Patients Should Learn as Much About Their Surgery as Possible

Being told you need surgery of any kind can be unsettling, to say the least. Whether you’ve had it in the past or this is your first time, chances are you have a lot of questions. Unfortunately, medical errors are a leading cause of death in the United States, resulting in a reported 250,000 to 400,000 fatalities every year. However, a new report suggests not as many people die from medical negligence, as previously thought. In fact, the number of deaths caused by medical errors has slowly decreased since 1990. However, surgery still poses many risks. This is one of the main reasons why it is so important you make sure you know exactly what surgery your doctor is recommending – and why.

Here at Texas Partners Healthcare Group, we strive to educate our patients, ensuring they have everything they need to make an informed decision. We understand how daunting surgery can be, and we want to help you every step of the way. As a leading pain management clinic, we provide patients with a wide range of options to help treat everything from hip and other types of joint pain to fibromyalgia and degenerative disc disease. Our services are rooted in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, but sometimes surgery is the best solution.

In today’s article, we are going to discuss some of the most pressing questions surrounding surgery. At the end of this blog, we hope that you will have a deeper understanding of when surgery is necessary and whether it is the right move for you. We encourage you to reach out with any questions you may have about the information in this article or your particular case.

Surgical Facts

As mentioned, today’s blog is dedicated to surgery and knowing if it’s right for you. Before we discuss what signs indicate it’s time for surgery, here are a few facts to keep in mind:

• There are more than 50 million surgical procedures performed every year in the United States
• The majority of surgeries involve the cardiovascular system
• 75 percent of surgical procedures are done on an outpatient basis
• There are more than 430 surgery centers in Texas alone

These few facts should give you a better idea of what surgery looks like in the United States. Regardless of how healthy you are, there may be a time in your life where surgery is necessary. The key to the procedure being successful and supporting you moving forward? Making an informed decision and ensuring this is the right move for your body. If you have any questions about this, please do not hesitate to contact Texas Partners Healthcare Group today. 

Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Surgery

A well-informed patient is a happy patient. Before deciding if surgery is right for you, ask your doctor the following questions:

• Why did your doctor recommend it? First and foremost, ALWAYS make sure you understand why your physician has suggested a particular operation. Your healthcare provider should gladly explain the procedure, including why it is necessary, the steps involved, and what you can expect following the procedure.
• Are there any alternatives? Often, alternative therapies like stem cell therapy, ketamine infusions, and other forms of regenerative medicine are just as effective as surgery. We recommend exhausting all of these options before agreeing to a surgical procedure. If you have any questions about these alternatives, give us a call.
• What are the benefits? Understanding the “why” of surgery starts with knowing what the benefits are. Ask your doctor what you can expect from the procedure and how long these benefits should last.
• Are there any risks or possible complications? All surgical procedures come with risks. Being informed of what they are and how serious the complications could be will help you know what to expect. Some of the most common complications include infection, bleeding, and other side effects.
• Should I get a second opinion? Getting a second opinion will depend on a host of factors, including the type of surgery and reason for it. As a general rule of thumb, it can’t hurt to get another professional opinion before going under the knife.
• What kind of experience does the facility have in performing this surgery? Cheap surgeries pose serious risks and are often performed by individuals who do not have the experience, skills, or knowledge to successfully complete the operation. Ask your healthcare provider about his or her experience, including their record of success and any known complications.
• What can I expect during the recovery? Different procedures come with different recovery times. Ask your medical team what you can expect, and when you think you will be back on your feet. This will prepare you for the coming days, weeks, and months.

These are just a few questions that should help you decide if surgery is right for you or not. To learn more about any of the above, contact us today.

Is Surgery Right for Me?

There are two different types of surgery: emergency and planned. An example of an emergency surgery would be an appendectomy or a procedure that is needed to save your life following a car accident. While these emergency procedures are what many people think of when they hear about surgery, it is the not-so-urgent operations that we would like to focus on today. Millions of Americans undergo surgery for all different reasons every single year. Elective surgery (a procedure you choose to have done) is common and can help correct a wide range of problems. However, all surgeries come with inherent risks and benefits. This is why it is so important you understand what to expect and why the surgery is being performed.

At Texas Partners Healthcare Group, we encourage our patients to ask questions and do everything they can to understand their diagnosis, prognosis, and suggested treatment path. Knowing whether surgery is right for you is key to how successful the procedure will be. Sadly, many Americans willingly agree to a surgery that hurts more than helps. It is our goal as a Frisco pain management clinic to reduce the number of unnecessary surgeries and help our patients understand their rights. If you have been told you need surgery, or if you think surgery may be right for you, give Texas Partners Healthcare Group a call today and schedule an appointment. You don’t have to live in pain. We are here to help.