Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
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A handful of non-urgent planned surgical procedures (also known as elective surgery) have been found to have limited benefits, except in very specific circumstances.

If you’re being considered for one of the procedures listed below, it’s important to be fully informed of the associated risks and alternative treatment options available.

A printable guidance resource is available to help you have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about these procedures and to support you in making a shared decision on the best care option for you.

The guidance contains:

  • key questions to raise with your healthcare provider
  • a brief summary of each of the identified procedures.

Download the Best Care consumer guidanceExternal Link or view the information below.

More information on the Best Care initiative and guidance for clinicians is available on the Safer Care Victoria websiteExternal Link .

Learn more about making decisions about surgery.

Key questions to ask your healthcare provider

  • What are the risks I need to be aware of for this surgery?
  • Further example questions:
    • Are there any risks with anaesthesia?
    • What are the side effects of this surgery?
    • How effective is this treatment in both the short and long term?
  • How will this treatment manage my health situation?
  • Are there other less invasive treatment options available?
  • What happens if I do not have this surgery?
  • Where can I find out more about this surgery and my other treatment options?
Safer Care Vic image

A handful of non-urgent planned surgical procedures (also known as elective surgery) have been found to have limited benefits, except in very specific circumstances.

If you’re being considered for one of the procedures listed below, it’s important to be fully informed of the associated risks and alternative treatment options available.

A printable guidance resource is available to help you have an open conversation with your healthcare provider about these procedures and to support you in making a shared decision on the best care option for you.

The guidance contains:

  • key questions to raise with your healthcare provider
  • a brief summary of each of the identified procedures.

Download the Best Care consumer guidanceExternal Link or view the information below.

More information on the Best Care initiative and guidance for clinicians is available on the Safer Care Victoria websiteExternal Link .

Learn more about making decisions about surgery.

Key questions to ask your healthcare provider

  • What are the risks I need to be aware of for this surgery?
  • Further example questions:
    • Are there any risks with anaesthesia?
    • What are the side effects of this surgery?
    • How effective is this treatment in both the short and long term?
  • How will this treatment manage my health situation?
  • Are there other less invasive treatment options available?
  • What happens if I do not have this surgery?
  • Where can I find out more about this surgery and my other treatment options?

Endoscopy procedures

General surgery procedures

Orthopaedic and neurosurgical procedures

Gynaecology procedures

Ear nose and throat procedures

Other planned surgery procedures

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Reviewed on: 05-06-2023