Before having surgery, find out all you can about the benefits, risks, and side effects of the operation. You may want to ask your doctor the questions listed here. The answers may help you feel better about your decision.

• Why am I having this operation? What are the chances of its success?
• Is there any other way to treat the cancer?
• Other than the cancer, am I healthy enough to go through the stress of surgery and the drugs used to do it (anesthesia)?
• Are you certified by the American Board of Surgery and/or Specialty Surgery Board?
• How many operations like this have you done? What is your success rate? Are you experienced in operating on my kind of cancer?
• Exactly what will you be doing in this operation? What will you be taking out? Why?
• How long will the surgery take?
• Will I need blood transfusions?
• What can I expect afterwards? Will I be in a lot of pain? Will I have drains or catheters? How long will I need to be in the hospital?
• How will my body be affected by the surgery? Will it work or look different? Will any of the effects be permanent?
• How long will it take for me to go back to my usual activities?
• What are the possible risks and side effects of this operation? What is the risk of death or disability?
• What will happen if I choose not to have the operation?
• What are the chances that the surgery will cure my cancer?
• Do I have time to think about my options or get a second opinion?

Getting a second opinion

One of the ways to find out whether a suggested operation is the best choice for you may be to get the opinion of another surgeon. Your doctor should not mind this. In fact, some health insurance companies make you get a second opinion. You may not need to have tests done again because you can often bring the results of your original tests to the second doctor.

Check with your insurance company before planning surgery and before getting a second opinion. Get all of the information you need to feel sure you are making the right choice for your situation. Making an informed decision about your health is almost always better than making a quick one.