I read today a very practical article about questions to ask your doctor before and after surgery…

Learning to Ask Tough Questions Of Your Surgeon

January 9, 2008/Wall Street Journal

Questions patients and families should ask before surgery…

• Do you perform this operation regularly? What are your results?
• Are you board certified in the surgical specialty in which you practice?
• Do you have any health problems that would interfere with your ability to do this operation?
• What is your success rate with this operation and your safety record regarding complications?
• Will I be involved in marking the surgical site?

…And after the surgery

• Did anything unexpected happen during the operation?
• Is there any change in the post-operative plans?
• Did anything happen during surgery that could complicate recovery?
• Are there any instructions for me in case of bleeding or other problems after surgery?
• When should I next see the surgeon?

Source: “I Need an Operation-Now What?”/Thomas R. Russell/American College of Surgeons