Before Surgery
Your physician and the attending surgeon will explain exactly why the operation is being performed, how it will be done, the chances of success, and any possible side effects or complications.
If after a full discussion you are still doubtful whether the operation is necessary, you may obtain a second opinion from another surgeon. This does not reflect badly on the first surgeon. If it relieves your anxiety, it makes the surgeon’s job easier. If at all possible, talk to a person who has already had the same operation. Advice is especially helpful when surgery is going to result in a permanent alteration, such as a colostomy or the removal of a breast. Special organizations are run by patients who have had such operations.
Minor surgery can frequently be performed in the physician’s office under local anesthetic. Operations such as the incision of an abscess or the suturing of a wound do not require the facilities of a hospital.
Nevertheless, it is usually advisable to have even minor operations performed in an operating room of a hospital. You can then have access to professional care during the recovery phase. Operations such as removal of benign breast lesions, dilatation and curettage, and many dental operations are performed on a day admission basis.
