Before Surgery

Information for Patients

• What type of hernia do I have?
• What treatment options do you recommend for my hernia?
• What are the nonsurgical and surgical treatment options?
• What types of things should I consider in the decision to have surgery now or to wait?
• Why are you recommending a particular treatment option over another?
• What are the risks and side effects of this surgery?
• What is your experience with the recommended surgery?
• What is the anticipated outcome?
• What are my options for anesthesia?
• Will my surgery require a hospital stay?
• What medications should I stop taking before my operation and what medications may I need to take the day of my operation?
• Is there anything I should do to prepare for my operation?
• How long will the surgery take?
• How will I feel after surgery?
• Will I need pain medication?
• How much time should I allow for recovery?
• What kind of incision will I have?
• What is the chance my hernia will recur?
• Will my medical insurance cover all charges from you and the hospital?