Elective surgery is a procedure that’s planned ahead of time (it’s not an emergency surgery). After your evaluation, your procedure is typically scheduled anywhere from about one week to two months out, depending on how urgent your condition is and when your surgeon and the operating room are available.
“Elective” doesn’t mean optional or cosmetic—many elective surgeries are medically necessary, such as joint replacements, hernia repairs, or cataract removal.
Here are the main steps and considerations in deciding whether to proceed with elective surgery:
- Medical Evaluation:
- A healthcaregiver such as your primary care provider and/or surgeon assess your condition to determine if surgery is the best treatment option.
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., imaging, blood work) may be used to confirm the need.
- Severity and Impact:
- Deciding on surgery often depends on how much the condition affects your quality of life—pain, mobility, or daily function.
- Some elective surgeries are more urgent than others, especially if delaying them could lead to complications.
- Alternative Treatments:
- Non-surgical options like physical therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes are usually considered first.
- Patient Readiness:
- Your overall health, ability to undergo anesthesia, and recovery potential are evaluated.
- You and your doctor discuss the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
- Logistics and Timing:
- Since elective surgeries can be scheduled, timing can be coordinated around your personal and work life.
- Insurance coverage and financial planning may also influence the decision
- Shared Decision-Making:
- Ultimately, the decision is made jointly between you and your healthcare team, based on informed consent and your personal preferences.
Many surgeons reserve one primary day each week for surgery. When that schedule is full, additional cases are typically booked for the next available surgery day rather than on an “off” day—except in urgent or emergency situations.
In addition to surgery, surgeons spend significant time in clinic evaluating new patients and managing post-operative care.
Scheduling Surgery
Best to be Patient
While it’s natural to want your problem treated as soon as possible, it’s often better to wait for the right time. If you trust your surgeon, try to schedule your procedure during their regular working hours rather than at the end of a long, tiring day or on a day when they may be rushed.
Your surgeon is human, and choosing a time when they are at their best helps support the best possible outcome for you. Deciding on surgery requires patience.
Can I choose my favorite Anesthesia Provider?
In most cases, this can be arranged. It’s best to make your request as early as possible—either when scheduling your surgery or during your anesthesia consultation. This helps ensure the anesthesia team and surgery center staff are aware and can plan accordingly. They will usually do their best to accommodate your request.
Can I ask for a woman provider?
This is a common request especially from women. If you make this request in advance, it is very likely the staff will be able to comply with your wishes.
Can I schedule my day and time of surgery?
This is commonly asked by many patients. It is perfectly reasonable to ask this, but remember that many physicians do not operate every day of the week. They may be limited to certain days that fit their schedule. You may also consider that a surgeon may be better in the morning compared to the end of the day. Everyone is human and can be more prone to mistakes at the end of a long busy day.
Can I schedule surgery in my favorite hospital?
This is a good question but is totally dependent on where your doctor has privileges. This is a question you may want to ask early in your evaluation or possibly before you confirm that appointment. Most doctors have privileges in many hospitals and you may be able to go where you want, but there are no guarantees.
These steps will help you prepare for the day of your surgery and anesthesia.
