At some point in your life, you will probably have to consider having an operation. The good news is—the more you know about what to expect, the better your surgical outcome will be. And, the more satisfied you'll be with your results! That goes for any type of procedure you may have, from cataract removal, to a gallbladder operation or a prostatectomy.

PDRhealth is pleased to offer the following excerpts from I Need an Operation... Now What? A Patient's Guide to a Safe and Successful Outcome, co-published by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and Thomson Healthcare Inc.

• Patients' Bill of Rights: Your rights do matter! Once you know what you're entitled to do and know, it will be easier to ask questions about your treatment options, your care, your health plan, and more.
  
  
• How to Find a Qualified Surgeon: You want someone you trust, someone who is qualified to treat your condition. Should you go with your doctor's referral, or your neighbor's recommendation? How do you begin to find the right person?
  
  
• What Are Your Options for Anesthesia? Don't ignore this critical part of your operation. Learn about the different types of anesthesia, their benefits and drawbacks, so you can knowledgably talk to the anesthesia provider and know what to expect.
  
  
• How to Prevent Medication Errors: Protect yourself from receiving the wrong drug or the wrong dose! Hospitals try their best—so can you. At the top of the list, make sure your care provider checks your ID bracelet before you get medication.
  
  
• Glossary of Medical Terms: This thorough list of medical terms, from abdomen through X ray, will help you better understand your doctor, your surgeon, your nurses, and your entire surgical experience.
  
  
• Insiders Tips: Learn about the best time to schedule your operation. See why your hospital's patient-to-nurse ratio is so important. Find out what you can do to guard yourself against infection. And many more, must-have tips!
  
  

Want to know more? Order the book, I Need an Operation... Now What? A Patient's Guide to a Safe and Successful Outcome, written by Thomas R. Russell, MD, FACS, the executive director of the American College of Surgeons.

Over his 35-year career as a surgeon, Dr. Russell explained the process of having an operation to thousands of patients. Now YOU will be privy to details that can help you enjoy a more positive surgical experience, including:

• what to expect during the hospital's admitting process
• how to prepare for a blood transfusion
• whether to make a living will
• what restrictions you may face at home
• post-op symptoms that warrant immediate medical care

Ease your fears and get answers to your questions. Be an informed consumer. Get I Need an Operation... Now What? A Patient's Guide to a Safe and Successful Outcome today!