I Need an Operation...Now What?: A Patient's Guide to a Safe and Successful Outcome by Thomas R. Russell, American College of Surgeons Staff

From the Publisher

A patient's guide to a safe and successful outcome

I Need an Operation . . . Now What? gives patients the information they need to boost their chances of having a successful surgical experience, with the best possible results. Written in patient-friendly, non-technical language, this book is designed to help patients understand the process of having an operation from start to finish. Inside this complete and compassionate manual, patients will learn:
• How to find a qualified surgeon who is right for their situation
• When to get, and how to go about finding a second opinion
• How to ask about the risks and benefits of having an operation...and much more!

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Carol Scott-Conner, MD, PhD (University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics)
Description:This slender paperback contains a wealth of information for anyone facing surgery. Unique features include boxes addressing "Things to Ask the Surgeon," "Insiders Tips," and "Patient Perspectives."
Purpose:The purpose is to make having an operation "an easier experience" for the reader. The author believes that informed patients will be better able to participate actively in their care, which will lead to better communication and better outcomes. The book succeeds admirably at these simple and worthy objectives.
Audience:The book is written for anyone who needs an operation. The author is a surgeon, a surgical leader, and a person who has undergone surgery himself. He is thus triply qualified.
Features:An introductory chapter is designed to put readers at ease with asking difficult questions and ascertaining the need for the procedure and the qualifications of the surgeon. It then progresses naturally through decision for surgery, choice of surgeon, preparation and day of surgery, postoperative phases (both in hospital and after discharge) . Three appendixes provide additional information and names of authoritative web sites.
Assessment:There is an amazing amount of information in this book. Specific procedures are not discussed in detail, but rather used (through the patient vignettes) to illustrate particular points. The author does not hesitate to call a spade a spade, counseling patients, for example, "Make sure all health care providers wash their handsbefore..." in one of the "Insider's Tips." I hope this book is widely distributed; it fills a needed gap in patient education material.

What People Are Saying

Along with your love and support, the greatest gift you can give a loved one or friend facing or weighing the benefits and risks of surgery is a copy of this book. With his thoughtful, clear, very accessible writing, Dr. Russell, with the American College of Surgeons, provides a wealth of informational resources that every patient can draw on. He gives excellent advice on how to ask good questions and become an informed, empowered consumer. Most importantly, he urges you, the patient, to "take control and become fully informed about your options." This book will help you do that, prepare you for the effects of surgery and how to deal with them and give you confidence as you navigate through the health care system.
—Helen Darling, president of the National Business Group on Health

Like a true professional, Dr. Russell gives surgical patients-to-be all the information and support needed to make decisions that meet their needs as only they can know them. This book is not only practical, but also highly respectful, most educational. Patients can use this book to navigate through their surgical experience while we all push for a better organized health care delivery system.
—Richard J. Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the American Hospital Association

Every year millions of Americans face the prospect of surgery with a great deal of fear and uncertainty. Dr. Thomas Russell's book provides patients and their families with critical information on such questions like "Do I need this surgery?" to "How do I protect myself from medical errors?" and "When can I go home?" Written in clear English, the book can allow people to undergo surgery with all of the information they need to help make it a safe and successful operation.
— Margaret E. O'Kane, president, National Committee for Quality Assurance

Via this well-crafted book and other expressions of his national leadership, Thomas Russell shows remarkable empathy for patients seeking to minimize their surgical risk. His practical suggestions embed great sensitivity to the public's right to know about a surgeon's prior results, to be told when unexpected events occur, and how difficult it is for many patients to advocate for themselves. Buy this book for your parents......and be prepared to borrow it back from them.
—Arnold Milstein MD, Medical Director, Pacific Business Group on Health

Product Details

• Table of Contents

Table of Contents