21 Critical Questions about Surgery

Embarking on the path to surgery is a significant decision that requires thoughtful consideration and comprehensive understanding of the process. The surgical journey extends far beyond the operating room, encompassing the period leading up to surgery, the procedure itself, and the recovery thereafter. Ensuring you’re adequately informed and comfortable with the choice you’ve made, and the medical team by your side, is fundamental. This guide aims to provide you with a set of key questions that can facilitate crucial conversations with your healthcare provider. By asking these questions, you can gain clarity about your surgical procedure, potential alternatives, associated risks, expected outcomes, and the recovery process, thereby enabling you to make an informed and confident decision about your health.

1. Who is doing the surgery?

Dr. Ben Mayo personally performs the entire procedure. As a fellowship trained orthopedic sports surgeon, he brings the highest levels of expertise and skill to each surgery. Throughout the procedure, he may be assisted by surgical assistants or physician assistants. These assistants primarily help with patient positioning, retracting, and some aspects of incision closure. However, Dr. Mayo always performs the critical parts of the surgery himself and is present from the beginning of the surgery to the end, ensuring that the utmost standards of care are upheld.

2. Where is the surgery done?

Nearly all outpatient procedures performed by Dr. Mayo take place at the Synergy or Genesys surgery centers. These state-of-the-art facilities provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient environment, equipped with the latest technology for all kinds of orthopedic procedures. It is staffed by a dedicated team of nurses, surgical assistants, and anesthesiologists, all of whom have been handpicked for their experience and commitment to patient care. Their goal, like Dr. Mayo’s, is to provide you with the highest level of care during your procedure. In rare instances due to medical conditions or availability, surgery may be done at one of the hospitals in the area that Dr. Mayo partners with.

3. Do I have to stay in the hospital?

Most of Dr. Mayo’s procedures are outpatient surgeries, meaning you can return home on the same day. However, more complex surgeries or patients with certain health conditions may require an overnight stay. This possibility will be discussed in detail before the procedure. If an overnight stay is necessary, it will take place in a well-equipped and comfortable patient care area, where a dedicated team will look after you. Regardless of the duration of your stay, your comfort and safety are our primary concerns.

4. What kind of anesthesia will I have?

The type of anesthesia used during your surgery will be chosen to ensure your comfort and safety and will depend on several factors. These include the type of surgery, your overall health, and your preferences. Most procedures are performed under general anesthesia, where you’re unconscious and completely asleep. Some procedures may be performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC), which is twilight anesthesia where you are breathing on your own, but will not remember or be aware of the surgery. Most cases also have regional anesthesia, which numbs a large area of your body so you have reduced pain during and for the day or two after the surgery. The anesthesiologist will meet with you before the surgery to discuss your anesthesia options and decide the best approach for you.

5. Who does the post-op care?

After your surgery, your orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Mayo will continue to be personally involved in your care. He will see you during your first post-operative appointment, which will be scheduled at the time of your procedure. During this appointment, he will assess your recovery, answer your questions, and provide advice on further care. Dr. Mayo also believes in a collaborative approach to post-operative care and will work closely with your other healthcare providers, such as physical therapists or your primary care physician, to ensure you’re getting comprehensive, coordinated care.

6. Are you available if I have questions before or after the procedure?

Open communication is a vital part of the care Dr. Mayo provides. He and his team are readily available to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have before or after the surgery. They can be reached via phone and email during regular office hours and have an emergency line for after-hours concerns. This commitment to communication is designed to make sure you feel informed, reassured, and well cared for throughout your surgical experience.

7. How much will it hurt?

Post-surgical discomfort varies depending on the procedure and the individual’s pain tolerance. Dr. Mayo uses advanced surgical techniques designed to minimize post-operative pain. However, you should expect some discomfort in the days immediately following surgery. You will be provided with multiple different prescriptions for pain management medications, and Dr. Mayo will carefully explain how and when to take this medication. While Dr. Mayo makes every effort to minimize the need for narcotic pain medications, some will be provided for if the pain gets too much for other pain management medications. Additionally, he will provide guidance on how to use ice and compression to minimize discomfort and promote healing. Our goal is to manage your pain effectively while also minimizing the risk of side effects and complications from pain medications.

8. How long will I be off work?

The duration of time off work will depend on the nature of your occupation and the complexity of the procedure performed. For example, if your job involves physical labor, you may need to take more time off than if you work at a desk. In general, however, most patients can return to work within a few days to a few weeks, depending on the surgery. For more physically demanding jobs, it may be several months. Dr. Mayo will discuss this with you in more detail before the procedure and will provide documentation for your employer as needed.

9. What are the possible complications?

As with any surgery, there are potential complications, such as infection, bleeding, nerve injury, blood clots, and stiffness. However, these complications are rare, especially in the hands of an experienced orthopedic sports surgeon like Dr. Mayo. His surgical techniques, combined with meticulous sterile protocol, careful patient monitoring, and detailed post-operative instructions, all serve to minimize these risks. He and his team are vigilant about spotting any signs of complications early, when they can be most effectively treated.

10. Will I have big scars?

Dr. Mayo uses minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, which results in smaller scars compared to traditional surgery. He takes care to place incisions in natural skin creases or less visible areas to minimize their cosmetic impact. The size of the scar also depends on the specific procedure and how your body heals. Even with the best technique, some people naturally form thicker or more visible scars than others. However, efforts are always made to keep the scar as small and cosmetically acceptable as possible. You’ll be given detailed instructions on scar care to help ensure your scars heal as well as possible.

11. How many of these procedures have you done?

Dr. Mayo has a wealth of experience in conducting various arthroscopic procedures and complex operations. He’s well versed in the latest techniques and regularly attends professional meetings to stay up to date on the latest advancements in orthopedic surgery.

12. Are there alternatives to surgery?

Dr. Mayo is committed to ensuring that surgery is truly the best option for each patient before proceeding. Non-surgical treatment is often the first line of treatment for many conditions. These can include physical therapy, medications, lifestyle changes, and injections. If appropriate, Dr. Mayo will refer you to physical therapists or other specialists for non-surgical treatments. If these alternatives do not provide adequate relief, then surgery may be recommended.

13. When can I resume physical activities?

The timeline for resuming physical activities will be based on the nature of your surgery and individual recovery progress. Typically, light activities such as walking can be resumed quite soon after surgery, while more strenuous activities will need to wait until your body has healed sufficiently. Dr. Mayo will monitor your recovery and give you clear guidance on what activities you can safely undertake at each stage of your recovery. He will work closely with any physical therapists involved in your care to ensure this advice is coordinated and appropriate.

14. What kind of rehabilitation/physical therapy will I need?

Rehabilitation requirements are unique to each surgery and patient. Some procedures, especially those involving the joints, often require structured physical therapy to regain strength, flexibility, and function. Your rehabilitation plan will be individualized based on your procedure, your personal goals, and your general health. This plan will be designed to promote optimal healing and function, and may include a combination of supervised therapy sessions, home exercises, and modifications to your daily activities.

15. How long will the surgery take?

The duration of surgery can vary widely depending on the procedure being performed. Minor arthroscopic procedures might take only an hour, while more complex reconstructive surgeries could take several hours. Dr. Mayo will give you a more specific estimate during your pre-surgery consultation. Please remember, though, that there will also be preparation time before the surgery and recovery time afterwards, so plan on the entire process taking several hours from when you arrive for surgery until you are ready to go home.

16. What is the expected recovery time?

Recovery timelines are unique to each patient and the specific procedure. Minor procedures may have you feeling back to normal within a few weeks, while more extensive surgeries may require a few months for a full recovery. During your consultation, Dr. Mayo will provide a detailed recovery plan, which will include an estimate of how long you should expect to take off work, when you can resume regular activities, and what kind of help you might need at home during your recovery.

17. What kind of follow-up care will I receive?

Follow-up care after surgery is a critical part of your recovery. You should have your first followup appointment scheduled before you get your surgery. At this appointment, he will check on your recovery, answer any questions you have, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Depending on your procedure, you may have additional follow-up appointments over the next weeks and months. These appointments are a crucial part of ensuring you are healing properly and that you are on track to achieving the best possible outcome from your surgery.

18. Can my family be with me on the day of the surgery?

Yes! Having a friends, family member, or significant other with you can provide emotional support and help you feel more at ease. They are welcome to be with you before and after your surgery. For surgery specifically, you will need someone who can drive you to and from the procedure, and who will be available to help you for the first few days after surgery. This will be discussed during your pre-operative visit.

19. What kind of pre-operative testing is necessary?

Pre-operative testing is performed to ensure that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery and to help plan the procedure. The type of tests you’ll need will depend on your overall health, your age, and the specific procedure. These may include blood tests, imaging studies like an X-ray or MRI, and cardiovascular tests like an EKG or echocardiogram. If you have certain health conditions, you may also need to be evaluated by a specialist, such as a cardiologist, before your surgery.

20. How soon before surgery do I need to stop taking my medications?

Many medications can continue to be taken as usual before surgery, but some may need to be adjusted or stopped temporarily. For example, blood thinners and certain other medications may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, and medications that affect your immune system could affect your healing. During your pre-operative consultation, Dr. Mayo will review your medications with you and provide specific instructions. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure your surgery goes smoothly.

21. Should I get a second opinion?

Seeking a second opinion before surgery is completely reasonable and often encouraged. It can provide additional reassurance and clarity about your diagnosis and treatment plan. A second opinion may confirm the original diagnosis and treatment plan, offer different treatment options, or even suggest a different diagnosis. This can be especially beneficial for complex or rare conditions, or when the proposed surgery is extensive or risky.

Dr. Mayo is very supportive of patients who want to seek second opinions. He understands that the decision to have surgery is significant and wants his patients to feel comfortable and confident in their treatment plan. He can provide you with your medical records and any other information needed for the second opinion. If the second opinion differs from his, he is more than willing to discuss and review the different treatment plans with you. He will even offer up names of other excellent surgeons in the area. If you have already seen another surgeon, and would like to schedule a second opinion with Dr. Mayo, please contact our office to do so.

Remember, any reputable medical professional will respect your right to a second opinion and won’t be offended or discourage you from seeking one. After all, healthcare decisions should be collaborative and patient-centered. It’s your body, and you have the right to be fully informed and confident in your healthcare decisions.

Dr. Mayo and his team are dedicated to making your surgical experience as safe, effective, and comfortable as possible. If you are considering undergoing orthopedic surgery, it’s essential to seek expert opinion from a fellowship trained surgeon such as Dr. Ben Mayo. As an expert in complex disorders of the knee, shoulder, hip, and elbow, Dr. Mayo is pleased to offer state-of-the-art techniques to his patients in the Detroit area. Contact his office today to learn about how he can help you return to the activities you love. He sees athletes and patients of all ages at his offices in Sterling Heights and Livonia, and regularly treats patients from the surrounding communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, and Royal Oak. Please call or make an appointment online today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mayo.