Making an informed choice about surgery after a car crash
A surgeon and a patient advocate on how to reach a decision you understand
Word that you need surgery can come while you’re tired, hurting and worried about your car, job and family. Your surgeon owes you a clear account of the problem the operation is meant to fix. A patient advocate checks that the explanation matches your priorities. They also help you use it to make your decision. Signing a form is only one piece of informed consent. [1, 2]
Start with the choice and how soon it must be made
Have the surgeon describe the injury in everyday words. Ask what may happen with the procedure and without it. Find out whether it’s an emergency, time sensitive or able to wait a while. If there’s time, ask about your options. Those may include surgery, a different procedure or treatment without an operation. Knowing what each path should achieve can change how a choice looks. [1, 2]
Ask what good the surgery is likely to do, which risks are most important and what remains unknown for you. Bring up your health conditions, medicines, any past trouble with anesthesia and your other crash injuries. Ask what the operation is supposed to treat: pain, stability, function or a danger to your health. One operation may not fix every symptom. [1, 2]
Picture the weeks after surgery
Get details on the hospital stay, the pain plan, wound care and therapy. Also ask about limits on bearing weight or lifting, plus driving, work and help at home. Learn who to contact if complications come up after hours. Ask what a good recovery would look like and when your progress will be reviewed. Answers like these can show whether the plan fits your life. [2]
If the choice isn’t urgent and you’re still unsure, ask if it makes sense to get a second opinion. Find out how soon you should get one. AHRQ includes a second opinion in its list of questions to think about before surgery. If your team warns that a delay could be dangerous, don’t put off care to find another opinion. [2]
Make the talk work for you
Bring someone you trust if you’d like. Ask for an interpreter or an accessible format if you need one. You can also ask for a sketch or a brief written summary. [1]
Then say the plan back in your own words. You might say: “The operation is meant to fix this problem. The main other option is this. I should call if this happens.” Correct anything you got wrong. You’re allowed to keep asking until the choice is clear to you. [1]
- Why are you recommending this procedure for me now?
- What if I choose a different option or hold off?
- What will recovery at home require of me?
Write down your top questions first
Sources and further reading
These general tips come from surgery and patient advocacy experts. In an emergency, there may be little time to talk. If the decision isn’t an emergency, ask your surgeon about your own risks and choices.
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