- You have a right to get a second opinion and to choose not to have a treatment that you feel uncomfortable with.
- It is your surgeon’s job to clearly explain all of your options.
- Your surgeon will ask you to sign a form to say that you understand and agree to your surgery and the risks involved.
- If you need some extra support when talking to your surgeon, you can ask someone like a friend or family member to help you.
A handful of non-urgent elective surgical procedures 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 or view the information below.
More information on the Best Care initiative and guidance for clinicians is available on the Safer Care Victoria .
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?
Identified procedures
This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
