7764 Head panel

What is the recovery time after having my gallbladder removed?
After keyhole surgery 3-5 days.
After open surgery 2 weeks.

When can I return to work after having my gallbladder removed?
After keyhole surgery – 1 week.
After open surgery – 2 weeks.

What is the minimal time to have a Seton in place before it can be removed?
4-6 Weeks.

I have received my Hospital Pre-admission Information, what do I do next?
Please contact the Hospital Booking Office to confirm or cancel your date of surgery.

How do I have to organize an interpreter?
Please contact the hospital booking office to make these arrangements.

What happens on admission to hospital?
First go to the Admission Desk at the reception area of the hospital.You will be guided to the ward of day
treatment centre.

Should I take all my medications to hospital?
Yes, preferably with a typed list of the names, dose and times you take the medication.
If you are taking medication which increases the chance of bleeding, i.e.Warfarin, Aspirin, Coumadin,
Marvan, Plavix, Clopidogrel, or Iscover or any anti-inflammatory medication, please alert the Booking Clerk,
Pre-Admission Clinic staff and the doctors.

How do I enquire about a friend or relative that may be in hospital?
Call the main reception desk of the hospital and ask for patient enquiries.

Are my condition and my medical notes confidential?
Yes. All information regarding your diagnosis is confidential and will not be provided to any person, including
your first degree relatives, without your permission. At South East Colo Rectal, we do not provide any
informationabout your condition over the phone or in writing without your permission.

I have special dietary requirements, what do I do?
When admitted to the ward or day surgery centre, please inform the nursing staff of your needs.

What are the most important things to take to hospital?
1. Local doctor contact details.
2. Cards – including Medicare card, Health Care or Pension card, Veterans Affairs card
and Private Health Insurance card.
3. List of medications.
4. Any paperwork provided to you by South East Colorectal including the Consent Form.
5. Personal items of clothing and toiletries suitable for an overnight stay.

I’m an overseas visitor, will I be treated differently?
You will receive the same treatment as any Australian citizen but you are not covered by Medicare and will be
liable for all hospital and medical expenses.

Can I catch a taxi home after an operation?
For day surgery you must be dropped off and picked up by a relative or friend.

Why can’t I catch a taxi home?
Because you have had a general anaesthetic you have an altered conscious state (state of mind).
It is illegal for you to drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery or sign legal documents within 24hours
of having a General Anaesthetic.

Do I need any appointments after my operation?
An appointment will be made for you with South East Colo Rectal by the nurse on the ward of day surgery
centre and you will be provided with an appointment card with the details. Most often this will be within two
weeks of your surgery.

How long do I have to wait for my operation?
Patients with private health insurance can usually choose the date of surgery and the hospital. Patients who
do not have private health insurance will be placed on a waiting list. However, at South East Colo Rectal we do
our best to accommodate the wishes of all patients.

Can I choose the date of my surgery?
This is much easier for patients with private health insurance. However, at South East Colo Rectal we will do
our best to accommodate the special needs of all our patients.

I have had my haemorrhoids injected and they are still bleeding. Is this normal?
Yes, because the internal haemorrhoids have been injected with a sclerosing agent and it may take one to two
days to be effective. Should the bleeding continue after two days, then contact South East Colo Rectal.

How can I lessen the chance of getting haemorrhoids?
Take a high fibre diet, drink at least 2 litres of water per day and have regular exercise. Use a small footstool
under your feet when sitting on the toilet to have a bowel action.

How many salt baths per day should I have after having surgery on the anus?
After each bowel action or up to 3 per day.

Is a haemorrhoidectomy painful?
Yes there will be quite severe pain after a haemorrhoid operation because the skin around the anus is very
sensitive. This pain, however, is usually managed with appropriate pain relief medication and salt baths.

What is the alternative to surgery in treating my haemorrhoids?
A high fibre diet, anti-inflammatory ointment, injection sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation.

What gets injected into haemorrhoids?
Phenol in almond oil. The Phenol is the sclerosing agent which causes the haemorrhoids to shrink.
The oil keeps the Phenol in the haemorrhoid area.

Is rubber banding my haemorrhoids better then injecting them?
The results of banding are superior to injection sclerotherapy, particularly for large prolapsing internal
haemorrhoids.

Do I have a choice between a formal haemorrhoidectomy and a stapled haemorrhoidectomy?
Stapled haemorrhoidectomy is a new technique, and surgeons are still evaluating its effectiveness.
At South East Colo Rectal, we do not practice stapled haemorrhoidectomy.

Can I have my Seton removed in the clinic rooms or do I have to go back to hospital?
The Seton must be removed under a general anaesthetic so that the tunnel formed by the fistula
can be adequately treated. This may involved either injection with tissue glue or a fistulotomy
(operation to lay the fistula open).

My Seton is rubbing, what can I do?
Attach padding or gauze, use a barrier cream and if the rubbing persists, contact South East Colo Rectal.

I have concerns about my stoma. Who can I talk to?
You will have met a stoma nurse at the hospital where you had the surgery. He or she is the best contact to
discuss problems.

I have had bowel cancer; do I still need to have colonoscopies?
Colonoscopy is performed on the anniversary of your surgery and every three to five years after surgery. It is
important that your first degree relatives are warned that they have a higher risk of bowel cancer and should
consider having colonoscopy.

My bowel habits have changed. Should I see a doctor?
Yes. Make an appointment to see a general practitioner who will organize appropriate tests.

What is the normal amount of bowel actions per day?
It follows the rule of three - up to three bowel actions per day, or one bowel action every three days.

What foods are high in fibre?
Breads, cereals, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits.

What is an Ano-Rectal Manometry (ARM)?
This is a test where a tube is placed in the back passage to measure the strength of the sphincter muscles.
A balloon will also be blown up inside the rectum to assess rectal sensation. This test is used at South East
Colo Rectal to determine further treatment.

Can I claim my medical expenses back from Medicare?
Yes, any accounts associated with your surgeon can be claimed.

What is a facility fee?
Performing a procedure at South East Colo Rectal requires the use of materials that are not rebatable by
Medicare. A fee of $25 is just to cover those expenses.

I always seem to have to rush to the toilet. Who can help me?
This symptom is called urgency. This means that you probably have a weak anal sphincter.
You should contact your general practitioner to make an appointment to see a colo-rectal surgeon.

I am a public patient. Will Professor Waxman be performing my surgery?
Professor Waxman operates at Dandenong Hospital, Casey Hospital and Cranbourne Day Surgery.
All these hospitals have young doctors who are training to be surgeons. Professor Waxman is always
present at operations and will either be performing the surgery himself or supervising a junior surgeon.


		For your information and convenience, we have compiled a list of most frequently asked questions by many of our clients. How soon can I drive a car after surgery? After day surgery – the next day. After abdominal surgery – one week How soon can I travel after surgery? After day surgery – 1 week or when you are able to sit for at least 2 hours. After abdominal surgery – 10 days. How long do I need off work for a Haemorrhoidectomy? Between 7 days and 2 weeks When I have polyps removed are there stitches involved? There are no stitches involved. The polyps are “burnt” off using a diathermy at the time of colonoscopy. What is the recovery time after having my gallbladder removed? After keyhole surgery 3-5 days. After open surgery 2 weeks. When can I return to work after having my gallbladder removed? After keyhole surgery – 1 week. After open surgery – 2 weeks. What is the minimal time to have a Seton in place before it can be removed? 4-6 Weeks. I have received my Hospital Pre-admission Information, what do I do next? Please contact the Hospital Booking Office to confirm or cancel your date of surgery. How do I have to organize an interpreter? Please contact the hospital booking office to make these arrangements. What happens on admission to hospital? First go to the Admission Desk at the reception area of the hospital.You will be guided to the ward of day treatment centre. Should I take all my medications to hospital? Yes, preferably with a typed list of the names, dose and times you take the medication. If you are taking medication which increases the chance of bleeding, i.e.Warfarin, Aspirin, Coumadin, Marvan, Plavix, Clopidogrel, or Iscover or any anti-inflammatory medication, please alert the Booking Clerk, Pre-Admission Clinic staff and the doctors. How do I enquire about a friend or relative that may be in hospital? Call the main reception desk of the hospital and ask for patient enquiries. Are my condition and my medical notes confidential? Yes. All information regarding your diagnosis is confidential and will not be provided to any person, including your first degree relatives, without your permission. At South East Colo Rectal, we do not provide any informationabout your condition over the phone or in writing without your permission. I have special dietary requirements, what do I do? When admitted to the ward or day surgery centre, please inform the nursing staff of your needs. What are the most important things to take to hospital? 1. Local doctor contact details. 2. Cards – including Medicare card, Health Care or Pension card, Veterans Affairs card and Private Health Insurance card. 3. List of medications. 4. Any paperwork provided to you by South East Colorectal including the Consent Form. 5. Personal items of clothing and toiletries suitable for an overnight stay. I’m an overseas visitor, will I be treated differently? You will receive the same treatment as any Australian citizen but you are not covered by Medicare and will be liable for all hospital and medical expenses. Can I catch a taxi home after an operation? For day surgery you must be dropped off and picked up by a relative or friend. Why can’t I catch a taxi home? Because you have had a general anaesthetic you have an altered conscious state (state of mind). It is illegal for you to drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery or sign legal documents within 24hours of having a General Anaesthetic. Do I need any appointments after my operation? An appointment will be made for you with South East Colo Rectal by the nurse on the ward of day surgery centre and you will be provided with an appointment card with the details. Most often this will be within two weeks of your surgery. How long do I have to wait for my operation? Patients with private health insurance can usually choose the date of surgery and the hospital. Patients who do not have private health insurance will be placed on a waiting list. However, at South East Colo Rectal we do our best to accommodate the wishes of all patients. Can I choose the date of my surgery? This is much easier for patients with private health insurance. However, at South East Colo Rectal we will do our best to accommodate the special needs of all our patients. I have had my haemorrhoids injected and they are still bleeding. Is this normal? Yes, because the internal haemorrhoids have been injected with a sclerosing agent and it may take one to two days to be effective. Should the bleeding continue after two days, then contact South East Colo Rectal. How can I lessen the chance of getting haemorrhoids? Take a high fibre diet, drink at least 2 litres of water per day and have regular exercise. Use a small footstool under your feet when sitting on the toilet to have a bowel action. How many salt baths per day should I have after having surgery on the anus? After each bowel action or up to 3 per day. Is a haemorrhoidectomy painful? Yes there will be quite severe pain after a haemorrhoid operation because the skin around the anus is very sensitive. This pain, however, is usually managed with appropriate pain relief medication and salt baths. What is the alternative to surgery in treating my haemorrhoids? A high fibre diet, anti-inflammatory ointment, injection sclerotherapy or rubber band ligation. What gets injected into haemorrhoids? Phenol in almond oil. The Phenol is the sclerosing agent which causes the haemorrhoids to shrink. The oil keeps the Phenol in the haemorrhoid area. Is rubber banding my haemorrhoids better then injecting them? The results of banding are superior to injection sclerotherapy, particularly for large prolapsing internal haemorrhoids. Do I have a choice between a formal haemorrhoidectomy and a stapled haemorrhoidectomy? Stapled haemorrhoidectomy is a new technique, and surgeons are still evaluating its effectiveness. At South East Colo Rectal, we do not practice stapled haemorrhoidectomy. Can I have my Seton removed in the clinic rooms or do I have to go back to hospital? The Seton must be removed under a general anaesthetic so that the tunnel formed by the fistula can be adequately treated. This may involved either injection with tissue glue or a fistulotomy (operation to lay the fistula open). My Seton is rubbing, what can I do? Attach padding or gauze, use a barrier cream and if the rubbing persists, contact South East Colo Rectal. I have concerns about my stoma. Who can I talk to? You will have met a stoma nurse at the hospital where you had the surgery. He or she is the best contact to discuss problems. I have had bowel cancer; do I still need to have colonoscopies? Colonoscopy is performed on the anniversary of your surgery and every three to five years after surgery. It is important that your first degree relatives are warned that they have a higher risk of bowel cancer and should consider having colonoscopy. My bowel habits have changed. Should I see a doctor? Yes. Make an appointment to see a general practitioner who will organize appropriate tests. What is the normal amount of bowel actions per day? It follows the rule of three - up to three bowel actions per day, or one bowel action every three days. What foods are high in fibre? Breads, cereals, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes and fruits. What is an Ano-Rectal Manometry (ARM)? This is a test where a tube is placed in the back passage to measure the strength of the sphincter muscles. A balloon will also be blown up inside the rectum to assess rectal sensation. This test is used at South East Colo Rectal to determine further treatment. Can I claim my medical expenses back from Medicare? Yes, any accounts associated with your surgeon can be claimed. What is a facility fee? Performing a procedure at South East Colo Rectal requires the use of materials that are not rebatable by Medicare. A fee of $25 is just to cover those expenses. I always seem to have to rush to the toilet. Who can help me? This symptom is called urgency. This means that you probably have a weak anal sphincter. You should contact your general practitioner to make an appointment to see a colo-rectal surgeon. I am a public patient. Will Professor Waxman be performing my surgery? Professor Waxman operates at Dandenong Hospital, Casey Hospital and Cranbourne Day Surgery. All these hospitals have young doctors who are training to be surgeons. Professor Waxman is always present at operations and will either be performing the surgery himself or supervising a junior surgeon.