Addressing Patient Fears About Surgery

Facing surgery can be daunting, and it's entirely normal for patients to feel worried. In my work, I frequently hear concerns ranging from anxiety about the procedure itself to fear of post‑operative outcomes. This post aims to provide a reassuring, clear conversation about what you can realistically expect—focusing on transparency, empathy, and practical guidance.

Common Concerns GPs Often Hear

• Fear of the unknown or general anxiety

– Patients worry: “What if something goes wrong?”

– Uncertainty about the surgeon’s experience, the hospital environment, or results.

• Pain and recovery fears

– Questions like: “Will it hurt?” or “How long until I’m back on my feet?”

– Worries about dependence on pain medication or delayed healing.

• Complications and risks

– Concerns about infection, blood clots, anaesthetic reactions, or needing further surgery.

• Impact on daily life

– Anxiety about time off work or caring responsibilities.

– Financial pressure and worries about physical independence.

• Feeling unheard or misunderstood

– A sense that their fears are trivial or being brushed aside.

How to Reassure Patients Effectively

• Validate their emotions

Let them know it’s okay to feel nervous. Normalising these thoughts helps build trust.

• Share realistic reassurance

Highlight that most elective surgeries go well, with low complication rates.

Use relatable statistics: e.g., “Over 95% of joint replacements have positive outcomes.”

• Explain the process clearly

Step-by-step explanations:

1. Pre‑op assessment & tests
2. Anaesthesia (options and safety measures)
3. Post‑op care, pain management, and rehabilitation timeline

• Use visual aids

Diagrams, videos or models help demystify the work behind incisions or prostheses.

• Discuss pain management truthfully

Emphasise risks and benefits:

Short‑term discomfort is typical.

Non‑opiate strategies: ice, elevation, nerve blocks, gentle exercise.

Most patients wean off pain meds within weeks—or even days.

• Set realistic expectations

“Here’s a typical case: by week six, most are walking unaided; by three months, many return to low-impact sports.”

• Empower through preparation

Encourage healthy habits beforehand:

– Gentle activity, good nutrition, optimised sleep, quitting smoking if relevant.

• Tell relatable stories

“I had a patient who was really scared, but by week two she was surprised how mobile she felt.” These anecdotes can be transformative.

• Emphasise safety protocols

– Sterile theatres

– Antibiotic use

– VTE prevention

– Experienced anaesthetic team

– Surgical checklists all reinforce safety.

• Encourage questions

Ask them to write down queries before appointments. That way you cover everything important.

When to Involve the Surgeon Early

Signs to Accelerate Referral:

• Major anxiety that speech therapy, psychology, or presurgical counselling might help
• Specific dangers tied to comorbidities (e.g., cardiac or lung risk)
• High-risk operations (e.g., revision hip/knee, shoulder replacements, fracture fixation)
• Patient wants to meet the surgeon first to build rapport

Surgeon Collaboration Tips:

• A direct question to the surgeon:
• “In your experience, what percentage of patients experience complications like infection?”
• Enables accurate, experience-based reassurance.
• Surgeons can reinforce the recovery plan and share advanced strategies: physiotherapy, gradual return to sport, or outpatient rehab.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will I be in pain after surgery?

A: You’ll feel some discomfort, but we manage this carefully with multimodal pain relief—combining medications, nerve blocks, and simple techniques like ice packs and elevation. Most people reduce use of strong painkillers within a week or two.

Q: How risky is surgery really?

A: Every procedure carries some risk, but complications are uncommon—typically under 2–5% for routine orthopaedic surgeries. Most issues, if they arise (like infection), can be treated effectively.

Q: How long before I can exercise or return to work?

A:

– Desk jobs: often within 2–4 weeks

– Active roles: generally 6–8 weeks

– Impact sports: 3–6 months depending on the procedure

Dr Khoo will tailor these timelines to your recovery progress.

Q: Can I eat and drink before surgery?

A: You'll be told to fast—commonly no solids for 6 hours and no clear fluids for 2 hours pre‑op. Always follow the instructions from the surgical or anaesthetic team exactly.

Q: I have health issues (e.g., diabetes)—will this affect surgery?

A: It may slightly increase risks like infection or delayed healing. That’s why we collaborate with your GP or specialists to stabilise everything before proceeding.

It’s natural to feel apprehensive about surgery. But with clear information, empathy, and teamwork between your GP and surgeon, your fears can transform into confidence.

If you're worried, talk to Dr Khoo early—about risk, pain control, or recovery. The earlier we connect, the better we tailor your treatment plan.