?

Make sure you know exactly what your surgery is for and what it will do for your condition. Be aware of any possible risks. Ask what you need to do to prepare yourself for the surgery.

Ask your doctor about the type of anaesthetic you'll need, such as:

• general anaesthetic
• local anaesthetic
• light sedation

If you take medicines regularly, discuss them with your doctor. Tell them about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter and complementary or alternative medicines. It's important to know if you should take them as normal. You may need to stop taking some medicines before your surgery. These may include:

• anti-inflammatory medicines
• medicine for diabetes
• blood thinners, such as aspirin

If you have diabetes, you need to develop a plan with your doctors. This will include knowing what medicines to take and when to eat.

If you smoke, try to quit. Quitting will help your recovery and lower your risk of problems with the anaesthetic.

If you drink alcohol every day, drink less before surgery. This will help with healing and recovery.

What happens on the day of my surgery?

If you're having a general anaesthetic, you'll need to stop eating and drinking a few hours before surgery. Your doctor will tell you when to stop.

You may get a visit from your anaesthetist before your surgery. You can ask any questions you have. You may have questions about pain-relief or on the anaesthetic.

It is important to tell your anaesthetist about any medicines you take. This is especially important if you take antidepressants, medicine for diabetes or blood thinners (including aspirin). You should have received instructions for taking these medicines before surgery.

Plan how you're going to get to the hospital and get home. Ask a family member or friend to take you home. Arrange help at home afterwards if needed.

What happens after my surgery?

Ask your doctor how long you'll be expected to stay in hospital after surgery. Some people may go home a few hours after the surgery. Others may need to stay for a few days or more. This may depend on:

• the type of surgery
• the type of anaesthetic
• your health

You may have pain after your surgery. Tell your doctors and nurses if you have pain. Ask them if pain medicines can help in your situation.

Some people may need rehabilitation after surgery. This can help you get your strength back or help make the issue treated by the surgery better. You may have rehabilitation treatment at home or in a rehabilitation unit. Talk to your doctor about your rehabilitation options.

After surgery, there may be things you can't do for a while. You may:

• not be allowed to drive
• find it hard to work
• find it hard to look after yourself
• not be allowed to lift heavy things

Getting back to normal may take time. You may feel more tired than expected. Go easy on yourself and accept help when it's offered.

Talk these things through with your doctor before the surgery so you can set your expectations and plan ahead.

Resources and support

• Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists has a short video on preparing for your operation.
• Safer Care Victoria offers tips to help you get ready for surgery in the next few months.
• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care provides the Australian Carter of Healthcare Rights.
• If you or someone you know is feeling anxious about surgery, visit Head to Health for immediate support.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Other languages

• The Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights is translated into many community languages.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

• My healthcare rights is a tailored version of the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.