Whether or not to have surgery can be one of the most important decisions a patient makes. Yet far too few patients actually evaluate their options. Instead, many undergo surgery with less information and understanding than they would have gathered before purchasing a car. This e-seminar seeks to demystify the surgery process, enabling patients to take a more active role in their surgical care. The Guide to Surgery is divided into two sections, "Surgical Decisions" and "Surgical Procedures." In the first section, Eric A. Rose, Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and Surgeon-in-Chief at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, teaches patients how to decide whether or not to have surgery. He outlines questions they should address before choosing to have an operation, and offers practical guidelines to help them reach personal conclusions suited to their individual lives. In the second section, "Surgical Procedures," Columbia surgeons guide you through several leading operations. These specialists offer insight into who should undergo a given procedure, what will happen during that procedure, and what to expect when the operation is complete. This section will be periodically updated with additional procedures.
Do you have all the right plug-ins?
This e-seminar, developed in 2001, may not work with modern browsers. Some external links and content may be out of date. We have no plans to update this e-seminar but hope you enjoy the learning experience. This e-seminar is being provided to you for your own use. Any copying or distribution of this e-seminar is prohibited.  © Columbia University 2001 | Privacy Policy