Medical Second Opinion

You have every right to feel confident when making critical decisions about your health. A medical second opinion is a rigorous reassessment of a diagnosis or recommended treatment plan by another physician who is an expert in the field.

This process not only confirms the current diagnosis but also helps to bring to light alternative treatment methods, if any.

Why Should You Get a Second Opinion?

The medical world is rapidly evolving, and every case is unique. Seeking a second opinion in the following situations can increase your resolve:

• If you want to be sure of your diagnosis: In complex or rare diseases, confirming the diagnosis is vital.
• To Evaluate Treatment Options: If the proposed treatment method (e.g., major surgery) worries you, you can inquire about less invasive or current alternatives.
• If the Recovery Process Isn't Going as Expected: If you feel you're not getting results from your current treatment, a different perspective may offer a new roadmap.
• For Inner Peace: To eliminate the question "Was there another way?" from your mind during your health journey and to begin treatment with high motivation.

• Talk to your doctor and anesthesiologist: Knowing and talking to the surgeons who will be performing your operation can help reduce your pre-operative stress. It's also important for determining the procedures that will be performed during the surgery. It's also important to inform your doctor if you have any existing chronic conditions or are taking any medications.
• Do not skip your medications: Depending on your existing health problem, your doctor may recommend pre-operative medication if deemed necessary. Prophylactic measures, such as pre-operative antibiotic use, help reduce the risk of post-operative complications. Individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes should continue taking their medications as recommended by their doctor before surgery.
• Follow the dietary plan: Some surgeries require that no food or water be consumed beforehand. Therefore, if your doctor has instructed you not to consume any solid or liquid food before surgery, you must follow this instruction. When you are warned not to drink water or eat food before surgery, you should not consume any food or drink whatsoever, including small snacks. In cases where there are no dietary restrictions, you can support your health by maintaining a regular and balanced diet.
• Avoid harmful habits: Smoking slows down the mechanisms responsible for tissue repair in the body. Smoking can negatively impact the post-operative recovery process. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid smoking during the pre-operative preparation period. Similarly, it is advisable to avoid alcohol consumption during the pre-operative period, as it strains the metabolism and interacts with certain medications.
• Maintain your physical activity: Before surgery, you can engage in light physical activities such as walking. Relaxing exercises like meditation can also help reduce your stress levels.
  
• Get balanced sleep and rest: Ensuring you get enough sleep and rest during and after surgery can help you recover quickly.

Medical Second Opinion Sections

• Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Internal Medicine
• General Surgery
• Gynecology and Obstetrics
• Child Health and Diseases
• Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Pulmonary Diseases
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Urology
• Orthopedics

• General anesthesia: This is a type of anesthesia where the individual's consciousness is suppressed throughout the operation, and they feel nothing related to the surgery. The person does not know or remember what is happening during the operation. General anesthesia is often preferred during extensive surgeries involving areas such as the head, chest, and abdomen. General anesthesia is usually administered using medications given intravenously or through the respiratory tract.
• Regional anesthesia: This type of anesthesia blocks nerve conduction only in the area being operated on. The individual remains conscious but feels no pain. Techniques such as epidural and spinal anesthesia fall into this category. Additionally, it includes methods that numb only a specific group of nerves, such as nerve blocks.
• Local anesthesia: This is a frequently preferred method for minor interventional procedures. A local anesthetic is applied to the desired area through small injections or by applying a cream. This allows for quick and easy completion of operations such as minor wound repair and suturing.
• Sedation: This is a method that ensures the patient's comfort during surgery without completely suppressing their consciousness. It is preferred to keep the individual stress-free throughout the operation. It is used in conjunction with other anesthesia techniques.

You can apply for a free second opinion from Florence Nightingale specialists by filling out the form. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

What to Bring Before Going to Surgery

Your doctor will inform you about how long you will need to be monitored in the hospital before and after the surgery. Accordingly, you can prepare a bag before your surgery appointment. This way, you can easily meet all your needs during your recovery period in the hospital. Here are the things you need to take with you to the surgery:

• pajamas
• everyday clothes
• underwear
• slipper
• personal care products
• medicines
• List containing information on the use of medications
• hygiene materials
• napkin, wet wipe
• books, magazines, and other tools for passing the time
• analysis, results documents
• ID, wallet

In addition to the items listed above, you may bring electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers, provided they comply with hospital regulations. Furthermore, you should bring any medical supplies required by your doctor before or after surgery. It is strongly advised that you consult your doctor before consuming any food other than the meals provided with the appropriate diet plan at the hospital.

Being well-informed about surgical preparation positively impacts treatment success. It is recommended that you consult your doctor for accurate information regarding all your questions about the pre- and post-operative process.