Detailed information on postoperative discomforts and potential complications, including shock, hemorrhage, wound infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary complications, urinary retention, and reaction to anesthesia

The decision to have surgery is an important one. Here is a checklist to help you prepare. You'll need to arrange a time for any preoperative lab tests and for an interview with the anesthesiologist. Check with your health plan regarding costs and coverage of the surgery.

Detailed information on the most common surgical procedures, including appendectomy, breast biopsy, carotid endarterectomy, cataract surgery, cesarean section, cholecystectomy, coronary artery bypass surgery, debridement of wound, dilation and curettage,

Detailed information on discharge planning after surgery

Glossary of terms relating to surgery

Detailed information on surgery, including surgery statistics, surgery questions, preoperative management, intraoperative management, and postoperative management

Detailed information on intraoperative management

Minimally invasive surgery is a relatively new approach that allows the patient to recuperate faster with less pain. Not all conditions are suitable for this type of surgery.

List of online resources to find additional information on surgery

Detailed information on other techniques of surgery, including laser surgery and electrosurgery

Detailed information on outpatient surgery

It's normal to expect a certain amount of pain after surgery, but if the pain does not subside with pain medication, you may have a more serious problem. Your doctors and nurses will ask about your pain because they want you to be comfortable.

Detailed information on postoperative management

Detailed information on preoperative management

How should you prepare for surgery? That depends on the type of surgery and type of anesthesia that will be used.

Surgery may be recommended for a variety of reasons—among them, to help with a diagnosis, to take a biopsy of a suspicious lump, to remove diseased tissues or organs, or to remove an obstruction.

It's important to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with your doctor before having surgery. Take notes, or ask a family member or friend to accompany you and take notes for you. You can also bring a tape recorder, so you can review information later.

Detailed information on recovering from surgery and intensive care

Detailed information on surgery, the different types of surgery, the surgical setting, and the purpose of surgery

Statistics relating to surgery

Many surgeons order routine laboratory tests before admission to the hospital, or even before certain outpatient procedures, to identify potential problems that might complicate surgery if not detected and treated early.

Detailed information on the day of surgery and what to expect in the operating room

Detailed information on the surgical setting and the options that may be available to the patient, including outpatient surgery, inpatient surgery, ambulatory surgery, and specialty surgery centers

The surgical team is made up of a surgeon, an anesthesiologist, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and an operating room nurse.

Detailed information on surgery, including surgery statistics, surgery questions, preoperative management, intraoperative management, and postoperative management

During surgery, you will be given some form of anesthesia—medication administered for the relief of pain and sensation during surgery. The type and dosage of anesthesia is determined by the anesthesiologist.

Detailed information on the different types of surgery, including surgical diagnosis, optional surgery, elective surgery, required surgery, urgent surgery, or emergency surgery