Hand Surgery: Important Questions To Ask Before You Schedule Surgery

Hand surgery encompasses a broad range of hand problems

. It can be performed because of diseases, burns, cuts, injuries or deformities. You need to be clear about what your problem is and what kind of operation would be suitable for it before you forge ahead. Ask the doctor what he recommends based on your needs. Make sure he carefully explains everything that will take place. Leave no stone whatsoever unturned.

What is the physician's area of expertise in this area? How many of these surgeries has he performed in the past? You want a doctor who specifically deals with the hand problem(s) that you suffer from. Ask about success rates and possible complications. Ask away! There is no such thing as asking too many questions.

What risks are involved in the hand surgery?

Find out what could potentially happen during the operation as well as following it. Inquire about how often these risks occur and what can be done to remedy them if they do arise. Included in this are understanding what kind of anesthesia will be administered-general or local-and what risks come with it.

Ask to take a look at some before and after pictures of former patients. This will help you to gain perspective on what you can expect your hand to look like afterwards. Having a clear cut idea of the outcome is an integral part of feeling comfortable with the entire process.

What is the recuperation period going to consist of and what will it be like? Recovery times are not the same for every patient and vary according to the type of surgery you undergo. Before you schedule the date for yours you need to know how to plan for taking time off from your job and also how it will affect your household and family responsibilities.

You need to be aware of whether your operation will be on an outpatient basis or whether you will have to stay overnight at the hospital. Inquire about the necessity for pain killers or any kind of medication. Also find out how much discomfort, swelling and/or bruising you can expect to experience.

Ask for a second opinion if you feel it is warranted. You can also ask to read more information on the hand surgery before you agree to it. Ask for website references, as well as any brochures or pamphlets that can be made available to you.

A good surgeon will be more than happy to honor your request and will appreciate the fact that you want to be as well informed as possible before you take the giant leap into surgery.

by: Andrew Stratton

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