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Post-Op Recovery: What to Expect
Every surgeon has to record the surgery and put in archive as what is called “Surgery report.” Be sure to ask for a copy after surgery is done and it should contain everything about how the surgery was done in minute details including the mesh used, blood lost etc.. I am not sure if it contains “Everything” the surgeon did and if he screwed up anything but usually it has details of what mesh was put in and how everything went.
As I said time and again, no question is silly to ask. If you do not ask you won’t get any answers. Write your questions on paper and take them to surgeon and he will (have to) answer them before you are wheeled into surgery. You can even ask what kind of anesthesia will be given and how long you will be knocked out, if you should eat/not eat before and after surgery. In short you can ask anything and everything about surgery and possible problems etc. And be ready to walk away from that surgeon if he cannot provide answers right then and there. You should get answer in the exam room not after he leaves room and googles and comes back. If he tells he does not really know the type of mesh or who makes the mesh and where it is made “surgery ready,” you have a red flag to walk away.
Yes also ask if you can talk to any of his patients who had this kind of surgery. Is the surgeon a “general surgeon” or specialist in hernias? How many hernia surgeries, in particular the IH surgeries, did the surgeon do in the last 3 months?
When I asked Dr. Goodyear his answers was “I do these surgeries daily two or three.:” Even after meeting Dr. G and asking all questions, 20 min before the surgery I asked the hospital nurse how many of these surgeries Dr. G does in that PA hospital, she said “oh, so many, we do not even count.” Look for a IH surgeon than settle for a general surgeon who claims he knows how to do it.
It is like taking your car to meineke repair shop for major engine repair than taking it to the Honda Engine specialist. Yes the specialist will charge more money and will take more time but you have the assurance of the Honda brand and the warranty. I am *not* saying that Meineke is bad but if you feel that assurance with Meineke, go ahead with them. Having said this, yes even Honda dealership can screw up things sometimes. But we have to do our homework before we open our pants and let the surgeon cut the sensitive parts. Unfortunately IH surgery is not like any surgery on your little finger to let go if things go wrong later.
Be well, do your homework, choose a good surgeon and be happy. If you do not know how to choose, watch the Indiana Jones movie on how to choose the correct cup to drink the holy grail and get the compliment – you have chosen wisely. 🙂 All the best and Godspeed!