Patient Information
Please find below, information regarding your appointment, pre operative instructions and post operative care.
If you have additional questions that are not answered below, please call or get in touch via our contact form here.
Please bring the following items to your appointment.
- The referral from your doctor
- Your x-rays, ultrasounds and pathology results.
- Alist of other illnesses and/or medications.
- Any specific questions you would like answered.
- Your Medicare and DVA card as applicable.
- Your Health Fund details.
You can complete your Patient Registration Form online prior to your first appointment by clicking the button below.
You can read more about our office locations here.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we need to limit the number of people in our waiting room. Please try not to arrive too early for you appointment. If possible please attend your appointment on your own. Please make sure to bring your own face mask to the appointment.
We recognise that your time is valuable, and we make every effort to run on time. Occasionally there are delays due to emergencies, or other patients requiring a little more time. We apologise if we keep you waiting.
Pre-Operative Information
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What if I take Blood Thinners?
Plavix (clopidogrel)
Cease 7-10 days prior to surgery. You MAY be instructed to take aspirin in its place.Warfarin
Speak to your doctor. You will need Clexane ‘bridging’ therapy (last dose 24 hours before surgery)Pradaxa (dabigatran)
Cease 3 days prior to surgeryAstrix, Cartia, Solprin (aspirin)
Cease 3-7 days prior unless otherwise instructed by your surgeon -
Do I take my regular medications?
Take all your regular medications with a sip of water. It is particularly important not to miss blood pressure medications and medications for control of your heart rhythm.
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Can I take other medication, supplements or vitamins?
Asprin
Generally aspirin or clopidogrel need to be ceased 7-10 days prior to your operation. This is to allow your blood to recover the ability to clot effectively. Please discuss this with me so that you understand what is required prior to the procedure as it may vary depending on your medical problems and the type of procedure.Warfarin
Warfarin needs to be stopped 5 days before surgery. We start injections of Clexane 4 days before surgery with the last one the night before. You will need your INR checked on the day of surgery. An INR of 1.3 or less is acceptable. Clexane and warfarin will be restarted as soon as possible after surgery. Please discuss this with me if you have questions as advice may vary according to the individual circumstances of each patient.Vitamin E, fish oil, garlic, gingko biloba
Please avoid taking large doses of Vitamin E, fish oil, garlic or gingko biloba for 10 days prior to your procedure and for two weeks after your procedure. Please do disclose any other herbal supplements or complementary medicines you may be taking. -
When do I stop eating prior to the procedure?
Generally you should be fasted for 6 hours prior to an anaesthetic for elective surgery. The hospital will inform you of when to start fasting depending on your position on the operating list. If you are admitted to the hospital the day prior for bowel prep then the nursing staff will inform you of when to fast based upon my instructions.
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Do I bring my Xrays, CT Scans and Ultrasounds?
It is essential that you bring your CT scan or ultrasound with you. This is especially important if you are having surgery for stones or kidney cancer surgery. If you have forgotten your CT or ultrasound please let the nurses know.
In some cases your surgery will be postponed if you do not
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Do I need other tests before my surgery?
For all urological procedures a urine sample is tested to ensure that there is no infection. Performing elective urological surgery on patients with a urinary tract infection is dangerous. We can perform a quick urine test in the hospital or surgery may have to be postponed if necessary. If you have not been given a request form to have your urine checked one week prior to surgery please contact my staff.
Post-Operative Information
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After Bladder Surgery
Expect
- Burning (for 24 hrs-72 hrs)
- Urgency/frequency (for up to 6 weeks)
- Bleeding/clots (minor)
- 1-2 nights in hospital
- Catheter in place for 24-36hrs
What to do
- Drink plenty of fluid
- Take Ural sachets (up to 4 times a day)
Avoid
- Driving (two weeks)
- Lifting/constipation/straining (6 weeks)
Inform us if you are:
- Unable to void (pass urine)
- Have heavy bleeding/clots
- Have fevers/feel unwell catheter pain/spasms
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After a Cystoscopy
Expect
- Burning/Urgency/Frequency (24-72 hrs)
- Bleeding (minor)
What to do
- Drink plenty of fluid
- Take Ural sachets (up to 4 times a day)
Avoid
- Driving or operating heavy machinery for day after
Inform us if:
- You are unable to void (pass urine)
- Have heavy bleeding/clots
- Have fevers/feel unwell
Have a question or inquiry or looking for some more information about our services?