Questions to Ask Before Surgery: A Complete Patient Guide

Before agreeing to surgery, patients should understand why the procedure has been recommended, whether other treatments are available, what risks it involves and what recovery may require. It is important to consider the essential questions to ask before surgery to help make informed decisions.

The answers depend on the diagnosis, planned operation, previous treatment, test results and general health. Patients travelling abroad should also ask about hospital stay, travel restrictions, costs, accommodation and follow-up after returning home.

Why should you ask questions before surgery?

Consent should be based on a clear understanding of the proposed treatment. A discussion with the medical team can help patients understand:

• the diagnosis
• why surgery is being considered
• possible alternatives
• relevant risks and complications
• preparation and recovery
• follow-up care
• estimated treatment costs

Two patients having the same procedure may receive different recommendations because of differences in age, medical history, imaging findings, medications or other health conditions.

1. Why do I need this surgery?

Ask the surgeon to explain the diagnosis and why surgery is considered appropriate.

Useful questions include:

• What is my exact diagnosis?
• Why is surgery recommended?
• Is the procedure urgent?
• What could happen if treatment is delayed?
• What improvement can reasonably be expected?
• What are the limits of the operation?

In some cases, surgery may relieve symptoms, restore function or prevent a condition from progressing. In others, it may be recommended because non-surgical treatment has not worked or is unlikely to provide sufficient benefit.

At Avicenna International Hospital, treatment recommendations are based on the patient’s medical history, examination findings and available diagnostic results. Further imaging, laboratory tests or specialist consultations may be required before the final plan is confirmed.

2. Are there non-surgical alternatives?

Not every condition requires an operation. Depending on the diagnosis, alternatives may include medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, clinical monitoring or a minimally invasive procedure.

Patients may ask:

• Could medication help?
• Would physiotherapy be appropriate?
• Is monitoring the condition a reasonable option?
• Is a less invasive procedure available?
• How do the expected benefits and risks compare?

The doctor should explain why surgery is preferred over the available alternatives in the individual case.

At Avicenna International Hospital, treatment options are discussed individually, taking into account the patient’s diagnosis, overall health and treatment goals before surgery is recommended.

3. What are the risks and possible complications?

Every operation has potential risks. Their likelihood depends on the procedure, type of anaesthesia, existing health conditions and individual risk factors.

Possible complications may include:

• infection
• bleeding
• blood clots
• anaesthesia-related reactions
• delayed wound healing
• injury to nearby tissues or organs
• the need for further treatment or revision surgery

Patients should ask which complications are most relevant to their case, how frequently they occur in comparable patients and how they would be treated if they developed.

4. Who will perform the operation?

Patients should know who is responsible for the surgery and postoperative care.

Questions may include:

• Who will perform the procedure?
• How often does the surgeon perform this operation?
• Will another surgeon or specialist be involved?
• Who will monitor me after surgery?
• Who should I contact after discharge?

Some procedures require input from several departments. Cancer surgery, for example, may involve surgeons, anaesthesiologists, radiologists, pathologists and oncologists.

At Avicenna International Hospital, multidisciplinary assessment may be arranged when the diagnosis or planned procedure requires input from more than one specialty.

5. Which tests are required before surgery?

Preoperative assessment helps the medical team identify health factors that may affect the operation, anaesthesia or recovery.

Depending on the procedure and patient, testing may include:

• blood tests
• electrocardiogram (ECG)
• chest imaging
• MRI or CT scans
• medication review
• anaesthesiology assessment
• consultation with another specialist

Patients should ask why each test is needed and whether previous results are recent enough to use. Updated testing may be required when older results no longer reflect the patient’s current condition.

Preoperative assessment also gives the medical team an opportunity to review chronic illnesses, medications, allergies and previous reactions to surgery or anaesthesia.

Before surgery, specialists at Avicenna International Hospital review existing medical records and determine whether additional laboratory tests or imaging are clinically necessary for treatment planning.

6. How should I prepare before surgery?

Preparation instructions depend on the operation, type of anaesthesia and the patient’s medical history. The hospital should provide a preoperative plan explaining what to do before admission.

Ask about:

• when to stop eating and drinking
• whether regular medication needs to be adjusted
• restrictions on smoking or alcohol
• management of diabetes or other chronic conditions
• what to bring to the hospital
• when to arrive
• transport after discharge
• whether someone should stay with you during early recovery

Do not stop prescription medication without medical advice. Blood thinners and some other medicines may need to be paused, while others should be continued. Follow the instructions given by the surgeon, anaesthesiologist or doctor managing the relevant condition.

International patients should also ask whether they need to arrive before the operation for consultations, preoperative tests or an anaesthesia assessment.

7. What should I expect during recovery?

Recovery varies according to the procedure, surgical method, general health and how the patient responds after treatment. Some patients resume normal activities within days, while others need several weeks or months of recovery and rehabilitation.

Useful questions include:

• How much pain should I expect?
• How will pain be managed?
• How long will I remain in hospital?
• When can I walk, work and exercise?
• Will I have lifting or movement restrictions?
• Will I need physiotherapy?
• Which symptoms are expected?
• Which symptoms require urgent medical attention?

International patients should ask when they can safely fly or travel long distances. Postoperative checks may require them to remain in Turkey for a period after discharge.

Before discharge, patients at Avicenna International Hospital receive recovery guidance tailored to their procedure, together with instructions on follow-up appointments and symptoms that should be reported to the medical team.

8. What does the cost estimate include?

Request a written treatment estimate before confirming surgery or making travel arrangements.

The estimate may include:

• the surgeon’s fee
• hospital and operating room charges
• anaesthesia
• medications and medical supplies
• laboratory and imaging tests
• hospital accommodation
• routine follow-up appointments

Some services may be included in a package, while others are charged separately. Ask:

• Could further tests change the estimated cost?
• What happens if the hospital stay is extended?
• How are costs related to complications handled?
• Which services are excluded?
• Are airport transfers or accommodation available?

The final cost may change if the treatment plan is revised, additional tests are required or recovery takes longer than expected.

9. How will follow-up care be managed?

Follow-up care allows the medical team to monitor healing, assess symptoms and identify complications after discharge.

Before leaving the hospital, ask:

• When is the first follow-up appointment?
• Can any appointments take place online?
• Who should I contact after returning home?
• How will reports and medical records be shared?
• Which symptoms require urgent assessment?
• Can follow-up be coordinated with my local doctor?

At Avicenna International Hospital, international patients receive information about discharge documents, postoperative communication and follow-up planning according to their procedure and clinical needs. Online consultations may be suitable in some cases, but they do not replace an in-person examination when one is medically required.

Questions to ask your anaesthesiologist

Anaesthesia is an important part of surgical planning. Before the procedure, patients may ask:

• Which type of anaesthesia will be used?
• Why is it suitable for this operation?
• What side effects or risks are relevant to me?
• How long will the effects last?
• When can I eat and drink afterwards?
• How will pain or nausea be managed?

Tell the anaesthesiologist about current medication, allergies, chronic illnesses and any previous reactions to anaesthesia.

What should you bring to the hospital?

The hospital may ask patients to bring:

• identification documents
• a passport, for international patients
• previous medical reports
• original imaging files or CDs
• pathology reports, when applicable
• a current medication list
• information about allergies
• comfortable clothing
• personal hygiene items

Additional requirements depend on the procedure and expected hospital stay.

Surgery preparation checklist

Before surgery, confirm that you understand:

• why the operation is recommended
• whether non-surgical alternatives are available
• the expected benefits and limitations
• the relevant risks and complications
• which tests are required
• how to manage current medication
• fasting and admission instructions
• the expected hospital stay
• the likely recovery period
• what the cost estimate includes
• how follow-up care will be arranged
• who to contact after discharge

The questions listed in this guide are intended to help patients prepare for discussions with their healthcare team. The answers will vary depending on the patient’s diagnosis, medical history, the planned procedure and the treating physician’s clinical assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Before making a decision

Patients should understand why surgery is recommended, what alternatives are available, which risks apply and what recovery and follow-up may involve before giving consent.

At Avicenna International Hospital, surgical planning is based on the patient’s diagnosis, medical history, examination findings and available test results. International patients can also receive information about submitting medical records, coordinating appointments, planning their visit and arranging postoperative follow-up.