Cardiologist. Cardiology is a medical specialty dealing with treatment of the disorders of the heart. The field includes diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, heart failure, valvular heart disease and electrophysiology.

As with all major surgical procedures, complications can occur.

Before you go home, your physical therapist will watch you do your exercises to be sure you are doing them the right way. Ask your family to bring bed pillows for you to use in the car during your ride home. Your stitches or staples will be removed 10 to 14 days after your surgery. Keep your incision dry until the stitches or staples are removed. Be sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your surgeon.

The artificial joint, called a prosthesis, is made of metal and plastic. The two parts fit together to make a new hip with smooth surfaces that glide in a natural and comfortable motion.

When you go for surgery, ask a family member or friend to go with you. Even when you are going for pre-admission, it’s a good idea to have someone with you. They can listen and take notes for you — or do some of the walking if that’s what you need! Be sure to give your family or friend plenty of notice about your upcoming tests and surgery so they can make plans.

Hip replacement is usually scheduled weeks in advance. (However, hip replacement due to a broken hip is done within a few days.) Use this time wisely. There is a lot you can do before surgery to make your recovery at home go smoothly.

You probably want to learn as much as you can about your surgery and recovery. The following are questions you can ask your surgeon. You may have others. Try to get your questions answered during your office visit so you know what to expect before surgery.

There are many reasons you might need to find a surgeon. Below is a list of surgeries and the kinds of surgeon that performs the surgery. We hope this list will help you find the right surgeon. Once you know what type surgeon you need, you can search the web or a local phone book to find one. Also, call your local hospital or the hospital in the city where you want to have the surgery performed and ask for a referral for a surgeon. To find the best surgeon—ask a nurse!

Gastroenterologist.Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine dealing with the digestive system and disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the organs from mouth to anus, and the alimentary canal.

Otolaryngologist. Otolaryngology or ENT (ear, nose and throat) is specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of ear, nose, throat, and head and neck disorders. The full name of the specialty is otolaryngology-head and neck surgery.