https://health4naija.com/questions-to-ask-before-surgery-in-resource-limited-settings/ Visit the site for a PDF download of the questions listed below.


When life throws us some curveballs, we might be presented with surgical options to resolve medical conditions.

Some conditions present as urgencies and emergencies requiring immediate surgeries and some are elective procedure which can be scheduled at a time convenient for you and your surgeon.

When there is a surgical emergency, you may not have much time to ask detailed questions, however, we recommend, if the surgery is elective- meaning planned and scheduled, that you should try to get as much information as you can and if you are not satisfied you should seek a second opinion.

In both instances of Emergency and Elective surgery, your surgeon will discuss indications (the reason for the surgery), the procedure (exactly what will be done, how long it is expected to last, whether you will be under general or local anaesthesia), and complications (what could possibly go wrong) and this is all considered important before you provide informed consent – informed because you have been told and indicated you have understood all of the above- with your signature for care to proceed.

With current medical and technological advances and the entrants of foreign practitioners in Nigeria’s healthcare system, it helps to be informed about your surgical care to ensure that you are getting the best possible treatment options.

The doctor you see should introduce him or herself to you. You should also be given an introduction packet with the Doctor’s full name, credentials, official address, and where licensed.

Here are some questions that would help prepare you for surgery.

You might be given a packet that answers most of the questions listed below.

Feel free to print out this list to take to your appointment.

What is the indication for surgery?
Have all other non-surgical treatment options been offered?
How do I best prepare for surgery?
How many of such surgeries has the Surgeon done before?
How long would the surgery typically last?
Who else would assist you- the Surgeon-to perform the operation?
What type of anesthesia will be used? Who will provide the anesthesia?
Where will you perform the surgery? Is the healthcare facility accredited or approved by the MDCN?
Does the healthcare facility have 24-hour electricity?
What kind of complications have you seen during surgery for this condition?
Would I need to receive a blood transfusion before or during or even after the surgery?
How do you avoid such complications?
How do you treat the complications should they occur?
How long will the hospital stay be?
What is the cost of the surgery and post-op care?
When will I be able to return to usual activities like driving, work, etc?
When do I follow up for care? What are the wound care instructions? Who will remove the stitches? Who will change the wound dressing?
What is the long-term side effect of this procedure?

Written by Dr. Onuoha with Dr. Doherty.

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This site serves to provide information for Education. You should seek the attention of your Medical provider for any health matters.