How to make an informed decision about neurosurgery
What you need to know about your diagnosis, recovery and options before having brain surgery or spine surgery:
It's your body - have you made a responsible and informed decision in order to have the correct treatment?
An informed decision is a gradual process. The first step is made when choosing to see Dr. Cochrane. With his help, expertise and guidance, you will be taken through a comprehensive decision making process.
Diagnosis
Dr. Cochrane will diagnose and explain your condition. Please listen carefully during the consultation and thoroughly read the information sheets that may be provided to you. Do not be afraid to ask questions or seek further information with additional consultations or through the Internet. Not all conditions require surgical treatment. You may be advised or choose not to proceed with surgery. You may prefer the option of medical treatment using injections or tablets, with observation of your condition by review appointments and repeat imaging.
Recovery
Whether you require medical or surgical treatment, there must be a firm commitment from you to work towards recovery. Medical treatment can help relieve your symptoms, but may not be able to heal your body to its former condition.
Following medical or surgical treatment, you must make a physical and mental commitment towards regaining your lost abilities/functions. It is your effort, your lifestyle choices and the severity of your condition that will ultimately determine the final outcome of your preferred choice of treatment.
As the patient, you are the only person who can decide which treatment is the best for you. We believe that it is essential that you understand and participate in decisions involving your health care. You will ultimately be asked to make the final decision about your treatment therefore it is important that you ask questions about anything you do not understand.
Your family and friends may also be a part of this decision making process and we encourage you to bring a support person to consultations and discuss your treatment options with them. We prefer that you do not make "on the spot" decisions. If you choose to proceed with surgery, your family and friends will also play a very important role in offering support and encouragement to you during the post-operative rehabilitation phase of your treatment.
Options
Deciding whether to proceed with surgery means weighing up the risks and benefits of each procedure offered to you.
Here are just some of the answers you should discover about your situation:
- Do you have any major health problems?
- Have you informed us of the medications that you are taking - especially Aspirin and Warfarin?
- What are the alternative treatments for your condition?
- What is the natural history of your condition without any treatment?
- What is the success of the procedure?
- What are the risks or complications of the procedure?
- How long is the operation?
- How long will you be in hospital?
- Who are the anaesthetist, assistant and physician helping Dr. Cochrane with your operation and hospital stay?
- How long is the recovery?
- When can you go back to work?
- When can you resume normal activities, including sport?
- Do you have a positive mental attitude towards your planned procedure?
- Are you prepared to set realistic goals?
- Are you prepared to participate in recommended exercise or rehabilitation regimes to achieve an anticipated outcome?
Once you have the answers to these questions, you are now able to make an informed decision and sign the consent form for the operation.