Question: Dear Dr. DeLorenzi: How can I choose a surgeon for my surgery? I have seen different surgeons, and they all tell me slightly different things? How do I know which one is the ‘right’ one for me?
-DJ

Answer: Dear DJ: Choosing a surgeon can be a scary decision, but it does not need to be. Remember that you are choosing someone to give you advice, to take care of you in case something goes wrong, and someone that you will probably go back to for many years into the future. Choosing your surgeon is a decision that will stay with you for a very long time, so take your time and choose carefully. Although some patients choose their surgeon based on costs alone, that may not be the best way to do it. Lets talk about what your rights and responsibilities are.

You have the right to know what is going to occur in the operating room. You have the right to understand why decisions have been made, and what the treatment alternatives are. Pretty much any surgeon will be good at telling you about the risks and complications associated with a procedure, but some concentrate more on the early risks, rather than what can go wrong many years down the road. You have the right to know what the expected results of the operation are not only just after surgery, but many years down the road. You should be informed about what your responsibilities are- what is expected of you. What will you need to do and what will you need to avoid before and after surgery? These are all parts of what is called ‘Informed Consent’. Before you subject yourself to any surgery or treatment, make certain that you understand all the components of informed consent. In summary, you should understand the following:

• the risks and complications of surgery or of going without surgery,
• the expected results of surgery or no surgery,
• the required aftercare of surgery
• the treatment alternatives (surgical or nonsurgical options)

No matter how carefully the surgeon tries, there are always some unexpected events that might arise during surgery or aftercare that require deviations from the plans that you agreed to. Understanding these issues and feeling comfortable with your surgeon are all important parts of the treatment plan.