General Surgery

• Laparoscopic Appendectomy - Removal of Appendix

• Laparoscopic Lysis of Adhesions

• Tonsillectomy

Laparoscopic Appendectomy - Removal of Appendix
An appendectomy is the surgical removal of the appendix.

This procedure is normally performed under general anesthesia, with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery through 3 small incisions in the patient’s abdomen. This surgery will require a few days stay in hospital.

With all surgery there is some risk albeit small. Please be sure to tell the surgeon of any allergies to anaesthesia, medications, and other products.

Because this procedure is performed laparoscopically, the small incisions should heal well leaving small scars. These will fade over time.

What is the Laparoscopic Lysis of Adhesions?
Adhesions are abnormal attachments between abdominal organs. Because internal organs normally move independently of each other, adhesions can affect the functioning of organs and may result in chronic abdominal pain.
Adhesions are removed under general anesthesia, with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery through 3 small incisions in the patient’s abdomen. This surgery will require a few days stay in hospital.

With all surgery there is some risk albeit small. Please be sure to tell the surgeon of any allergies to anaesthesia, medications, and other products.

Because this procedure is performed laparoscopically, the small incisions should heal well leaving small scars. These will fade over time.

Once you return home contact us if any of the following symptoms appear:

• Fever

• Worsening pain

• Redness or swelling around the incision

• Warm incision area

• Drainage from the incision

When to resume normal activities
This depends on the extent of the adhesions. Operating on severe adhesions may disrupt the functioning of organs and may require a longer recovery time.

Tonsillectomy

• What is Tonsillectomy

• Problems associated with Tonsillitis

• Medical Issues to Consider

• The Operation

• After the Operation

• On Returning Home

What is Tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is the surgical removal of the tonsils. The tonsils are two pads of glandular (lymphatic) tissue, one situated each side of the back of the throat. The tonsils are relatively small in the first year of life and increase in size as a child grows older. They are usually at their largest between the ages of four and seven years. The role of these pads is to help provide a defence against infection which, in this case, enters through the nose or mouth. Tonsils also help in the production of antibodies to fight the infection more effectively.

Problems associated with Tonsillitis

Tonsils are prone to inflammation and enlargement. This can lead to a condition called tonsillitis. If these attacks become frequent and severe, or cause complications, your doctor might suggest an operation. Some reasons that suggest an operation may be required include:

• Recurrent bouts of tonsillitis accompanied by pain, discomfort and high temperature

• Chronic tonsillitis that doesn't clear up with antibiotics

• Frequent ear infections associated with tonsillitis

• Breathing difficulties due to enlarged tonsils

• Abscesses forming in the throat (peri-tonsillar abscesses or 'quinsy')

• A child failing to thrive because of difficulty in swallowing due to frequent infection and enlargement of the tonsils

Medical Issues to Consider

Your doctor will give you a complete physical check-up. The tonsil pad has a large blood supply, and special note will be taken whether you have any abnormal bleeding tendencies. Your doctor will check to see if your tonsils are actively inflamed and, if so, will prescribe antibiotics for a few weeks to control the infection prior to surgery.

The Operation

A tonsillectomy is performed under general anaesthesia. The patient's mouth is propped open and the tonsils are clamped with special instruments. The glandular tissue is contained inside a 'skin lining' - this lining is cut using scalpel, scissors, laser or an electric current (electrocautery). The tonsils are then removed. Each tonsil pad has a substantial blood supply, so electrocautery is often used to fuse the blood vessels and reduce the risk of haemorrhage.

After the Operation

• When the patient wakes up, they will be lying on their side - this is to prevent choking should any bleeding occur from the tonsil pad.

• They will have a sore throat.

• Medical staff will administer pain medication

• The nursing staff will observe frequently to check the pulse, blood pressure, breathing rate, and check the throat for any signs of bleeding.

• For the first four hours the patient will not be allowed to have any food or liquids.

• The patien may find it difficult to eat or drink but will be encouraged to do so.

• In a day or two the candidate can leave the hospital.

On Returning Home

• Don't smoke.

• Avoid vigorous exercise immediately after the operation.

• The aptient should erst for a few days to a week.

• Avoid crowded, enclosed areas (such as cinemas) for at least one week, to reduce the risk of infection.

• The throat may stay sore for 2 - 3 weeks.

• Some foods can cause irritation and pain - avoid sour drinks (such as citrus fruit juices), spicy foods and roughly textured foods for 2 weeks.

• Avoid taking aspirin and ibuprofene, since these drugs can exacerbate bleeding. Only take painkillers recommended by the doctor or surgeon.