Question
The patient is scheduled for a minimally invasive hernia surgery, but all family members are not in the country. Can the surgery be performed alone? If not, what are the solutions? Why does surgery require family accompaniment?
Answer
When undergoing surgery in a hospital, it is typically necessary for a family member to sign the consent form, as there may be unexpected situations during the surgical process that require the authorization of a designated person for the doctor to perform corresponding examinations and treatments. The patient cannot authorize themselves under anesthesia, making family accompaniment crucial. The best treatment for inguinal hernia is surgical repair. If the patient has chronic cough, difficulty urinating, severe constipation, ascites, or other conditions of increased intra-abdominal pressure, or if they have diabetes, treatment should be administered before surgery to avoid and reduce the risk of postoperative recurrence. If family accompaniment is not possible, it is recommended to communicate with the hospital to seek other authorization methods or arrangements.