Frequently asked questions

Prior to surgery

1. What is the name of the surgical procedure?
2. Are there any non-surgical options to treat my condition?
3. Why do I need surgery?
4. How soon should surgery take place?
5. How long should I see a physiotherapist to help prepare my pelvic floor for surgery?
6. What might happen if I delay or avoid the surgery?
7. What results should I expect from the surgery?
8. Are there any less invasive surgery options?
9. What is the next step if this surgery doesn’t work?
10. How much does the surgery cost? (For countries where surgery is not free of charge)
11. Will my insurance cover the surgery? What part of the surgery will it cover?
12. Can it be done on an outpatient basis, and is that less expensive?
13. Where will surgery be performed?
14. How is the surgery done (laparoscopy or open surgery)?
15. What kind of anaesthesia will be used (general, local, etc)?
16. How long will the procedure take?
17. What is the success rate of this procedure?
18. What are the risks associated with this surgery?
19. How much experience does the surgeon have with this procedure?
20. Will you guarantee it will be my consultant and not an understudy performing the surgery on me?
21. Has the procedure been done often in this hospital or surgery centre?
22. What complications might develop (both immediate and long-term)?
23. If a biopsy is being done, when can I expect to hear the results, and will my doctor call me?
24. Can physiotherapy and a pessary replace my surgery?
25. Will you be using any kind of mesh inside me? If so which brand and is it safe?

At home post-surgery

1. What kind of care will I need at home?
2. Are there any activity limitations?
3. What is the maximum weight I can lift?
4. How soon can I go back to work?
5. How soon can I resume driving my car?
6. How soon can I eat a regular meal?
7. How soon can I resume regular activities?
8. What symptoms should I watch for and report?
9. Should I keep a daily diary of my progress?