Questions for surgeon before colectomy?

I made a list of questions that I plan on asking the surgeon when I meet with one some day, maybe it will help you:

-How many of these procedures have you performed? about how many were laparascopic?

-Do you think I would be a candidate for laparascopic surgery?

-Could you show me what the scars would look like and where the stoma would likely be placed?

-Is there anything that can be done to help minimize adhesions and scar tissue?

-What are the actual risks of infertility and do you take any special steps to protect female patients further?

-What about the risk of incontinence?

-How can hernias be reduced after surgery and have you found that they are a common problem?

-Is it possible to have an epidural put in place after being put under anesthesia? I hear it is the best method of controlling post-op pain but the thought of anyone sticking anything in my spine really freaks me out, more than the idea of major abdominal surgery.

-When do you think I could return to work and what will my restrictions/limitations be?

-Where do you get ostomy supplies at? Are they covered by insurance?

-What are some other important things you feel I should know?


Good luck!!