What questions should I ask my surgeon before an operation?

From my experience with two surgeries, these are the most useful questions: 1) What are the risks and benefits? 2) How long is the recovery? 3) When can I return to work? 4) What pain management will I have afterwards? 5) What are the alternatives to surgery? 6) How many of these procedures have you performed? 7) What should I do to prepare? Write your questions down and bring someone with you — you will be nervous and may forget things.

Always ask about the specific risks for YOUR situation, not just general risks. Also ask about the anaesthetic — general, local, or spinal — and what to expect when you wake up. Request written information you can take home and review. Do not be afraid to ask for time to think about it if you are unsure. Informed consent means you truly understand what is being proposed.

This is an important surgery question. We recommend speaking with your GP for personalised advice. You can also contact NHS 111 (free, 24/7) for urgent guidance, or visit nhs.uk for trusted health information. Please note: this is general health information, not a substitute for professional medical advice.