Surgery

Surgery is a major medical event — and an informed patient is a safer patient. A few simple rules can save lives and prevent avoidable complications: know the diagnosis, understand the alternatives, ask about risks, optimise health before, follow instructions afterwards, and watch for red flags.

Before surgery — questions to ask

• Why am I having this surgery? What happens if I don't?
• What are the alternatives — can I wait, try medicines, or have a less invasive procedure?
• What are the main risks and what is the expected recovery?
• How experienced is the surgeon with this procedure?
• Is the hospital NABH/JCI accredited for quality; does it have ICU support if needed?
• What does the total cost include — surgeon, anaesthetist, implant, ICU, follow-up?
• Is this covered under my insurance or under Ayushman Bharat / state schemes?

Optimising before surgery

• Stop smoking at least 4 weeks before (reduces lung complications).
• Control blood sugar, BP, anaemia — elective surgery should wait for these where possible.
• Review all medicines — blood thinners, diabetes drugs, herbal products, hormones — some are paused, some are continued.
• Dental clearance before heart valve surgery.
• Pre-op fitness ("prehabilitation") — walking, breathing exercises, protein-rich diet shortens recovery.
• Vaccinations up to date — flu, pneumococcal if eligible, tetanus for major injury surgery.

On the day

• Fasting as instructed — usually nothing by mouth for 6–8 hours before anaesthesia.
• Remove jewellery, contact lenses, nail polish, dentures (unless told otherwise).
• Bring your medicines list and past records; tell the team about any drug allergies.
• Tell the team about any unregulated herbal or Ayurvedic products — several interact with anaesthetics and blood thinners.
• Confirm site and side of surgery — "time-out" is part of safe surgery checklists.

After surgery

• See After Surgery — red flags, wound care, movement, pain control.
• Follow up at the scheduled appointment; don't skip because you "feel fine".

India-specific notes

• Ayushman Bharat / PM-JAY and state health-insurance schemes cover a wide range of surgical procedures at empanelled hospitals — ask the hospital's public-relations / social-worker desk.
• Get a second opinion for any non-emergency major surgery where you're unsure — a sound second opinion is cheap insurance.
• Beware "surgery offers" and seasonal discount packages in private clinics — pick the surgeon and hospital on skill and safety, not price.