Appendix B — Questions You May Want to Ask Your Surgeon

A patient prompt list. Photocopiable. Written at about a sixth-grade reading level.

It is normal to have questions. Many people forget them once they are in the clinic. Tick the questions that matter to you and bring this sheet to your appointment. You can also bring a family member to help you remember the answers. No question is too small.

About my problem

☐ What is my problem called?

☐ What caused it?

☐ What will happen if I do nothing?

About my choices

☐ What are my choices?

☐ What are the good and bad points of each choice?

☐ How likely are these to happen to me?

☐ Is there a treatment without an operation?

About the operation

☐ What will you do in the operation?

☐ Will it be keyhole or open surgery?

☐ Who will do my operation?

☐ How often do you do this operation?

☐ Will I need a bag (stoma) or a drain?

Getting ready

☐ Which medicines should I stop, and when?

☐ When should I stop eating and drinking?

☐ Can I fast in Ramadan before or after the operation?

☐ What should I bring to the hospital?

After the operation

☐ How long will I stay in hospital?

☐ How much pain should I expect, and what will help?

☐ When can I shower, drive, pray normally, travel, and go back to work?

At home

☐ Which signs mean I should call you?

☐ Which number do I call, and who answers at night?

☐ When and how will I get my results?

My own questions