HOW DO I CHOOSE THE BEST SURGEON?

You or someone close have been diagnosed with cancer or a disease which requires surgery! Your general physician or a specialist could have made the diagnosis. For example, a gastroenterologist could have diagnosed colon cancer while evaluating a patient for constipation.

Next step is staging and then drawing up a treatment plan. Once this is done and the treatment plan says surgery, you try to find the best surgeon for this. Surgery might not be the first step in treatment. For example, we operate on most rectal cancers after chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy. You still need to involve the surgeon who is going to operate, at this stage.

Finding the best surgeon for you can be a complex and important process, as the surgeon you choose will play a significant role in your treatment, recovery and follow up.

Here are some steps you can take to help you find the best surgeon for your cancer treatment:

Doctors

Ask your trusted family doctor. If you have close doctor friends and relatives, they can leverage their network and help you find the surgeons specializing in the procedure you need. They are one of the best sources you can have as they understand the field from inside. Caveat here is that their recommendation is going to be predominantly from the hospital in which they work.

Friends and relatives

You can also ask for recommendations from your relatives and social circle. Especially someone who has been treated for a similar condition. Be specific about the similar condition. Not all cancers are the same, and a surgeon might be an expert in oral cancer but not in GI cancer.

You can also search for a surgeon by looking for a specific diagnosis or name of surgery you need. You can ask your doctor for the exact diagnosis or name of surgery; They usually mention it in the prescription.

Once you have a list of potential surgeons, research them further. Look for information about their education, training, and experience. The best surgeons typically have a combination of extensive training and experience in the specific type of surgery you need.

Education and training

The basic medical degree in India is MBBS. Doctors specialize in the surgical field following this. The basic surgical training is MS or DNB in basic surgical specialty. Then they super specialize in a specific domain which is MCh or DNB (super-speciality). For example, MCh or DNB in GI surgery. They might do some additional training, fellowship or observership to further hone their skills. Check the surgeon's credentials and certifications.

Experience

Look for information about the surgeon's experience with the specific type of surgery you need. You can often find this information on the surgeon's or hospital's website or by contacting their office directly. Be wary of surgeons' claim to expertise in many subspecialties. Try to find a super specialist. Look for a surgeon who specializes in the specific procedure you need.

Reviews and ratings

Read online reviews and ratings with caution. Let this only be a small component of your overall research. Currently, there is no way to look up a surgeon's complications and outcomes.

Doctors and healthcare professionals

If you are lucky, you can have a friend or acquaintance who has worked previously or is working with the surgeon.

Team

Cancer treatment today is a team effort. Besides, the surgeon, medical and radiation oncologist often are part of the treating team. Try to choose a surgeon with an equally robust team.

Hospital

Make sure that the surgeon you have chosen works in a hospital with good infrastructure.

By this time, you would have narrowed your list. Fix up a consultation with the chosen surgeons.

You want to choose a surgeon who is patient-centered and committed to providing the best possible care. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for their communication style and bedside manner. It will also allow you to compare the surgeons' answers and recommendations.

Choose a surgeon who you feel comfortable with and who you trust to provide the best possible care. Remember that it is okay to take your time and do your research to find the right surgeon for you.

• Do not just choose the first surgeon you find or have been referred to. It is important to do your research before deciding.
• Do not choose a hospital based solely on price. The cheapest hospital may not be the best option for you. Instead, focus on the surgeon's qualifications, experience, and approach to patient care.
• Do not be afraid to ask questions and seek additional information. You have the right to know as much as possible about your surgeon and the surgery they will perform.
• Do not be pressured into deciding before you are ready. Take the time you need to research and make an informed decision.
• Do not be afraid to get a second opinion. If you have any doubts or concerns about a surgeon's recommendations, it is okay to seek a second opinion from another qualified surgeon.

Overall, finding the best surgeon for you can be a challenging process, but it is important. By following these steps and doing your research, you can help ensure that you choose a surgeon who is qualified, experienced, and committed to providing the best possible care.