Colorectal Surgery In Singapore – What To Ask A Surgeon Before Making A Decision

In our Health365 Guide on selecting a top colorectal surgeon in Singapore, we mentioned the importance of having a consultation with the doctor prior to making a decision on colorectal surgery in Singapore. In this followup, we suggest some key questions that you should ask the surgeon about during the consultation.

Learn More: Colorectal Cancer In Singapore >>

Questions To Help You Understand The Surgeon’s Experience

• Ask how many colorectal cancer surgeries the surgeon had performed. This is important since experience is essential in colorectal cancer surgery as it is a complex medical procedure.
• Ask about the surgeon’s success rate for the colorectal surgeries. Understanding the surgeon’s typical outcomes may give you some valuable insight, although there may be other factors that impact that surgeon’s success rate (e.g. surgeon takes on more challenging cases).
• Confirm with the surgeon that he / she is board-certified in colorectal surgery. It is difficult for laymen to ascertain a surgeon’s qualifications. Ascertaining that the surgeon has board certification ensures that the surgeon has the requisite training and experience standards for colorectal surgery.

Questions To Help You Understand The Procedure For Your Colorectal Surgery In Singapore

• Check what type of surgery the surgeon recommends for your specific surgery. There are different surgical approaches available for colorectal cancer. The choice depending on the location and stage of the cancer. Find out from the surgeon the recommendation and the reason for it.
• Request the surgeon to explain the surgery in detail. This will help you understand the steps involved in the surgery and the potential risks and benefits. This can help you decide if the recommended procedure is for you, and if you wish to proceed with the surgeon.
• Ask if laparoscopic surgery a possible option for you. If laparoscopic surgery is feasible, you should consider it as it is minimally invasive and offers the benefit of faster recovery times and less postoperative pain.

Questions To Help You Understand The Overall Treatment Plan

• You should ask the surgeon if he / she has a team of other specialists that will be involved in your care. Colorectal cancer treatment often requires a multidisciplinary team of medical oncologists and radiologists in addition to the surgeon. You should ask the surgeon about the team members involved and their roles in your care.

Learn More: Understanding The Different Kinds Of Oncologists

Questions Regarding Postoperative Recovery And Follow-up Care 

• Ask about what to expect after surgery in terms of pain management and the surgeon’s postoperative care plan. Understanding the surgeon’s post-surgery care plan can help you ascertain his level of experience. An experienced surgeon would have a well-established plan in place to help patients in their recovery journey.
• Find out about the potential long-term side effects of the surgery. While these might not necessarily be a factor in helping you decide on a surgeon, you would nonetheless be well-served to be familiar with possibility of potential long-term effects such as bowel issues or sexual dysfunction.
• Enquire about dietary restrictions after surgery. This is another line of questioning that would be useful for you as dietary changes might be necessary after for the post-surgery. You can ask the surgeon for specific recommendations.

Contact Us For An Appointment On Colorectal Surgery In Singapore

If you are seeking to consult with a surgeon for colorectal surgery in Singapore, we can help set up an appointment. Contact us via the button below.