Information for the Public ◆
The following information is a guide to help members of the public navigate the health system when preparing for surgery, and to help you make an informed decision when facing the prospect of surgery.
Other sites such as the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons may be a good point of reference including their ‘Find a Surgeon’ service which will allow you to research Consultant General Surgeons by area of specialty and region. Please note the service does not list all surgeons within Australia, only those who have chosen to publish their details.
What is a General Surgeon
General Surgery is a highly-regarded and competitive specialty that focuses on the surgical treatment of abdominal organs, skin and soft tissue, and endocrine organs. General Surgery also encompasses breast surgery, transplantation, emergency and trauma surgery, head and neck surgery, vascular surgery, and surgical oncology.
General Surgeons can choose to cover the breath of General Surgery, or they may decided to subspecialise in any of the following areas:
- Bariatric
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Endocrine
- Endoscopy
- Gastroscopy
- Hernia including Abdominal Wall
- Surgical Oncology
- Transplant
- Trauma
- Upper GI
Referrals & Advice
REFERRALS
We are the professional body for general surgical training within Australia and as such, are not in a position to provide guidance on selecting your surgeon, nor can we provide medical advice, a second opinion, or provide specific guidance on individual general surgeons.
GENERAL SURGICAL ADVICE
Your General Surgeon is committed to providing you with the best treatment for your condition. In the first instance you may need to see your family doctor to be referred to a surgeon.
Once you see your surgeon they will be able to provide you with further information about your diagnosis, treatment alternatives, and the course of care, especially expectations for surgical outcomes. Ask questions, discuss the risks including complications and seek further clarification when you are unsure. It is important that you share all relevant information with your surgeon.
FINDING A GENERAL SURGEON
Your family doctor will be in a position to refer you to a General Surgeon in your area. Often your GP will make a recommendation for referral, however you also can research your own surgeon as well. A good place to start is the ‘Find a Surgeon’ service via the Royal Australasian College Surgeons:
The Find a Surgeon directory is a listing of Fellows of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) who meet the requirements of the College’s Continuing Professional Development program and have opted to be on the list.
There are a number of guidelines to follow in preparing for surgery which your surgeon and/or hospital will educate you on prior to, however the following may be useful as a quick guide:
- Shower at home the evening before surgery, or the morning of
- Please do not shave the proposed surgical site as this can increase the risk of infection.
- You will be given advice on when to fast from, but as a general rule: For morning surgery, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before (unless otherwise instructed). This includes coffee, tea, water, and juice. For afternoon surgery, a small breakfast before 07:00am is generally ok, but nothing after that.
- Even while fasting it is generally ok to continue taking your medication with a small sip of water. Your surgeon will advise you further
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior to your surgery
- Do not smoke for four weeks prior to surgery – smoking increases your risk of serious complications
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after discharge
- It is important to notify your doctor if there is a change in your condition prior to surgery (such as a cold, cough, fever or infection)
There are a few important steps to note for the day of your surgery:
- If you have not already done so, you will meet your anaesthetist
- After the operation, you will spend some time in the recovery room before going to the ward
- After discharge, and as long as you are taking prescription pain medicine, you are not permitted to: Drive a car nor operate power equipment; drink alcoholic beverages; sign important papers
- Instructions regarding safe resumption of the above activities will be provided by your surgeon
Healthdirect is a government-funded directory that provides free guidance and advice on all steps involved in preparing for your surgery – visit the website to find out more.
Preparing for Surgery
Informed Financial Consent
The Australian Medical Association – AMA, has developed a guide in conjunction with specialty bodies including General Surgeons Australia, which aims to assist patients to understand their health care and its costs, and how healthcare is funded in Australia.
The following guide is designed to help you work with your doctors to understand what you may have to pay for your surgical treatment.
Questions to ask your doctor about costs before you go to hospital
- What are your fees?
- Are there any fees for other doctors?
- Will I have any out-of-pocket costs?
- Is your fee an estimate only?
- Can I have an estimate of your fees in writing?
- If the cost changes, when will you let me know?
- What if I need a prosthesis/implant?
- Should I contact my health fund?
- For more information, please click here.