Patient journey

The appointment

For some people this is a daunting prospect. However, relax and express yourself freely, as nothing you say will be repeated outside the consulting room, although written clinical records will be kept. Even if you think something sounds silly I have probably heard it before!

During our consultation I will want to understand your problem, how it affects you, and what you want to gain from surgery. I will need to ask you about your general health and past surgical or medical history. It is important that we know what medications you are on and whether you are a smoker or not.

I will need to examine you and we can then explain the options available and discuss their suitability for you.

An important part of the consultation is to discuss your recovery and the need for dressings and suture removal that need to be done during aftercare.

We will also discuss the implications of surgery and risks and complications.