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Second opinion – What it is? How to go for it?

Medical ailments are treated conservatively as the first choice. Conservative treatment includes medicines, rest and other rehabilitation measures. Sometimes, certain medical conditions do not get better even after completing the recommended treatment for the specified duration. Most of the times, if possible doctors also make an attempt by other modes of treatment. However, if the condition is surgical and medical treatment has not cured, doctors may finally suggest a surgical treatment.

Surgical treatment is a measure in which a procedure is performed to operate on the required body part in order to remove the disease causing factor. A surgical treatment needs special equipments, aseptic environment, other sophisticated technologies and a specially trained medical team. Surgery is done in specialized areas called operation theatres, which are present in hospitals.

Advice for surgical treatment

Generally surgery is the last choice after everything else has failed to work. For most of the complaints medical treatment is available, which is advised initially. Some of the common ailments, in which surgical treatment is considered, are arthritis, gall stones, hernia, etc. For some ailments like eye cataract, dental surgery, etc. surgical procedure is unavoidable.

In any case, when your doctor advices a surgical treatment for you, you may feel disturbed. You may have doubts about the decision. You may have hope that this is not the only solution and that there could be another way out. You would like to know if the procedure is urgent or it can be planned a later convenient time. For all these doubts you need to talk to the specialty doctor who advised surgery and understand the situation. Also you can consider taking another opinion in the respect.

Taking a second opinion

With so many queries in mind, it is obvious that you might feel confused. Get to know the urgency of the situation and plan accordingly. You can take a second opinion from another expert and match their views.

  • You can either go for an expert, whom you or your associates have experienced before or one referred by your family physician, or based on their specialty.
  • Make sure the other experts you choose are well- qualified, competent and specialized in their job.
  • While taking their opinion, place before them every aspect of your medical condition. Show them all your medical reports, case papers and treatment taken.
  • If possible, ask their opinion rather than sharing your and your previous doctor’s views. It is very important that you get an unbiased opinion.

Once you get an opinion, you can compare their views. If they all agree that surgery is required, you are the one to decide. If there is a difference of opinion, you can ask for a better alternative from those who are not in favor of surgery. If the case is not urgent you may also be advised to wait and watch. You can talk to your family physician about the expert’s views and take help to make a fair decision.

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