Pre-Surgery Consultation
Advanced English listening exercise · Hospital
Transcript
[Surgeon] Good morning, Michael. I've reviewed your MRI results. You have a torn meniscus in your right knee. I'd like to discuss the surgical option. [Patient] Is surgery really necessary? [Surgeon] We tried conservative treatment for three months — physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication — but your symptoms haven't improved. The tear is in a location that won't heal on its own. [Patient] What kind of surgery is it? [Surgeon] It's called a knee arthroscopy. It's minimally invasive. I make two small incisions, about the size of a buttonhole, and insert a tiny camera and surgical instruments. [Patient] Will I be awake during it? [Surgeon] You'll be under general anesthesia, so you'll be completely asleep. The procedure takes about forty-five minutes to an hour. [Patient] What exactly do you do to the torn meniscus? [Surgeon] It depends on what I find during the procedure. If possible, I'll repair the tear with sutures. If the torn portion is too damaged, I'll trim away the damaged tissue. Repairing is preferable because it preserves more of the meniscus. [Patient] What's the recovery like? [Surgeon] If we do a repair, you'll be on crutches for four to six weeks and full recovery takes three to six months. If we trim, recovery is faster — you could be walking normally within two weeks. [Patient] What are the risks? [Surgeon] As with any surgery, there are risks of infection, blood clots, and anesthesia complications. Specific to this procedure, there's a small risk of stiffness or continued pain. Overall, the success rate is about ninety percent. [Patient] When can we schedule it? [Surgeon] We have an opening next Thursday. My assistant will give you pre-surgical instructions — you'll need to fast after midnight the night before and arrange for someone to drive you home.
Comprehension questions
- What is a knee arthroscopy?
- What is the success rate of this procedure?
- What type of anesthesia will the patient be under during the surgery?
- What should the patient do after midnight the night before the surgery?
- What did the surgeon find on Michael's MRI results?