Gynecological Surgery - 3 Questions to Ask

Gynecological surgery is a general term that could be applied to a number of different types of surgical procedures. While some surgeries are of a very serious nature, others are done for more aesthetical purposes.

Whatever your individual case may be, it is important that you, as a patient, are as informed as possible about your procedure. If you are considering having gynecological surgery, you should schedule a consultation with a surgeon as soon as possible.

During this consultation, it vital that you have your questions answered. Some patients can feel overwhelmed speaking with a medical professional. If you think that this could happen to you, write down your questions ahead of time so that you do not forget anything. Your surgeon should be happy to take their time answering any questions that you might have, and addressing your concerns.

While patients could be curious about a number of different aspects of the procedure, you should, at minimum, ask the following questions.

Results

While you may have a general idea of the type of results you can expect to have after your gynecological surgery, every patient is different. Only your surgeon, after evaluating you and your medical history, will be able to provide you with an accurate idea of what you can expect long term. While you may have hopes of surgeries solving your medical issues, it is important to have realistic expectations going in, and your doctor will be able to provide that for you.

Recovery

It is important to be aware of what kind of recovery you are facing. You should get a general idea of how much time you will need to take off of work. In addition, your doctor should also inform you of the physical limitations that you will have to deal with after the procedure. You may not be able to lift anything heavy for several weeks. Your surgeon may even recommend a special diet to follow while you get back on your feet. It is imperative that you follow your doctor's recommendations to ensure that your recovery time isn't lengthened, and that your body is healing properly.

Cost

While cost shouldn't necessarily be the biggest factor, it is still very important to consider what your gynecological surgery will cost. If you have health insurance, contact your provider ahead of time to get an idea of what portion of the procedure you will have to cover. If you do not have insurance, speak with your surgeon about any payment plans that they might offer. With their help, you may be able to afford to pay for the procedure out of pocket.

As with any major medical treatment, the patient should be as informed and educated as possible. So, make sure that your questions are answered before you make the decision to undergo surgery.