Surgery: Questions to Ask the Doctor
Print this and fill in the information if your doctor recommends that you have a surgical procedure.
General questions
- What is the name of the surgical procedure?
- Why do I need surgery?
- How soon should surgery take place?
- What might happen if I delay or avoid the surgery?
- What results should I expect from the surgery?
- Are there any nonsurgical options?
- Yes ___ No___If yes, describe:
- Are there any less invasive surgery options?
- What is the next step if this surgery doesn't work?
- How much does the surgery cost? How can I find out?
- Can it be done on an outpatient basis, and is that less expensive?
Questions to ask about the procedure
- Where will surgery be done?
- Outpatient location:
- Hospital:
- How is the surgery done (laparoscopy or open surgery)?
- What kind of anesthesia will be used (general, local, or regional)?
- How long will the procedure take?
- How successful is this procedure?
- What are the risks associated with this surgery?
- How much experience does the surgeon have with this procedure?
- Has the procedure been done often in this hospital or surgery center?
- What complications might develop (both immediate and long-term)?
- If a biopsy is being done, when can I expect to hear the results, and will my doctor call me?
- Other questions:
Questions to ask about what to expect after surgery
- How long will I have to stay after surgery?
- How will I feel after surgery?
- How much pain is there after this type of surgery? How is it treated?
- How long will it take to recover from surgery?
- Other questions:
Questions to ask about what to expect when you get home
- What kind of care will I need at home? Are there any activity limitations?
- How soon can I eat a regular meal?
- How soon can I resume regular activities?
- What symptoms should I watch for and report?
- Other questions:
Reminders
- Ask for other information about the surgery.
- Ask about a second opinion.
- Ask how much the surgery will cost and if there are ways to reduce the costs.
- State any concerns you have about having the surgery.
Credits
Current as of: July 7, 2025
Current as of: July 7, 2025