Gastrointestinal surgery consultation and preparation
We review everything you need to know ahead of your GI surgery, starting with the initial consultation with your health care provider through surgery prep.
The first time we meet many patients is during a GI surgery consultation. Our GI surgeons always start a consult aiming to diagnose the problem and curate a treatment plan for how we can help you.
Pinpointing a diagnosis is an important step to getting the treatment you need. To assess the problem, a surgeon may:
- Conduct a physical examination
- Take your medical history
- Ask you questions about your symptoms
- Review previous medical tests
- Order additional medical tests
Depending on the specifics of your case, the surgeon may discuss your diagnosis and treatment options during your initial surgery consultation or at a later date.
Penn’s multidisciplinary approach to GI surgery means different types of specialists meet in teams to discuss rare or complex cases. This system helps us personalize your treatment based on a wealth of expertise. Learn more about the full range of gastrointestinal surgery types we offer.
Once we pinpoint your diagnosis, your doctor will make sure you understand it and walk through all your treatment options. We never rush and always take the time necessary to answer your questions.
We explain:
- Surgery details, including what to expect during recovery and any impacts surgery may have on your health, now or in the future
- Potential benefits of a surgery, including results you could experience and how surgery may improve your life
- Potential risks of surgery, including common and rare side effects or complications you could experience after surgery
Once you and your doctor agree on a treatment plan, your care team will help you prepare for surgery in multiple ways. Before surgery, someone will meet with you to explain the entire care process in detail, including:
- What recovery looks like, right after surgery and in the days and weeks ahead
- How a surgery may impact your life or body functions long-term
- Steps you can take before surgery to increase your chances of a successful result
In many cases, we give you a booklet with all of these instructions and helpful tips that you can take home and review at your convenience.
Some GI surgeries may impact your diet or eating habits in the short or long term. If so, a member of our team (such as an advanced practice provider or nutrition professional) will meet with you one-on-one before surgery.
They will explain any short-term effects (such as energy loss) or long-term impacts (such as changes to your eating habits) you may experience after surgery. They can also provide ongoing support and guidance to help you manage any nutrition-related challenges after surgery.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a type of GI cancer, such as pancreatic or esophageal cancer, we offer additional support. GI cancer treatment is often complicated. Penn’s specially trained GI oncology nurse navigators guide and support you through the treatment process. Read more about navigating gastrointestinal cancer.