DIAGNOSED WITH CANCER. WHAT TO ASK MY SURGEON ?
SIOG Patient Education Brochures for Elderly Patients
MIE 2, Chemin de Balexert 7-9 1219 Châtelaine, Switzerland Email: info@siog.org Website: www.siog.org
PRE OPERATIVE QUESTIONS Do I need to be operated soon? How soon? Can it wait? Where will the operation take place? How many days will I have to be away from home? Why do I need this operation? Are there other treatment options, and is this operation the best option for me? What are the risks, benefits, and possible complications for this operation? Should I be seen in pre-operative anesthesia clinic? Should I abstain from alcohol? Should I abstain from tobacco? Am I entitled to see a geriatrician before my surgery or during my hospital stay? Will I need any special diet prior to surgery? What can I expect for my recovery in terms of treatment, medication, diet, and home care? Do you anticipate that I will spend some time at short-term rehab before going home? Do you anticipate that I will need assistance at home once I am discharged? What kinds of activities will I be limited in during my recovery? Is there a way to contact you or someone on your team if I have additional questions? I am the primary caregiver for my spouse. Will I be able to continue my caregiver role during my postop recovery? What legal documents do I need to have signed prior to my surgery, and are there any legal documents that I need to bring with me to the hospital?
SIOG | PATIENTS BROCHURE
OPERATIVE QUESTIONS What type of anesthesia will I receive? How will the operation be performed? What is the day of the surgery like? Where do I go when I arrive at the hospital? What should I bring with me? How long will the operation take? Where will I be when I awake? What can I expect on the first day?
POST OPERATIVE RECOVERY QUESTIONS Can I see a geriatrician during my hospital stay? How often will I see my surgeon or the surgical team? What methods are to used to control pain? When I can I get up? What type of exercice is important in the hospital? What tpe of food should I order? Is there someome to talk to if I need help or support? What if I am afraid of a situation at home? Do you anticipate that I will spend some time at short-term rehab before going home? What type of help will I need at home whe I leave the hospital? How many days will I have to be away from home?
DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL What can I do to help wtih my recovery? Will I need any special items to care for my surgical site? When will I see the surgical team? When will I see my other doctors? When can I start physical therapy? Will I be able to climb stairs and sleep in my own bed? How long before things are back to normal?
SIOG | PATIENTS BROCHURE