Questions to Ask Your Surgeon

A surgeon is a doctor who performs procedures and surgeries, sometimes for the treatment of cancer. The following is a list of questions to addess addressduring your appointment. Use this list to take notes and ask any questions that might not be discussed. It can be helpful to bring someone to your appointments or have someone call in to help you keep notes.

Before Surgery

• Do I need any scans or lab work before surgery?
• Do I have any different options for surgery? (for example, open surgery vs laparoscopic?
• What is the goal of surgery: Is it to take a biopsy? Remove part or all of the cancer? Or to help with symptoms?
• How long will the surgery take?
• What are the risks of this surgery?
• Who will be involved in the surgery?
• Will I be awake or asleep for the surgery? What kind of anesthesia will I get?,

After Surgery

• Will I need to stay in the hospital after surgery? For how long?
• How will my incision be closed?
• Will I have drains or tubes after surgery?
• How do I take care of my incision?
• Will I have pain? How will it be managed?
• Can I shower or bathe after surgery?

After Discharge from the Hospital

• Will I have home care?
• Will I have any activity restrictions?
• Can I drive?
• When do I need to come back for a follow-up appointment?
• How long will it take for my incision to heal?
• When can I start exercising?
• When can I go back to work?
• Will I need physical or occupational therapy after surgery?
• Are there any late or long-term side effects of my treatment?
• Will I receive a survivorship care plan after treatment?

If you have more questions or concerns after any of your appointments,  contact your provider’s office.