5 ‘To-be-Told’ Facts that Most Patients Forget to Convey to Their Surgeons

Undergoing a surgery is one of the most crucial events in the life a patient, as her or his upcoming life is totally dependent on the result of the surgical treatment. Irrespective of whether the surgery is big or small, the patient always takes some vital steps for preparing herself or himself for the surgery. One of the steps taken is to discuss with the surgeon about every possible aspect of the surgery, such as the possible side effects, recovery time, surgery time, after surgery care tips, and so on. However, one of the vital steps that these patients fail to take is to convey all information from their side, which is required to help the surgeon in performing a safe procedure.

So, here are 5 things that a patient needs to discuss with the surgeon but does not do so, due to which the surgery is pushed on the verge of risky and unhealthy outcome.

Former Operations

This is one of the most missed out details from the patient’s side. It is actually necessary for the surgeon to know about any prior surgeries that the patient might have undergone, especially when the current surgery is going to happen in the same part or region of the body. It is highly possible that a former surgery might have left scars or must have left the area or part vulnerable to surgical tools. This is something that the surgeon needs to know before a surgery; don’t you think so?

Experiences from Previous Surgeries

Again this detail is not given importance by the patients! It is not only important to convey your surgeon about your former surgeries, but it is equally vital to share your experiences about the same. When you do so, the surgeon knows about your strengths and weaknesses. For example, the surgeon can come to know about your level of tolerance to anesthesia. Similarly, she or he will come to know about the medications and tools used during the surgery, to which you may be susceptible.

Past Smoking Behavior

Many patients now tend to share with the surgeon that they have a smoking habit. However, those who have left smoking successfully tend to take their old habit for granted. Even though you have quit, your surgeon should know that you were a smoker in the past. If not much time has passed, the effects of smoking may still be present in the body due to which scarring and difficult in wound healing can b experienced.

Former Illnesses or Injuries

By disclosing the ailments or injuries that you have experienced in the past, the surgeon will come to know how much anesthesia needs to be given to you. This is because this factor actually tends to change the tolerance level to this medication.

Former or Current Drinking Habit

It is very important for the patient to reveal the quantity of alcohol they take on a daily basis so that the surgeon may prescribe medications accordingly. Be it more or less, the habit of consuming alcohol tends to make pain relief a rare incidence to experience for the surgical patients.

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Raymond
Raymond

Raymond is pursuing an advanced medical degree from the University of Miami. He is very much inspired from Dr. Nir Hus who studied biology and marine science from the university and is now a great trauma surgeon. Being inspired by him, he too wishes to become a surgeon in near future.

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