How do I know if surgery is right for me?

There are several important factors that come into play when deciding whether surgery is the right option for you. One of the most important factors is your health. Being in good health greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during surgery and leads to a speedy recovery. Next, you need to ask yourself what is your level of pain, discomfort, disability, or functional loss. Then, you need to understand the common and not so common risks of surgery and the healing process. Finally, you should be able to express your expectations to your physician. You should not proceed until you understand to potential risks for a procedure, and have a clear understanding of a reasonable expectation for what can hopefully be achieved.