When to see the surgeon

When you can plan a consultation

A bulge in the groin or abdomen, a lump under the skin, a toenail that repeatedly grows into the flesh or persistent discomfort at the site of an operation are reasons for a consultation. Likewise, a wound that is not progressing toward healing requires clarification of the cause, not just continued dressing.

A growing mass should be assessed without unnecessary delay, even when painless. Repeated bleeding, discharge or a change in a lesion require examination according to its location. If the problem belongs to another specialty, the surgeon helps with guidance; the choice of service is based on the likely diagnosis.

When assessment is needed the same day

Pain with hot, red swelling may indicate an abscess or infection. A wound after surgery that opens, discharges pus or comes with fever should be checked promptly. New and increasing abdominal pain requires assessment, especially when accompanied by vomiting or a change in bowel habit.

Age, pregnancy, diabetes, treatments that lower immunity and medicines that affect clotting may lower the threshold for seeking help. Serious symptoms may be less marked in some patients. Do not necessarily wait for a high fever before seeking a check-up.

Signs that call for emergency care

A hernia that suddenly becomes very painful, stays trapped or changes color requires emergency care. Difficulty breathing, confusion and rapid worsening after surgery should not wait for an outpatient appointment.

How to prepare for the consultation

Write down when the problem started, how it has changed and what makes it worse or better. Describe the effect on walking, eating, sleep and work. If you have had fever, weight loss, bleeding or previous operations, mention them even when they do not seem directly related.

Bring tests, images and reports, discharge summaries, the biopsy result if there is one and the full list of medicines and supplements. Report allergies and previous problems with anesthesia. Do not stop anticoagulants or antiplatelet medicines, which affect blood clotting, insulin or other medicines on your own because an operation might be discussed.

What happens during the assessment

The history and examination help determine whether the problem comes from the skin, the abdominal wall or a deeper structure. Tests and imaging are chosen for specific questions; a broad package of tests is not automatically more useful. Sometimes a repeat check is needed to assess the course, or an opinion from another specialist.

For a mass, characterization may be requested before a biopsy. For a wound, depth and the causes of non-healing are examined. For a hernia, symptoms and the risk of incarceration are weighed. These differences explain why two patients with a similar complaint may receive different recommendations.

Frequently asked questions

Does a surgical consultation mean I will be operated on? No. The consultation serves for diagnosis, assessment of risk and choosing the right step, which may be monitoring, treatment without surgery, other tests or an intervention. Surgery is recommended only when the benefit justifies it.

What should I eat or drink before the consultation? For an ordinary consultation there is no restriction. If you are asked for a test or a procedure with anesthesia, get written instructions about fasting and medicines. Do not stop medicines such as anticoagulants, antiplatelets or insulin on your own.

Can I come without documents? You can, but documents help a great deal. Bring tests, images, discharge summaries, reports of previous operations and the list of medicines. Images in their original format are more useful than the written conclusion.

When should I go to the emergency department instead of a planned visit? For sudden, very severe abdominal pain, a hard abdomen, vomiting blood, black stools, significant bleeding, a trapped and very painful hernia, difficulty breathing or confusion. In these cases do not wait for the consultation and do not travel to the clinic.

How the decision for surgery is made

Ask to understand the diagnosis, the aim of the intervention, the alternatives and what is expected if it is postponed or not done. The benefit may be pain relief, prevention of a complication or establishing a diagnosis. Risks and the possibility of remaining symptoms should also be discussed.

Before a planned intervention, optimization of diabetes, heart, lungs or nutrition may be needed. Anesthesia assessment and preparation are determined by the procedure and your condition. Ask for written instructions about recovery, whom to contact and the signs that require emergency care. When monitoring is proposed, the plan should state when the check-up takes place and what would change the decision.

Care at Tirana Polyclinic: We offer surgical consultation, review of documentation and interpretation of imaging performed at other centers. Care can be coordinated with the clinic’s specialties, and the patient is referred to the relevant service when intervention or hospital treatment is needed.