Should you seek qualified advice?
(Second opinion)

There are no rigid rules to tell you to seek second opinions. Every patient before undergoing operation has the choice to seek a second opinion. But before you agree to an operation, you should discuss the following questions thoroughly with your surgeon:

What is the indication for my operation?
Are there any other alternative treatments for my condition?
What will be the likely end result if I will not undergo this operation?
What are the risks involved?
Will the contemplated operation have an impact in the quality of life that I will have?
What are the likely residual effects that I will experience after the operation?

If after discussing these questions with your doctor and you feel that these questions are answered, then you probably don't need a second opinion. If however you have still some doubts in your mind whether the operation should be performed, or the doctor recommending the operation is not a qualified surgeon, then you may want to seek a second opinion. Here are some things to remember when seeking such consultations:

1. Seek qualified advice.

A consultation is not worth much if it was not done by a physician who is qualified to treat such disease. It is worthwhile to seek an opinion from a qualified specialist. one way to be assured that your surgeon is a qualified specialist is by knowing if he is board certified by the Philippine Society of General Surgeons inc. our fellows have completed years of residency training in general surgery and has passed stringent requirements set by the Philippine Board of Surgery.

And, if the surgeon is a fellow of the Philippine Society of General Surgeons Inc (FPSGS) you can be assured that the surgeon has passed thru a thorough evaluation of professional competency and ethical fitness.

2. The decision is yours.

Remember that a second opinion is not always the best opinion. Whether there is an agreement or difference in opinions, the choice is still yours. Its a decision that you will have to make considering all the facts that you have discussed with your doctor.