General Questions
- What is the name of the surgical procedure?
- Why do I need surgery?
- How soon should surgery take place?
- What might happen if I delay or avoid the surgery?
- Will you explain the surgery in simple terms?
- How much of my lung(s) do you anticipate will need to be removed?
- What are the risks and benefits of this surgery? What results should I expect from the surgery?
- Are there any treatments I can have before surgery to shrink the tumor?
- Are there any nonsurgical options?
- Are there any less invasive surgery options?
- What is the next step if this surgery doesn’t work?
- How much does the surgery cost? How can I find out?
About the Procedure
- What should I do to prepare?
- How is the surgery done?
- How long will the surgery take?
- What kind of anesthesia will be used (general, local, or regional)?
- Will I have drains, catheters, or intravenous lines?
- Is there a possibility that I will need a blood transfusion, and if so, can I bank my own blood before surgery?
- How successful is this procedure?
- What are the risks associated with this surgery?
- How much experience do you have with this procedure?
- Has the procedure been done often in this hospital or surgery center?
About Post-Surgery
- How long will I have to remain in the hospital?
- How will I feel after surgery?
- How much pain is there after this type of surgery? How is it treated?
- How long will it take for me to recuperate?
About What to Expect When You Get Home
- What kind of care will I need at home? Are there any activity limitations?
- How soon can I eat a regular meal?
- How long will it be until I can resume normal activities?
- What symptoms should I watch for and report?
- Will I need other types of treatment after surgery?
- How long will it be until I can safely receive other necessary treatments?
- Are there alternatives to this treatment?
Reminder
- Ask for other information about the surgery.
- Ask about a second opinion.
- Ask how much the surgery will cost and if there are ways to reduce the costs.
- State any concerns you have about having the surgery.