Whenever you’re going under the knife, even for what seems like a straightforward or routine procedure, being well-prepared matters. Whether you’re consulting orthopaedic surgeons in Melbourne or a general surgeon elsewhere, asking the right questions helps you understand what’s going on and what to expect. 

Below are six broad, but essential, questions to ask your surgeon; designed to apply regardless of your particular operation. Use them as a springboard for deeper conversations specific to your case.

1. “Why am I doing this now, and what happens if I wait or do nothing?”

It’s easy to jump into “yes, let’s do the surgery” without fully understanding why. But one of your crucial rights is to explore whether surgery is really necessary right now (or at all). If your condition might improve with non-surgical care, or if the benefits of waiting outweigh the risks, that’s worth knowing.

By asking this question you’re clarifying: what is the diagnosis, what’s likely to happen if we don’t operate, and whether delaying or choosing a non-surgical path is viable.

Knowing the ‘doing nothing’ option doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll choose it but you’ll at least be informed.

2. “What are my options, including non-surgical ones?”

Once you’ve established why the surgery is being recommended, ask what alternatives exist. These might include monitoring, medication, lifestyle changes, less invasive treatments, or delaying surgery. A good surgeon will talk through all the options and help you weigh them.

Understanding all your options helps you decide what makes sense for you, given your health, lifestyle, and preferences (not just what the surgeon prefers). The Australian guidance on informed consent emphasises that patients must be informed of alternative treatments.

3. “What are the benefits, risks and likely outcomes for me?”

Here’s where you dig into the details: what good can this surgery do for you, what are the possible negatives, and realistically what outcome you should expect (based on your situation). Rather than asking just “What are the risks?”, ask what the chance is that those risks apply to you, given your age, overall health, and other factors.

In Australia, part of valid patient consent is ensuring you understand the condition, treatment, benefits and risks. Don’t hesitate to ask for statistics (if available), and ask how they apply in your case.

4. “What exactly will happen during the procedure and who will be in the room?”

It’s one thing to say what kind of operation may be performed but it’s another to ask how exactly it will happen and who will be involved. 

A good surgeon will explain: the type of anaesthetic, how they’ll access the site, how long it will take, whether they plan to do anything else at the same time, and whether they might call in additional specialists or assistants. Also, you should ask who will be present. Will it always be the same surgeon, will trainees be involved, who will look after your anaesthetic?

Understanding the procedure logistics helps you mentally prepare, ask about special preparations, and know who is accountable. Patients receiving information about how treatment is performed and who is involved is all part of the process of informed medical consent.

5. “What is the recovery plan and what will I need to do before and after?”

Surgery doesn’t end when you wake up. The recovery phase is critical and often where patients feel most uncertain. Ask what your “normal” recovery will look like: hospital stay, mobility, dressings, pain management, follow-ups, when you can return to work, exercise, and so on. Also ask if you need to do anything before surgery such as fasting or stopping certain medications.  

Pre-operative preparation and post-operative care affect your outcome and safety. If you ignore these instructions, you might increase your risk of infection or slow recovery. 

6. “What if something changes and how will I decide what to do if things don’t go to plan?”

Even the best-planned surgery can throw up unexpected issues. It pays to ask how your surgeon plans for contingencies: what backup plan is there if they discover something different in the operating theatre, or if the initial plan isn’t feasible. Also ask about how complications will be managed, and how open communication will be.

The concept of informed consent emphasises that patients need to understand what might go wrong and what happens next. By asking this, you’re clarifying expectations and setting a pathway for ongoing decision-making.

Bringing it all Together

These six questions help you step into surgery as an informed patient rather than a passive recipient.  

Here are a few extra tips to empower you on your journey.

• Take a support person with you to your pre-op consultation. Two heads often pick up things one might miss.
• Write down your questions beforehand and ask your surgeon if you can record or take notes.
• Don’t feel rushed. You have the right to think it over, ask more questions later, or seek a second opinion.
• Follow all operative instructions strictly. Even minor actions can influence outcomes.
• Keep copies of all documentation. Including the consent form, information brochures and any instructions. You should be able to review them.
• If you don’t understand something, speak up. Medical language can be dense, and a good surgeon (or any medical professional) will take the time to explain things. 

Remember, the decision to proceed with surgery is yours. Your surgeon is a guide and a professional, but the choice rests with you. By asking these questions, you help ensure you can relax with confidence, focus on recovery, and aim for the best outcome possible.