Your comfort and safety are of the utmost importance when you’re looking for the right biliary surgeon. If you’re considering putting your life in someone’s hands, you want to be confident they will take care of you before, during and after the procedure.
Ultimately, the biliary surgeon you should choose is whomever you feel the most comfortable with, but there are a few reliable ways you can use to judge whether or not they’ll be a good fit for you.
What to Look for in a Biliary Surgeon
These are four of the most crucial criteria to consider when you’re looking for a biliary surgeon:
- Transparency: Does your potential surgeon answer your questions in a clear, straightforward manner? Are they honest and willing to admit if they don’t know an answer? Having transparent personal interactions with your surgeon will establish trust and confidence.
- A high success rate: Your surgeon may be personable and have good intentions, but what matters the most is their ability to get results and help you recover. A high success rate raises your likelihood of recovering from the procedure safely.
- Good reviews: Another way to gauge whether a biliary surgeon is right for you is by gaining some outside perspective. Read reviews or ask other people with similar stories about their experiences with that surgeon. They might give you some useful insight.
- A reliable hospital: Investigate the credentials and history of your surgeon’s hospital. While you may have all the information on your surgeon, it’s just as important to make sure your medical center treats its patients well and is updated on all its policies.
For a major HPB procedure, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask these questions before placing your care in a surgeon’s hands.
During the Procedure
After you’ve chosen the right HPB surgeon near you, it’s time to consider the procedure. Biliary surgery can vary depending on your specific situation, but it typically involves removing tumors or afflicted parts from the bile ducts.
In biliary reconstruction, the surgeon will take out diseased parts and then connect what’s left of the bile duct to the small intestine to allow for drainage.
After the Procedure
Like other HPB medical procedures, recovery for biliary surgery may take up to several months. You’ll stay in the hospital for a few days to a few weeks after the surgery to monitor for potential leakages or infections.
You will likely experience some pain following the procedure, which medical professionals will treat you for intravenously while you remain in the hospital. However, about 80 percent of people recover fully from the procedure without any complications.
Choose St. Joseph’s Medical Center
We understand you want to find an HPB surgeon near you who gives you the care you deserve. St. Joseph’s Medical Center has a strong team of surgeons, such as Dr. Mark Fraiman, who have each helped many patients pull through successful surgeries and return to happy, healthy lives. Call today to find your ideal biliary surgeon.
