Fayetteville Urology Clinic: Questions To Ask A Urologist Before Going into Surgery

A urologist is a medical professional who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases that affect the urinary tract and men’s reproductive system. 

If you have bloody urine and experience painful urination, your physician will recommend you to see a urologist. Men who experienced erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate will also be advised to do the same.

Urologists, like those from ampofny.com, are trained to conduct surgeries involving the urinary tract and the male reproductive system. Depending on their findings, the urologist can facilitate nephrectomy (removal of kidney), ureteral stent placement (insertion of a thin tube to normalize urine flow from the kidney), and orchiopexy (removal of the undescended testicle) among others.

If your urologist from Fayetteville scheduled you for surgery, set your expectations by asking the right questions. Having more information about the surgery will keep anxiety at bay, which increases the success rate of the surgery. 

Take the time to ask the following questions to your urologist:

1. What Operation is Being Recommended?

Before you undergo surgery, it’s important to know what the surgery is. Saying “yes” to any surgery just because your urologist recommended it isn’t the best way to go. The more you know about the surgery, the better.

If you’re going to undergo nephrectomy, ask what the surgery is all about. How is the surgery being administered? Are there different methods for nephrectomy? Why did your urologist favor one method over the other? All of these related questions should be answered by your urologist before the surgery. 

2. Why Do You Need To Undergo The Surgery?

There are different reasons why your urologist will recommend you to undergo surgery. For nephrectomy, for example, you might be one of the 73,820 adults who are diagnosed with kidney cancer in the US. In some cases, nephrectomy can also be recommended to people who have damaged kidneys or severe high blood pressure.

The reason why you’re going to undergo the surgery is something that you should also inquire from your urologist. Generally, a specific surgery is given to a patient in order to slow down the development of life-threatening medical conditions or improve their bodily functions.

Have your urologist explain to you the importance of the surgery and why it’s needed for your current medical condition. Asking this question helps understand how exactly will the surgery improve your medical condition and quality of life.

3. How Can You Prepare For The Surgery?

Preparation can make or break the success of your upcoming surgery. Aside from being physically fit, it’s also important to prepare your mind for your surgery.

Ask your urologist if there are certain foods or medications to avoid days before the surgery. 

Inquire if you need to stop smoking as a preparation for the surgery. Don’t forget to ask if you’re required to fast or limit your liquid intake before the surgery.

You should also heed your mental preparedness for your surgery. If you already know what the surgery is and how it’ll affect your overall health, it’ll be easier for you to condition your mind. It’s also important to inform your friends and family about the surgery since you’ll depend on their assistance after the surgery. 

Regardless of how minor your surgery is, don’t expect that you can immediately return to your daily routine after the surgery. Set realistic expectations and remember that you’ll need some time to fully recover.

4. How Long Will You Stay in the Hospital?

The time you’re going to spend in the hospital is an important question to ask. This is especially true if you’re a full-time parent or employee who currently has a lot on their plate.

Ask your urologist how many days or weeks will you need to be in the hospital. For example, will you be recommended to undergo tests after the surgery? Are you expected to recover at the hospital, or can you do it at home? Do you need to undergo another surgery after the first one?

When you already have an idea of the number of days you’re going to stay in the hospital, it’ll be easier for you to change your schedule and inform your employer. You’ll be able to recover faster if you’re not stressing about your responsibilities at home or work.

Meet Your Responsibilities

After the surgery, keep in mind that you still have to follow the urologist’s orders. You might be required to take medications or avoid certain activities while recovering. Make sure that you follow all of these so you can return to your lifestyle as soon as possible!