Pre-surgery questions to ask

Published 13 March 2026 ·Last reviewed 13 March 2026 by the editorial team ·How we create our content

At a glance

Having surgery for a colorectal condition is a significant decision. Whether it is a fissurectomy, fistulotomy, hemorrhoidectomy, LIS, or another procedure, going in with the right questions helps you feel more prepared and more in control.

This guide is a practical checklist of questions people commonly wish they had asked before their surgery. It is not about convincing you to have or avoid surgery — it is about making sure you have the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.

Before you decide: questions about alternatives

These questions help you understand whether surgery is the right step at this point, or whether other options remain.

  • Have I exhausted conservative treatments? Ask specifically which non-surgical options have been tried and why your surgeon believes surgery is now appropriate.
  • What happens if I do nothing? Understanding the natural course without surgery helps you weigh the urgency.
  • Are there less invasive options? For example, botox before LIS, or banding before hemorrhoidectomy.
  • What is the success rate for this procedure in my specific situation? General statistics may not apply to your particular anatomy or condition.

About the procedure itself

  • What exactly will you do during the surgery? Ask for a plain-language description, not just the medical name.
  • What type of anaesthesia will be used? General, spinal, or local — and why.
  • How long does the procedure take?
  • Will I go home the same day, or will I need to stay overnight?
  • Will anything be done in addition to the main procedure? Some surgeons combine procedures — for example, removing a skin tag during a fissurectomy.

About recovery

Recovery questions are the ones people most often wish they had asked more thoroughly.

  • What will the first week look like realistically? Ask for specifics about pain levels, mobility, and daily functioning.
  • How long before I can return to work? This varies enormously depending on the procedure and the type of work you do. Be specific about your job.
  • Will I need someone to help me at home? And for how long.
  • What pain management will be available? Both in hospital and once you are home.
  • What should my diet look like after surgery? Stool management is critical for most colorectal procedures.
  • When will I have my first follow-up appointment?
  • What are the signs that something is going wrong during recovery? Knowing what is normal versus what needs attention reduces anxiety significantly.

About risks

  • What are the most common complications? Ask for percentages if available.
  • What is the risk of incontinence? This is a valid and important question for any procedure involving the sphincter.
  • What is the recurrence rate? How likely is it that the condition will come back after surgery?
  • What happens if the surgery does not work? Understanding the next steps if the procedure fails helps manage expectations.

Practical questions for the day

  • What should I eat or drink beforehand? Fasting requirements vary.
  • What should I wear? Loose, comfortable clothing is usually recommended.
  • Do I need someone to drive me home?
  • What supplies should I have ready at home? Sitz bath, stool softeners, gauze, pain medication — knowing the full list in advance saves stress.

How to use this list

You do not need to ask every question on this list. Pick the ones that matter most to you and write them down. Bring the list to your appointment. If your surgeon seems rushed, you can say: “I have a few more questions — could we schedule a follow-up call?”

The goal is not to interrogate your surgeon. It is to make sure you understand what is happening, why, and what to expect. That understanding makes the entire experience — from decision through recovery — more manageable.

Common questions

What if I forget my questions during the appointment?

This is extremely common. People who write their questions down and bring the list with them describe much better outcomes from appointments. Some people also bring a trusted person who can take notes or ask follow-up questions.

Is it okay to ask for a second opinion before surgery?

Absolutely. Seeking a second opinion is a normal and reasonable part of making a surgical decision. Most surgeons expect it and will not be offended. If anything, it helps you feel more confident about the path you choose.

How many questions is too many?

There is no such thing as too many questions when it comes to surgery on your body. That said, prioritising your top five to ten questions helps make the most of limited appointment time. You can always request a follow-up appointment or send additional questions via the clinic.

Should I ask about the surgeon's experience with this procedure?

Yes. It is perfectly appropriate to ask how often your surgeon performs the specific procedure being recommended, and what their outcomes tend to look like. Surgeons who do a procedure regularly tend to have better results, and most are happy to share this information.

When to seek care Heavy bleeding or feeling faint? Get emergency help now. Emergency: 911

Not sure how urgent it is? Get help today.

  1. Emergency

    Heavy bleeding, black tarry stools, feeling faint, severe pain or trouble breathing.

    Call 911 or go to the ER.

  2. Today

    Fever, pain getting worse, a hot swollen lump, or trouble passing urine.

    Call your doctor or go to urgent care.

  3. Soon

    Bleeding or bowel changes nobody has checked, or anything lasting 3 weeks.

    Book a doctor’s appointment.

Feeling overwhelmed? Call or text 988, any time.

See all the signs

For this topic, get medical advice if you notice:

  • Symptoms that are getting rapidly worse while waiting for surgery
  • New bleeding, fever, or signs of infection
  • Severe pain that is not manageable

Recording how you feel is not the same as being checked. These are the signs that need a doctor’s attention.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room now if you have:

  • bleeding that will not stop, a lot of blood (the toilet water turns red, or you pass large clots), or any bleeding with feeling faint or dizzy
  • fainting, a racing heart or trouble breathing
  • confusion or slurred speech, extreme shivering, no urine in a day, or blotchy skin
  • sudden severe belly pain, or a swollen, hard belly with vomiting or not passing stool or gas
  • you cannot pass urine at all, or your bladder feels full and painful and you can’t empty it
  • redness, swelling or severe pain spreading quickly around your anus, genitals or groin, especially with a fever or feeling very ill
  • a fever with a painful swelling near your anus if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system (for example, from chemotherapy or transplant medicines)
  • black, tarry stools

Call your doctor or go to urgent care today (or the ER if you can’t be seen today) if you have:

  • a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, vomiting, or feeling generally unwell
  • pain that is getting worse over days, or severe pain that stops you sitting or sleeping
  • a hot, swollen or very tender lump near your anus or at the top of the crease between your buttocks, or foul-smelling discharge
  • trouble urinating
  • bleeding that is getting heavier or more frequent, or blood mixed into your stool
  • feeling much more tired than usual, looking pale, or getting out of breath more easily than you used to
  • not passing stool for several days, or new belly pain

Make an appointment with your doctor if:

  • you have never had these symptoms checked by a doctor or nurse — whatever your age
  • you have had rectal bleeding for more than 3 weeks
  • your bowel movements have been looser, thinner or more frequent than usual for 3 weeks or more, or you have lost weight without trying
  • symptoms have not settled after a week or so, or keep coming back
  • you notice a new lump near your anus, between your buttocks or in your belly, or an itch or discharge that does not clear
  • you have new leakage or trouble controlling your bowels
  • you are 45 or over, or have a family history of bowel cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, and any of these symptoms are new for you

If you are unsure, it is always reasonable to ask. If things feel overwhelming, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or chat at 988lifeline.org, any time. If you don’t feel safe, call 911.

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Discreet symptom tracking

Symptoms that come and go? Keep track, day by day.

For hemorrhoids, fissures, fistulas and other anal and rectal problems. A short, discreet email asks how things have been, and saves each answer, so you can look back at every flare and every good week in your own words. If you haven’t had your symptoms checked, see your doctor first.

  • About ten seconds a check-in. No app, no password.
  • Nothing in the subject or preview says what it’s about.
  • Each Sunday, a link to your week, ready for your next appointment.
Start tracking →

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