Estate Planning Before High-Risk Surgeries
The days leading up to a high-risk surgery can be daunting. You may have been told that your surgical procedure has a significant chance of failure, and you may be prepared to accept this risk in exchange for a chance at recovery. While there are many things to consider before your surgery date, estate planning should probably be a priority. What kind of healthcare estate planning steps do you need to take before the big day?
Examples of High-Risk Surgeries
There are various examples of high-risk surgical procedures in the medical world. These surgeries often carry a relatively high fatality rate, and recovery can be particularly difficult for patients. There may also be a chance of permanent disability or loss of function after the surgery – even if it is “successful.” Here are a few notable examples:
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair
- Carotid endarterectomy
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Aortic valve repair (AVR)
- Pancreatectomy
- Esophagectomy
- Gastrectomy
- Lung resection
- Major organ transplants
- Spine deformity surgery
This is by no means a complete list. Often, patients accept experimental procedures with virtually no history in the academic record. These may be terminally ill patients with nothing to lose by attempting completely new medical procedures.
What Kind of Estate Planning Steps Should I Take Before a Risky Surgery?
Patients should consider a Last Will & Testament before a risky surgery, as this is the “bare minimum” as far as estate planning goes. A Will identifies an executor and the assets you wish to leave to beneficiaries. If you already have a Will, you might want to focus on additional options.
There is a chance you may become incapacitated after your surgery without actually dying. If this occurs, you may benefit from medical and financial powers of attorney. These estate planning documents identify “agents” who will make decisions on your behalf. A medical agent may make healthcare choices for you, including removing you from life support.
A financial power of attorney helps maintain your financial well-being while you are incapacitated. A financial agent could make decisions about your property – including real estate. They may also manage your investments on your behalf. Financial agents could be especially important for entrepreneurs, as they can keep your business operating while you are incapacitated.
Trusts could also be effective. However, there may not be enough time to establish a trust, depending on how many weeks remain before your surgery date. So-called “emergency estate planning” can occur despite time constraints, and some lawyers can put your affairs in order in a relatively short time period.
Can an Estate Planning Lawyer Help Before a Major Surgery in Tampa?
An estate planning lawyer in Tampa may be able to help put your affairs in order before your surgery date. Consider a consultation with Knudsen Law to discuss the most appropriate next steps at our Seminole law office. For years, we have assisted people across the Seminole area – including those approaching high-risk surgeries. Reach out today to get started – and approach your surgery with confidence.
Sources:
icliniq.com/articles/surgical-complications/high-risk-surgeries
uclahealth.org/departments/anes/referring-providers/risk-stratification
