Surgery originally meant treatment by opening up a part of the body, traditionally by making an incision on the body surface to examine or operate on the part of the body affected by the lesion. However, surgery has changed so much in the last few decades that a significant number of procedures no longer require an incision. This change can make patients uncomfortable or confused by the novelty and amount of information available. If you have been told that you need surgery, or are considering surgery yourself, you expect to have many questions and even to feel intimidated by the process. The process of planning for surgery may be complex and stressful, but the fact is that hundreds of people are undergoing surgery every day, and the process is often important for health enhancement or improvement. Common terms used in surgery Before considering surgery, it’s a good idea to understand some of the terminology involved so that you can have a better understanding of the planned procedure. Here are some commonly used terms related to surgery: 1. Inpatient surgery: This type of surgery means that the patient needs to stay in the hospital for at least one day, and most open or minimally invasive surgeries are now considered inpatient. 2.Day surgery: This type of surgery is performed in a hospital or surgery center, and the patient can go home after waking up from anesthesia, such as painless gastroscopy or cystoscopy, small bladder tumor removal, and laser vaporization of the prostate. While people currently go to hospitals for surgery in China, there are already insurance-approved third-party surgery centers abroad where it is just as safe to receive surgery and will be available in China in the near future. They tend to be simple and quick operations, but they may also be highly sophisticated minimally invasive surgeries such as robotic surgery, or even oncology surgery. 3. Minimally invasive surgery: This type of surgery is performed with several small incisions instead of the traditional large incisions, such as laparoscopic surgery. It may also be performed through the natural lumen without an incision, such as ureteroscopic stone extraction. Usually minimally invasive surgery has a faster recovery than traditional open surgery. 4. Robotic surgery: The surgeon performs the surgery by controlling a robotic arm, rather than an intelligent robot operating on its own. The robotic arm overcomes the tremors, fatigue and cornering limitations of the human hand and therefore shows excellent results. 5. Elective surgery: This type of surgery is not medical in nature and is done for cosmetic or life-enhancing purposes, i.e. it is not necessary. Deciding on surgery When considering surgery, it means that you or your relatives need treatment in the medical sense, for example pain can be relieved by surgery, and even life may be prolonged, and is the reason why other patients undergo surgery every day. Of course with cosmetic or orthopedic surgery, for example, you are considering surgery because you are not very happy with your image. If a patient is unsure about whether to have surgery, a second opinion (a second opinion or 2nd opinion from another surgeon) is quite important. Of course, a second opinion means getting a second opinion from another doctor. It may seem illogical to do this for the sake of not having surgery, but for patients who want to avoid surgery anyway, it is a rare option and an opportunity to find out if there are alternatives. In China, if you do this, you may have to run to other hospitals to register or ask friends of doctors you know. In the United States, second opinions are a protected practice by most insurance agencies, although there is little difference in the level of training of doctors. However, second opinions don’t always work, and sometimes they even become tangled. If a patient truly does not want surgery, it is perfectly fine to say “no.” Even though surgery may be beneficial, it is not uncommon for patients to choose not to have surgery for their own factors or reasons. It is every patient’s right to say “no” to surgery, despite the objections of a relative or friend, and you are the one who makes the final decision. For patients who do not object to surgery, the preference is generally for a less invasive option. Many patients will put surgery last rather than first; physical therapy, medications, and life changes are all considerations for them. Surgical Stages Doctors often divide surgery into different stages so that the tasks can be broken down at different times, and you can refer to them as well. 1. Pre-operative phase The pre-operative phase is the best stage to prepare for the best results of the surgery and spend time trying to find the most suitable surgeon to perform the surgery on you. During this phase you will have the opportunity to meet with the surgeon and learn about the risks of surgery; discuss with the anesthesiologist the type of anesthesia and the risks; ask who will be in charge, where it will be done, the possible recovery status, and so on. And it’s also a chance to explore alternatives or determine if surgery is the most appropriate option. You also have to consider the cost and confirm the reimbursement from your health insurance or commercial insurance; arranging to take time off is not just a matter of timing, and it’s a good idea to check with your boss or leader to see if you’ll still be paid for the leaving phase. Doctors often don’t know the costs in great detail, and it’s best to check with the inpatient department or health insurance staff if you need to, including any hidden costs. Although basically the same for residents of the city, health insurance can vary from hospital to hospital, such as hospital level, different administrative areas, etc. Commercial insurance is even more important to ask the insured company beforehand and call them directly. If you are self-paying, you should be in close contact with your doctor and hospital in terms of cost control. In the United States, the same basic health insurance and commercial insurance will be available. Surgery may also require emotional preparation. People are different. Some people are unconcerned about surgery, while others need to be prepared in advance, including the recovery phase. Children often need help to avoid fear and anxiety before surgery, and to match his/her age and comprehension. In addition to choosing the right surgeon, proper physical preparation is essential for a successful surgery and quick recovery. This means adjusting health to the best possible condition, including quitting smoking, exercising, and controlling blood sugar. Being in better health at the time of surgery means a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and better long-term outcomes. Make arrangements to go home. Empty nesting is becoming more and more common in China, and patients should be prepared for a smooth return home. Most common outpatient surgeries are not a problem, but for patients who require braces or a certain amount of time in the hospital after surgery, pre-operative planning and preparation is necessary. If you have pets at home, find a good caregiver; if you can’t lift things after surgery, prepare a helper; and make an appointment for a car and driver. 2.Surgical phase This phase involves the anesthesia and the surgical operation itself from the time you enter the operating room to the end of the surgery and the completion of the anesthesia. The work of the surgeon you choose and the anesthesiologist who knows you well will be rewarded for your careful preparation. 3. Post-operative phase Once your surgery is over, you will enter the post-operative phase. You will be transferred to a suitable location for recovery from the surgery, and often this is when many people are surprised to find that the surgery is over. This phase will continue depending on your recovery, with some people just sleeping for a while and going home, while others will need physical therapy or rehabilitation. For most patients, concerns about post-surgical pain are expressed both before and after surgery, and pain management is performed by the surgeon. Because postoperative pain is common, there are many ways to control it. Good control of pain is useful to avoid postoperative pneumonia (fear of coughing). Other post-operative problems, such as constipation, are also well managed. Know your recovery plan. Some people need to recover in a rehabilitation facility after surgery, while most people are home under the care of loved ones is sufficient. It can be helpful to know the length of the recovery period and what type of venue for recovery. The goal after surgery is usually to achieve or better than preoperative function, such as clear urination due to urinary retention after elimination of prostate surgery and disappearance of low back pain after urinary tract lithotripsy. Surgery is the ultimate solution for surgical disorders, medical advice given through the judgment of a professional doctor. It is very important to adopt or not, second opinion, find the best doctor, etc. Our country is undergoing a healthcare reform that means profound changes in the habits and ways of accessing medical care for the general public, including many aspects such as the professionalism of doctors, medical venues, health insurance, appointment systems and Internet integration. In addition to this, in order to undergo surgery, patients themselves should prepare accordingly.