What questions should I ask my surgeon about access placement?
Know what to ask your surgeon about access placement. Find out how to get ready, what to do after the procedure, and how to take care of your kidneys with confidence.
Meeting your surgeon for the first time can raise many questions. Use this list to guide your visit and write down any other questions you may have. Consider bringing a family member or friend for support and to help ask questions as well.
Understanding the procedure
- How long is the procedure?
- Where on my body will my access be placed?
- Will I be asleep? Does this procedure require general anesthesia?
- Will I have stitches or a wound that I need to take care of?
- What are the most common risks of access placement?
- If I have serious heart, lung, or bleeding problems, do I need to see any specialists before the procedure?
- Are there any tests that I need to do before the procedure?
Preparing for placement
- Can I take blood thinners (e.g., Aspirin, Coumadin®, Warfarin, Plavix®, Clopidogrel) before the procedure?
- Should I take my regular medications the morning of the procedure?
- Can I eat or drink the night before the procedure?
Recovery and caring for your access
- Will I go home after the procedure or stay overnight at the hospital?
- What is typical healing like after the procedure (for example, pain, wound, scar)?
- What should I do to treat pain after the procedure?
- When can I take a shower or a bath after the procedure?
- Will I have any exercise restrictions after the procedure?
- Should I remove the bandage myself or wait for a clinic visit?
Key takeaways
- Use the questions in each section to guide your first visit with your surgeon and write down any other questions you have.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend for support and to help ask questions.
- Bring your insurance card, your photo ID, and a list of current medications and be ready to share your health history.
Tips for your first appointment: Bring your insurance card, photo ID, and a list of current medications. Also, be ready to share details on recent hospitalizations, past surgeries, and any allergies you may have.
We are here to help
We are here to support you along the way. Talk to your care team if you have any questions about your visit with the surgeon.
This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.
Julie Dominguez, MD
Vice President, Medical Office, Interwell Health
Julie Dominguez, MD, is a nephrologist with extensive experience in private practice nephrology and medical education. At Interwell Health, she helps advance high-quality kidney care programs that support patients and clinicians. Dr. Dominguez earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, completed her Internal Medicine residency at Duke University, and completed her Nephrology fellowship at the University of California San Diego.