An elective surgery isn’t something you can put off indefinitely, like cleaning out your hall closet or learning to speak Italian. We talked to Audrey Ertel, MD, a General Surgeon with St. Elizabeth Physicians, about what factors to consider when scheduling your surgery. She also provided some bonus tips on preparing for your procedure. 

What is an “Elective Surgery,” and How is it Different from an Urgent or Emergency Procedure?

Dr. Ertel: Elective surgeries are non-urgent. They need to happen, but not right away. It’s okay to schedule an elective surgery two or three weeks after your surgeon recommends it. 

What are the Most Common Types of Elective Surgeries You Perform?

Dr. Ertel: As a general surgeon, my most common elective surgeries are gallbladder surgeries, certain hernia surgeries and minor skin procedures, such as cyst removal. I also do gastrointestinal (GI) surgeries. Examples of elective GI procedures include removing cancerous and noncancerous growths from the bowel and removing part of the colon.

What are the Risks of Delaying Elective Surgery for Too Long?

Dr. Ertel: Symptoms can worsen if you wait too long. For instance, a hernia may get bigger and more painful. A gallstone may become impacted and cause gallbladder infection.

How are Patients Involved in the Decision-Making Process? 

Dr. Ertel: The first step is for me to ensure the patient understands why they need surgery. I counsel them about the best timing. We look at the big picture together. How severe are their symptoms? When will they have time to focus on recovery? Do they have any special family events we should try to work around? 

I also want to make sure they are on board with the surgery itself. If they aren’t, I leave the decision about scheduling to them. But I give strict instructions, such as, “Call the office if you notice your symptoms getting worse.” 

How do a Patient’s Age or Existing Health Conditions Affect the Timing of Elective Procedures? 

The decision-making process may be different for older adults or people with pre-existing health conditions. For older patients, we need to think about their ability to tolerate the surgery and anesthesia. I may counsel them to hold off on surgery if the risks of anesthesia are greater than the risks of not having surgery.

If someone has a pre-existing condition, we may have to address concerns that increase their risk for surgery. For example, if they recently had a heart attack, we will delay an elective surgery until their cardiologist signs off on it. 

Our electronic medical record system provides extensive information about each patient’s condition and treatment history. I often loop in the other doctors on their care team, such as cardiologists or diabetes specialists. I might send a note saying, “Mr. Smith needs this surgery. From your standpoint, what do we need to do to get him ready?” 

How Should Patients Prepare for an Elective Surgery?

Patients focus so much attention on the recovery process. That’s understandable, but they must also focus on preparing for surgery. Your outcome depends greatly on your strength and health before the procedure. 

I encourage patients to get plenty of rest, good nutrition and hydration in the weeks before surgery. And don’t forget about exercise. You’ll get back on your feet faster if you are in good physical condition. 

How Can People Work with Their Surgeon to Ensure the Best Outcome Possible?

I think of surgery as a team sport that involves the surgeon and the patient. It’s important to find a surgeon you like and trust. 

Your pre-op appointment is a great time to talk with your surgeon about what to expect. A few good questions to ask include: 

  • Why do I need this surgery?
  • What will the day of my surgery be like?
  • What type of anesthesia will I need?
  • What will happen after surgery?
  • When will I get back to feeling like myself?

Be sure to learn as much as possible about the recovery process. Find out when you can return to your everyday activities and what to avoid in the days after surgery.

Note: The St. Elizabeth Healthcare blog, Healthy Headlines, provides additional guidance in an article called “10 Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Surgery.” 

Is There a Best Time of Year to Have Elective Surgery? 

The best time for elective surgery is when you’re ready for it — within the timeframe your surgeon recommends, if possible. That said, many people want to schedule elective surgeries toward the end of the year. As a result, surgeon schedules fill up very fast, starting in early November. 

What Signs Suggest It’s No Longer Smart or Safe to Delay?

If your symptoms are getting worse or negatively affecting your daily life, it’s time to schedule your surgery.

Dr. Ertel sees patients at the General Surgery offices at 85 N. Grand Ave. in Ft. Thomas, Ky and at 4900 Houston Rd. in Florence, Ky. She performs surgeries at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Florence Hospital and St. Elizabeth Healthcare Ft. Thomas Hospital. 

To learn more about General Surgery or to schedule a consultation, call (800) 737-7900 or visit our General Surgery page.