If you're considering having an operation or your GP has suggested you may need surgery, this guide is for you.
It will take you through all the steps in the process, from referral to recovery, so you're fully prepared and know what questions to ask at each stage.
Before you start the treatment journey, you'll need to decide which hospital you'd like to be referred to. Our tips on choosing a hospital should help, and you can compare hospitals based on a range of performance measures, such as infection rates and patient satisfaction (see box, left, for an explanation of how to use this service).
Once you've chosen your hospital, your GP will refer you to see a specialist at this hospital.
Find out more about each stage of the treatment journey by following the below steps:
- Seeing a specialist - an initial consultation to discuss your treatment options and agree what's right for you.
- Preparing for surgery - what to do in the days leading up to surgery, and your pre-operative assessment.
- Day of the operation - arriving at hospital, information for visitors, and what happens before you go into theatre.
- After surgery - coming round from the operation and being discharged from hospital.
- Getting back to normal - general advice and typical recovery times.
