Operation > Types of things we need to know

The types of things we need to know are:

1. Your age, height & weight.
2. History of past operations and any anaesthetic or allergic reactions.
3. Any previous contact with infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B/C, HIV or history of addictive/ intravenous drug use.
4. Common medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, asthma or fainting episodes.
5. Any past history of deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) in the legs. These clots can sometimes dislodge and travel to the heart (pulmonary embolus) like economy class syndrome. An uncommon complication of surgery but the risk is reduced when surgery carried out under local anaesthesia.
6. Medications.  A complete list of medications is required.
7. Any bleeding or family history of bleeding tendency, medications being used to thin the blood such as aspirin, NSAID's or warfarin.
8. Smoking. Smoking increases the risks of surgery. There is increased chance of wound or lung infection and delays in healing.
9. Alcohol.  Excessive alcohol also may increase the risk of surgery.

After the clinic has all this information it should be able to decide whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery.

Your insurance details are necessary to give you informed financial consent. In Australia part of the medical fee is covered by Medicare, if you have a referral letter. This is applicable also if you have no insurance. If you are not insured you will be given rates for day surgery fees at the hospital and out of pocket medical expenses include an anaesthetist and surgical assistant.

If you are from overseas or from the country, or do not have anybody to spend first night post operatively with then we make special arrangement for your care. This is at a very reasonable rate.

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