CONSENT TO SURGERY — PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS (INTRODUCTION)
If you decide there is a certain procedure you will not allow under any circumstances, make sure that you tell your surgeon so very clearly, both orally and in writing. Read the consent form that you are asked to sign prior to your operation very carefully. On most forms you are expected to agree not only to the operation, but also to ‘further alternative operative measure as may, in the opinion of the surgeon performing the operation, be found necessary during the course of such operation.’ Do not sign this form as it stands — write in the procedure that you will not permit. Sign your addition in the presence of a witness, as well as signing at the bottom of the form.
Alternatively, if you wish to ensure that only the operation you have agreed to and nothing else is done, you would also have to make this very clear to your surgeon beforehand. Tell him or her directly. In addition, cross out the disclaimer on your written consent form, write ‘only’ next to the name of the operation, and sign this as well as signing at the bottom of the form. In this way you will be giving consent only to the operation that is named on the form. If a technical name is written on the form, ask for it to be explained fully. You could even cross it out and write a description in your own words of the operation you are agreeing to if you want to be quite sure that your wishes are clearly understood.
*228/40/1*
