Frequently Asked Questions
The questions that come up most often in consultation, answered in general terms.
Does the information on this site take the place of an individual assessment?
This site is for general information; it does not take the place of examination, diagnosis or treatment. For your own situation, consult the physician examining you.
What should I prepare before a consultation?
You can note down your questions and the points you want clarified. The guide on questions to ask before deciding explains preparing for the consultation and how to handle points whose answers remain unclear.
Do I have to decide straight after the consultation?
You can take time to think your decision over. Deferring or changing a decision after the consultation is dealt with in the guide on questions to ask before deciding.
Can I ask another physician for an opinion?
You can ask another physician for a second opinion about the same complaint. That right is explained in the guide on questions to ask before deciding.
Do smoking and other nicotine products carry the same surgical risk?
Smoking is a risk factor for wound healing problems after surgery. Do not assume that the same risk has been demonstrated for all nicotine products. The detail of that risk, and the extent of the evidence on nicotine products, is set out in the preparation sections of the surgery articles.
Should I stop my medicines and supplements myself?
Every medicine and supplement you take needs to be declared. Prescribed medication should not be stopped on your own decision. Where information about medicines fits into the assessment before surgery is set out in the guide on patient safety.
Where should I get the fasting instructions before surgery?
The instructions given about fasting and about how to take medication on the day of surgery are followed. If you have not yet received your instructions or anything is unclear, clarify this with your anaesthetist.
Can I go home alone after a general anaesthetic?
Someone is arranged to accompany you home on discharge. Planning care at home in advance, and what discharge information covers, are explained in the guide on patient safety.
What should I judge my recovery time against?
Go by the care plan your physician gives you for your own situation. Recovery information specific to a procedure is in the surgery articles, and what a discharge plan covers is set out in the guide on patient safety.
Does a non-surgical procedure mean a risk-free procedure?
Do not read the word non-surgical as an assurance of being risk-free. In the non-surgical procedures section, the evidence and the unwanted effects of each treatment are assessed separately.
Do the percentages in the articles show my result?
Do not use the figures in the articles as a calculation of your own result. The distinction between an outcome measured in research and an individual result is explained in the guide on what is a realistic expectation?.