Patient Information

Preparing for Initial Consultation

What you need to bring to your initial consultation:

1. 1. Referral Letter
   2. Medicare Card
   3. Private Health Fund card
   4. Imaging / biopsy films and reports
   5. Recent blood tests relating to your consultation
   6. Past medical records relating to your consultation
   7. List of questions you would like to ask the doctor during your consultation

Preparing for Surgery

1. Before your surgery you will have a thorough consultation with Dr Hong Xia who will openly discuss his operative methods with you.(Note: If you have a heart condition, are on any blood thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin or you have any other major medical conditions please advise Dr Hong Xia at your initial consultation. )
   • If you have been booked to undergo a medical procedure, you will be given a hospital admission form at your consultation. You will need to complete this form and hand it into the admissions office or reception desk of the hospital. You must hand this form to the hospital on the same day or at least the same week Dr Hong Xia handed it to you.
   • For breast procedures you may be asked to have pre operative tests eg. hookwire or sentinel node with the radiologist and nuclear medicine clinic in the morning of surgery, you will be advised at your consultation if this applies to you or if you are unsure, please contact our rooms.
   • If you are taking aspirin or any other blood thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin please stop 10 days prior to surgery unless otherwise indicated by Dr Hong Xia or Anaesthetist. All other medications can continue to be taken up to the morning of surgery. If you are unsure whether your medication is okay to take, please call or email our rooms.
   • The hospital will contact you the working day prior to your surgery to give you fasting instructions, as a general rule there is no food or beverage intake (including water) for 6 hours prior to surgery. If you have not heard from the hospital please contact our rooms.
   • Some patients may need to attend a pre-admission clinic to assess fitness for surgery. The hospital will be in contact with you if they wish for you to attend.
   • For your stay in hospital you will need to bring toiletries and loose fitting clothing to wear post-operatively. If you are being admitted as a private patient you will also need to bring payment of any excess you may have with your health insurance policy.
   • You will be required to remove all jewellery and any false nails.
   • You will need to arrange a responsible driver to take you home upon discharge.

Post operative Instructions and care

Thyroid

Wound Care: Your wound will be covered with tape, which should be left in place until your post-operative consultation approximately 10 days after the operation. You can wash and shower with the tape in place.

Activities: You should generally restrict vigorous activities for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. Local driving is acceptable after 24 hours of having your operation.

Post-operative Symptoms: A variety of local symptoms are common for several weeks after surgery including tightness and swelling of the local area around the wound. Numbness of the skin above the wound may be present and may last for many months.

Late Complications: The only delayed complication of concern is wound infection. This may have occurred if the wound becomes very red, hot and more swollen. If that occurs you must seek attention from your local doctor straight away who will arrange for you to have antibiotics.

Post-operative appointment:

1. • A visit 10 days to 2 weeks after surgery to have the tape removed and pathology discussed. You will need to ring the office to make an appointment for that visit if you weren’t already given one.
   • If you have any problems, following your thyroid surgery, please contact Dr Hong Xia or your local doctor.

Breast

Wound Care: Your wound will be covered with waterproof dressings which should be left in place until your post-operative consultation approximately 7-10 days after the operation. You can wash and shower with the tape in place.  If dressings come off before your review, please attend your GP office for replacement dressings.

Activities: You should generally restrict vigorous activities for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery eg. contact sports and gym. Local driving is acceptable after 24 hours of having your operation.

Post-operative Symptoms: You may experience mild pain and discomfort at the wound.

Late Complications: The only delayed complication of concern is wound infection. This may have occurred if the wound becomes very red, hot, more swollen and delayed bleeding. If that occurs you must seek attention from your local doctor straight away who will arrange for you to have antibiotics. If you have fluid build up (seroma) requiring aspiration or have any concerns please contact the office directly for an appointment for drainage or seek attention from your local doctor.

Post-operative appointment:

1. • A visit 7 to 10 days after surgery to have the tape removed and pathology discussed. You will need to ring the office to make an appointment for that visit if you weren’t already given one.
   • If you have any other problems, following your breast surgery, please contact Dr Hong Xia or your local doctor.