FAQ

Before Surgery

What Is General Surgery?

General surgery is a discipline that requires knowledge of and responsibility for the preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of patients with a broad spectrum of diseases, including those which may require nonoperative, elective, or emergency surgical treatment. The surgeon demonstrates broad knowledge and experience in conditions affecting the abdominal contents including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. It also deals with diseases involving the skin, breast, soft tissue, and hernias.

How do I get an appointment with the surgeon?

Your family doctor or other health care provider will send a referral letter to our office and we will call you to schedule an appointment.

What should I bring with me to the doctor's appointment?

You should have knowledge of the current medication you are taking and your medical history. You may bring your relative with you for support. Please bring your current health insurance information/card.

What is involved in preparing me for surgery?

Besides the surgery itself and tests that may clarify your condition, we may have your overall condition reviewed by the Anaesthetist. This will be determined and scheduled once we have assessed you. Then you may be scheduled for more blood work, an electrocardiogram, or more required tests depending on your medical history before you have the surgery. Once we have done the appropriate tests and assessments and determined it is safe for you to have surgery, we will proceed with the planned operation.

What should I ask my surgeon at my first consultation?

It is important for you to ask whatever questions come to mind, even if they might seem silly. Jot down any other questions you want to ask before the appointment so you don’t forget when you are with your surgeon. Whether or not to have surgery is a very personal decision. The more you know, the better able you will be to make the decision that’s right for you.

Day of Surgery

Why are there many different people involved in my surgery?

There are many team members that you’ll meet and many others that you won’t. Each team member has a specific job to do. Surgical consent is discussed and completed in the surgeon's office. Your surgical journey starts with seeing the surgeon and you deciding to have surgery. The Pre-Admission Team contacts you for any appointments with the nurse or anesthetist if needed. You will be given instructions for where to go and how to prepare for the day of surgery. The day of surgery you will meet the operating room team. For recovering after surgery, you will be cared for by the Post-Anesthetic Care Unit (PACU) nurses, and then cared for by the surgical inpatient team or day care unit team before going home. Each team member plays an important role in ensuring that your surgery is performed safely and is committed to making sure that each and every patient is very well cared for.

Will the surgical team know about my other health issues?

The referral sent from your doctor to the surgeon will include information about your general health. When you first meet with the surgeon for a consultation, mention your other health issues. If you are asked to attend a Pre-Admission Clinic, the team there will ask you questions and you can also advise them of your other health issues. Don’t be afraid to speak up or ask questions. You are a very important part of the team and any information you have about your health is valuable.

Can I find out before exactly what the surgeon is planning to do, and then what actually was done to my body during surgery?

Yes, and yes. The law requires that the surgeon obtain your informed consent before surgery so that means that they must give you enough information for you to understand what will be done and the risks and benefits. Beyond that, it is up to you to decide how much information you want. If you want to know more, talk to your surgeon.

After Surgery

How will I get home?

If you had medication to make you drowsy or to put you to sleep for your surgery, you must go home with someone who is a responsible adult. These drugs can stay in your body for up to 24 hours. You must tell the nurse when you check-in on surgery day, who is going to help you. The person helping you can go in a taxi or on the bus with you, so it’s not necessary for them to have their own car.

Who will take care of me when I go home?

You will not be sent home until your care team is sure that you will be able to take care of your own basic needs, like going to the washroom. If you require medical care at home, this will be discussed with you before you go home. Ask your surgeon ahead of time, what kind of help you might need after you go home. Ask a family member or friend to check in on you each day, and help you with things like preparing meals.

Am I supposed to make an appointment to see my surgeon after the surgery?

Before you go home, the care team will let you know when you need to see your surgeon again. You will be instructed to call the surgeons office to make a follow up appointment.

How long will it take for me to recover after the surgery?

The type of surgery you have influences the recovery time. Ask your surgeon before surgery day what to expect during recovery, and how you will know that you are getting better.