Questions to Ask Your Pilonidal Surgeon

Being prepared with the right questions ensures you get the information needed to make informed decisions about your pilonidal treatment. Use this comprehensive checklist during your consultations.

Preparation Before Your Appointment

What to Bring

• List of your questions (print this page)
• Medical records and imaging studies
• List of medications and allergies
• Insurance information
• Notebook and pen for notes
• Support person to help remember information

Pre-Appointment Research

• Research procedure options beforehand
• Understand basic terminology
• Know your insurance coverage details
• Prepare your medical history summary

Experience and Qualifications Questions

About Surgical Experience

• "How many pilonidal surgeries do you perform each year?"
• "How many of these have been the specific procedure you're recommending for me?"
• "What percentage of your practice is dedicated to pilonidal disease?"
• "How long have you been performing this procedure?"

About Training and Background

• "Where did you receive your training for this procedure?"
• "Are you board-certified in your specialty?"
• "Do you attend conferences or training specifically about pilonidal disease?"
• "Have you published any research on pilonidal treatment?"

About Outcomes and Results

• "What is your personal success rate with this procedure?"
• "What is your recurrence rate for this procedure?"
• "What are your most common complications and how often do they occur?"
• "Can you share any patient outcome data?"

Procedure-Specific Questions

About the Recommended Procedure

• "Why are you recommending this specific procedure for my case?"
• "What are the alternatives to this approach?"
• "What makes this procedure better than other options for my situation?"
• "How does this procedure address the root cause of my pilonidal disease?"

Technical Details

• "Exactly what will you be doing during the surgery?"
• "Will you be removing any tissue? How much?"
• "What type of closure technique will you use?"
• "Will I have drains? For how long?"

Procedure Comparisons

• "How does this compare to cleft lift procedure?"
• "What are the advantages/disadvantages compared to other methods?"
• "Why did you choose this over [other procedure] for me?"
• "What would make you choose a different procedure?"

Recovery and Aftercare Questions

Immediate Recovery

• "What will my pain level be like after surgery?"
• "How long will I need prescription pain medication?"
• "What restrictions will I have immediately after surgery?"
• "Will I need help at home during recovery?"

Wound Care

• "What will wound care involve? How often?"
• "Will I need nursing care or can I manage it myself?"
• "What supplies will I need at home?"
• "How long until the wound is fully healed?"

Activity Limitations

• "When can I return to work? (For both desk and physical jobs)"
• "When can I drive again?"
• "When can I exercise and return to sports?"
• "Are there any permanent activity restrictions?"

Risks and Complications Questions

General Risks

• "What are the most common complications with this procedure?"
• "What are the most serious possible complications?"
• "How often do you see these complications?"
• "How are these complications typically handled?"

Specific Concerns

• "What is your infection rate?"
• "What is your wound breakdown rate?"
• "What is your recurrence rate?"
• "Have you ever had to do emergency reoperation?"

Prevention and Management

• "How do you prevent complications during surgery?"
• "What signs of complications should I watch for?"
• "Who should I contact if I suspect a complication?"
• "What is your protocol for handling complications?"

Practical and Logistics Questions

Surgery Scheduling

• "How long is the wait for surgery?"
• "How long will the procedure take?"
• "Will you be performing the surgery yourself?"
• "Who will assist you during surgery?"

Facility and Costs

• "Where will the surgery be performed?"
• "What is the estimated total cost?"
• "What is my expected out-of-pocket cost?"
• "Do you help with insurance pre-authorization?"

Follow-up Care

• "How many follow-up appointments will I need?"
• "Will I see you or another provider for follow-up?"
• "What is your availability for questions after surgery?"
• "Who covers for you when you're unavailable?"

Questions About Your Specific Case

Personalization

• "How does my specific anatomy affect the procedure choice?"
• "Are there any factors in my case that increase risk?"
• "How might my [other health conditions] affect recovery?"
• "What makes my case typical or unique?"

Expectations

• "What is the worst-case scenario for my recovery?"
• "What is the best-case scenario?"
• "What is the most likely outcome?"
• "How will we know if the surgery was successful?"

Long-term Outlook

• "What are the chances I'll need additional surgery?"
• "What lifelong precautions will I need to take?"
• "How will this affect my quality of life long-term?"
• "Will I have any permanent limitations?"

Second Opinion Questions

When Considering Second Opinions

• "Would you recommend getting a second opinion?"
• "Are there other specialists you would recommend consulting?"
• "How does your approach differ from other surgeons?"
• "What should I ask other surgeons about?"

Comparing Opinions

• "If another surgeon recommends a different approach, what would that mean?"
• "How do you handle cases where patients get conflicting advice?"
• "What would make you change your recommended approach?"

Questions to Ask Yourself After Consultation

Assessing Comfort Level

• "Do I feel comfortable with this surgeon?"
• "Did they answer all my questions thoroughly?"
• "Did they seem confident and experienced?"
• "Did they listen to my concerns?"

Practical Considerations

• "Can I manage the recovery process described?"
• "Does the timing work with my personal/professional life?"
• "Can I afford the expected costs?"
• "Do I have adequate support during recovery?"

Red Flags to Watch For

Concerning Responses

• Avoiding questions about experience or outcomes
• Dismissing concerns or questions
• Rushing the consultation
• Pressure to decide immediately
• Unwillingness to provide references

Warning Signs

• "This procedure always works" (no procedure is 100%)
• "You don't need to know those details"
• "I'm the only one who does this correctly"
• "Your case is too complicated for other surgeons"

Template for Note-Taking

During Consultation

Surgeon Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________________

Procedure Recommended: ________________ Reason: _______________________________

Surgeon's Experience: __________________

• Years doing procedure: _______________
• Cases per year: _____________________
• Success rate: _______________________
• Recurrence rate: ____________________

Risks Discussed: _______________________

Recovery Expectations: _________________

• Time off work: ______________________
• Wound care: _________________________
• Restrictions: ________________________
• Follow-up: __________________________

Cost Estimates: ________________________

• Total cost: __________________________
• My responsibility: ____________________
• Payment options: _____________________

Questions to Ask After

• [ ] What didn't I ask that I should have?
• [ ] What information was unclear?
• [ ] What concerns remain unanswered?
• [ ] Do I need a second opinion?

Next Steps After Consultation

Immediate Actions

• Review and organize your notes
• Discuss with family or support person
• Research any unfamiliar terms or concepts
• Contact insurance with procedure codes

Follow-up Actions

• Schedule second opinion if desired
• Contact surgeon with additional questions
• Begin planning for recovery period
• Arrange time off work and support

Decision Timeline

• Allow yourself time to process information
• Don't feel pressured to decide immediately
• Consider all aspects: medical, practical, financial
• Trust your instincts about the surgeon and plan

Remember: You are your own best advocate. The more information you have, the better decisions you can make about your treatment. Don't hesitate to ask questions until you feel completely comfortable with your understanding.

Last Updated: January 2025 | Medical Review: Patient Advocacy Specialists