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Are You A Good Candidate for Surgery?

good candidate for surgery

If you have ever considered surgery, especially major surgery, somewhere along the line you might have wondered whether or not you would be a good candidate for surgery. And those who have gone through a surgical procedure recently may know that your physical and mental state does indeed affect your chances of being approved for surgery. There are a wide variety of factors that can have an impact on the surgery itself and the recovery period that follows. This is why it is so important to have an open and honest conversation with a medical professional before any major procedure.

Physical and Mental State

A young individual that lives a healthy lifestyle is most likely a good candidate for surgery, but this is not always the case. There are patient-specific elements that need to be taken into account with each procedure as there could be underlying conditions that can affect the outcome of the surgery. The ideal patient is someone who is in good physical health and has the mental resolve to cope with all the potential post-operative results. It is also someone who understands the procedure and recognises the risks involved and has realistic expectations of the benefits of the procedure.

A patient that suffers from chronic conditions, for example, heart disease or diabetes, might be advised against having surgery because there is an increased risk. A patient’s lifestyle could also influence their eligibility for surgery and a surgeon will enquire as to whether the person is a long-time smoker and whether or not they have a history of drug and alcohol abuse. Certain medications can interfere with the procedure as well so be sure to inform your surgeon about anything that you have taken recently.

A good candidate for surgery is someone that knows exactly what they wish to get out of a procedure and has sensible expectations. If an individual believes that surgery is a simple path to happiness and that it will immediately improve their self-esteem, they might not be in it for the right reasons. A patient needs to have the mental capacity to deal with complications if they do arise and has to be able to cope with disappointment if the results are not what they desired. Recovery from major surgery is often a long process and you have to be in a good frame of mind throughout the entire process to better handle anything that comes your way.

Contact Centurion Day Hospital to book a consultation with one of our qualified surgeons if you are considering surgery. We will help guide you towards the right procedure and answer any questions you may have to put your mind at ease. We recognise that each has different needs and aim to provide personalised solutions to address each individual’s concerns.

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Pain management – What to Know Before Your Surgery

pain management

Managing pain after surgery is an important undertaking that patients need to familiarise themselves with. Proper pain control will not only make patients more comfortable but can also aid with the recovery process. Pain management can also reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots forming. By following your doctor’s advice and making use of the best modern medicine has to offer, pain management is simpler than ever before.

The Importance of Pain Management

When your body is in pain for an extended period of time it is bound to take its toll both physically and mentally. Pain can prevent you from doing basic tasks and getting enough exercise. Depending on the surgery you received, you might be unable to perform strenuous activities. But in most cases, your doctor will advise you to perform less exerting activities, such as walking around, as soon as you feel comfortable. This helps to prevent muscle atrophy and promotes healing by stimulating blood flow. When you manage your pain effectively you will be able to walk around at an adequate time to speed up your recovery.

Pain can also have a negative effect on your mental well-being, especially prolonged pain that is localised in one place, such as a surgery site. Patients can experience anxiety, mood swings and even fall into depression if pain persists for too long. When the body is under so much stress it can lead to even more complications, that could have most likely been avoided. Your doctor will assess your pain levels and prescribe pain medication accordingly. Patients will also be required to disclose some of their medical history as well as any allergies they might have to ensure that they do not receive any medication that could be detrimental to their health.

Common Types of Pain Medications

Medication taken orally (by mouth):

These are any tablets, capsules, liquids or lozenges that you have to drink, swallow or chew. Most people will be familiar with this type of pain medication as there are many varieties that are available at pharmacies without the need for a prescription. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions when taking any prescribed medication at home as an overdose or underdose can have negative effects.

Medication administered via a drip:

If a patient is in severe pain they might require an intravenous delivery of medication such as morphine, oxycodone or codeine. These are usually regulated by your doctor and are quite powerful painkillers. Another delivery method is knowns as patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), where a patient has some control over the administration of medication. The patient presses a button when their pain is too severe and a small dose of painkillers is delivered intravenously.

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Is Rhinoplasty Surgery the Right Choice for You?

Rhinoplasty- Nose Job

The nose is one of the most prominent features of the face and if you are unhappy with the shape or size of your nose it can have a negative effect on your self-esteem. You might feel that your nose does not complement the shape of your face, and a slight alteration would be able to address the issue. In some cases, individuals could have trouble breathing through the nose because of a deformity or injury. Rhinoplasty surgery (Nose Job) seeks to address these issues as it is able to change the size and shape of the nose, whether the purpose is cosmetic or reconstructive.

Rhinoplasty Procedure (Nose Job)

Before the day of your surgery, you will need to have a number of consultations with your surgeon. During these sessions, your surgeon will enquire about your expected results and establish precisely what you wish to change. Your surgeon will take into account the shape of your face and consider your facial features, which they will then use to make recommendations. Your surgeon will make it clear to you if they feel that your expectations are unrealistic. Similarly, they will tell you if they think that your desired shape or size would not match the rest of your face.

Rhinoplasty surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and patients are either sedated or administered general anaesthesia, depending on the surgeon’s recommendation. The procedure can be performed in two ways: open surgery or closed surgery. If the incisions are made inside the nostril it is considered a closed procedure, with the incision being somewhat hidden. When an incision is made across the tissue that separates the nostrils it is considered an open procedure as the incisions are more visible.

After the incision is made, a surgeon is able to access the nasal bones and cartilage of the nose. Depending on the desired results, your surgeon will either add or remove bone and cartilage to increase or reduce the size of the nose. Cartilage from the septum and ear can be used to alter the shape and size of the nose. If a patient has trouble breathing, as is the case with a deviated septum, a surgeon will correct the septum or remove tissue fragments to improve breathing.

Recovery After Rhinoplasty Surgery (Nose Job)

As with any surgery, patients should refrain from strenuous activity for a period of time. You should also avoid putting pressure on the surgery site, for example by blowing the nose or by pulling tight clothing over the nose. There will be a fair amount of swelling, of which the majority should subside within a few weeks. Patients should not use ice packs to reduce swelling as this could lead to complications.

Contact Centurion Day Hospital if you have any questions regarding rhinoplasty surgery (Nose Job) or if you wish to book a consultation with one of our qualified surgeons. Feel free to browse our website for more information on all of the procedures performed at our hospital.

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What can you Expect from Rhinoplasty Surgery?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that is able to alter the shape and size of a patient’s nose. This procedure is also commonly referred to as a nose job and it involves the modification of the bones, cartilage and skin of the nose. Patients often consider rhinoplasty because they are unhappy with the appearance of their noses. Some might feel that their nose is too big or that it does not match the shape of their face. This procedure is indeed able to address these issues, but it can also be performed to improve the nasal functions of individuals. Patients with breathing problems and those that have experienced trauma to their nose could see these issues resolved by the surgery. 

Rhinoplasty Procedure

The bridge of the nose is made up of bone with the lower part of the nose consisting of mostly cartilage. Rhinoplasty does not have a standard procedure as each patient’s needs can be quite different. This means that each surgery is customised to a certain degree, in order to achieve results that are specific to each patient. The procedure can be performed from within the nose opening or by making a small incision at the base of the nose. 

Depending on the desired result, a surgeon will usually alter the shape of either the nasal bones or cartilage and in some cases both, to change the shape and structure of the nose. Surgeons might have to use bone and cartilage from different areas of the body if there is not enough material available in the nose to complete the procedure. 

Rhinoplasty Consultation

The consultation with your doctor before rhinoplasty will be quite extensive because of the dynamic nature of the surgery. A patient that is experiencing trouble breathing due to a deviated septum will require a procedure that is slightly different from someone that wants to reduce the size of their nose. This is why it is important to be specific about your expected results during your consultation, to ensure that your doctor is able to properly plan their approach to the surgery. 

The surgeon will take your wishes into consideration and assess your facial structure to develop a customised surgery plan which will deliver results that complement the other facial features. Your medical history and physical health will play a large role in determining whether or not you are a suitable candidate for surgery and honesty is essential during consultations with your doctor.

Centurion Day Hospital is well equipped to perform rhinoplasty surgery at our facility in Gauteng. Feel free to contact us if you have any other questions regarding the procedure. If you are considering surgery you are encouraged to fill in our pre-admission form online. This helps to speed up the process and can be done from the comfort of your home at any time.

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Orthopaedic Procedures That Could Improve Your Quality of Life

Orthopaedic surgery

Orthopaedic surgery is a specialised set of procedures that seek to treat ailments and defects in the musculoskeletal system. The bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons are all a part of this system. As you can imagine, many problems can arise in these parts of our bodies, as they are constantly moving and often put under large amounts of strain. Orthopaedic procedures are indeed specialised in nature and several surgeries fall under this classification. Many orthopaedic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, making day hospitals a great option when you are in need of treatment. Centurion Day Hospital is equipped to perform a number of orthopaedic procedures, with qualified orthopaedic surgeons available to diagnose and treat various ailments.

Open or Closed Reduction Treatment

When a patient has fractured a bone they might require surgery to reset the bones. After examining the X-rays of the fracture, an orthopaedic surgeon will determine whether an open- or closed reduction should be performed. Open reduction surgery is performed by making an incision above the fracture site. This allows the orthopaedic surgeon to adjust the fragments directly and enables them to insert screws, rods or plates to realign the fractured bone.
A closed reduction is nonoperative and is normally used to treat less complicated fractures. This orthopaedic procedure does not require an incision and the surgeon is able to realign the bones externally before applying a cast or splint.

Peripheral Nerve Surgery (Release of Painful Nerve)

The peripheral nervous system is made up of all the nerves in your arms, legs, face and chest. Injury to the peripheral nerves can lead to chronic pain and the entrapment of nerves can be difficult to treat without surgical intervention. Peripheral nerve surgery can be performed by an orthopaedic surgeon and it can be used to treat a number of conditions associated with nerve damage. Peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves) can be difficult to diagnose, as there is a range of symptoms associated with it. Patients should seek consultation with qualified surgeons if they are experiencing any associated symptoms.

Trigger Finger Release (Stiff or Cramped Finger Joint)

Trigger finger is the common term used to describe a condition caused by an inflamed tendon in the finger. This causes the tendon to contract and makes it difficult to extend the finger, leaving it in a constantly bent position. Trigger finger release, or tenolysis, is an orthopaedic procedure that is performed to release the tension in the tendon. A small incision is made above the swollen part of the tendon to release pressure and allow the patient to straighten their finger. This allows the tendon to glide more freely as there is more space available.

Contact Centurion Day Hospital to arrange a consultation with one of our orthopaedic surgeons if you are suffering from any musculoskeletal ailments. Our facilities are well equipped to perform numerous orthopaedic procedures that could greatly improve your quality of life. Feel free to visit our website for more information on our extensive range of procedures or book a consultation online to start your journey towards recovery.

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Centurion Day Hospital is Fully-Equipped for Hip Arthroscopy Procedures

Our hips generally experience a lot of strain during the course of our lives. Whether your job requires you to do a lot of walking or spend a lot of time seated at work, your hips and surrounding muscles are constantly working to maintain a good posture. It should come as no surprise then that we tend to experience problems with our hips as we age. And with so many moving parts being put under tension regularly, you face the possibility of experiencing medical issues in this area, no matter your age. If you are experiencing lingering issues with your hips your doctor might advise you to undergo a hip arthroscopy procedure to diagnose and possibly treat your condition.

When is an Arthroscopy Necessary?

This procedure could be your best option if you experience hip joint pain for extended periods. Especially if the pain does not respond to nonsurgical treatment such as physical therapy, rest and medications intended to reduce inflammation. If you have previously experienced an injury in the hip area fragments of bone or cartilage may have become separated and could now be the source of discomfort within the joint. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that is able to locate and remove these fragments. 

Hip Arthroscopy Procedure

An arthroscope is a thin, flexible device that is equipped with a light and a camera that is connected to a monitor system. During a hip arthroscopy procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision close to the affected hip. They will then insert an arthroscope into the incision and direct the camera towards the hip joint. The surgeon is able to navigate the camera using a magnified video feed on the monitor. This view of the hip joint enables them to visually identify the cause of the patient’s symptoms.  

Hip arthroscopy is effective at diagnosing hip ailments and it can also be used to treat certain conditions. The procedure can be used to remove damaged tissues from the joint, repair tears in the ligaments surrounding the joint or repair damage to the bones. To be able to reach the affected areas with special surgical tools, a surgeon might have to make an additional cut close to the initial one. Hip arthroscopy surgery could be an option to treat hip impingement, a hip labral tear, hip dysplasia, snapping hip syndrome and synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining) to name a few. 

Hip arthroscopy is performed on an outpatient basis at Centurion Day Hospital and the procedure does generally not take longer than 3 hours. Our facilities are well equipped to perform arthroscopies on different joints in the body and our surgeons have extensive experience treating related conditions. Contact us today if you require any orthopaedic services or browse our website for more information on any of the surgeries performed at our facility!  

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Orthopaedic Surgery: Diagnosing and Treating Bone and Joint Pain

Orthopaedic surgeons are able to perform a number of surgical and non-surgical procedures focused on treating and preventing musculoskeletal disorders or trauma. Our bones and muscles inevitably degrade as our bodies age, and our movement becomes limited. Orthopaedic surgery is not only focused on correcting chronic defects but also endeavours to treat many of the injuries or ailments caused by old age. If these issues are addressed earlier in life, you reduce your risk later in life.

Let’s take a look at some common orthopaedic procedures:

Facet Joint Injection

A facet joint injection can be used to diagnose and treat patients that are experiencing joint pain in their back. The affected area is sterilised with an antibacterial solution and a local anaesthetic is injected into this area to numb the facet joint. Surgeons use imaging guidance to direct the needle to the exact spot. If the pain subsides it can be concluded that the joint is indeed what is causing the problem. This injection will only provide temporary pain relief and a mix of anti-inflammatory medicine is needed to deliver long term pain relief.

Ganglionectomy (Removal of Cyst on Hand)

A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can form when a ligament or joint capsule herniates. These cysts most commonly form on the wrists and ankles, as these areas experience a lot of movement. These cysts can cause extreme pain in some cases where they press on the nerves of a patient. A ganglionectomy is performed on an outpatient basis and the surgery is relatively quick. After the cyst has been surgically removed the wound is stitched up and bandaged. Patients will have pain medication prescribed to them to mitigate any excessive pain.

Insertion or Removal of K-Wires

Kirschner wires, also known as K-wires, are strong wires that are used to repair bone fractures. These wires are used to hold bone fragments together to help with the healing process. During the procedure, a surgeon will insert the wires under the skin and tie together the pieces of the bone that have been separated. These wires are only temporary and will commonly be removed after three or four weeks. 

Make Centurion Day Hospital your chosen destination if you are in need of orthopaedic surgery! Our qualified surgeons perform a wide range of procedures in our state-of-the-art medical facilities. Feel free to browse our website for more information on any of our procedures, or contact us today to book a consultation

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Orthopaedic Surgery – Understanding Different Orthopaedic Procedures

Orthopaedic surgery is quite a broad term used to describe several procedures that are generally focused on correcting bone and joint conditions. Orthopaedics as a whole is a field of study that concentrates on the movement of our bodies and the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments that facilitates movement. As our bodies age these parts of our body, known as the musculoskeletal system, will degenerate slowly. As the muscles and tendons start to become weaker the likelihood of sustaining an injury to the joints increases.

Many people will indeed require orthopaedic surgery due to acute conditions caused by the effects of ageing, but there are also a number of chronic conditions that orthopaedic surgeons can address. 

Let’s have a look at some of the Orthopedic procedures commonly performed:

Tenotomy – Ankle Tendon Lengthening

Individuals with an atypical foot can experience a contracture of the Achilles tendon, which can lead to muscle spasticity and chronic pain in the foot. A contracted muscle could also lead to poor posture and cause even more discomfort in the future. During tenotomy surgery, an orthopaedic surgeon lengthens the Achilles tendon by making small cuts on the tendons to relieve tension on the tendon, when the tendon heals it then retains the new length. This procedure has also been effective at treating clubfoot as it improves the flexibility of the ankle and corrects the positioning of the foot.

Arthroscopy – Joint Diagnostic and Repair

During an arthroscopy, a surgeon uses a very small camera to inspect the inside of a patient’s joint. A small incision is made and the device is manoeuvred to the affected site, giving the surgeon a close-up view of whatever may be causing the patient discomfort. In some cases, the surgeon is able to correct the problem using small instruments within the arthroscope tube. An arthroscopy can be used to diagnose ailments within both the knee and shoulder joints.  

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist, is compressed. This can lead to numbness in the hand and the condition tends to worsen over time. A carpal tunnel release procedure can be used to relieve pressure on the median nerve if it becomes compressed by bones or ligaments. An incision is made in the palm of your hand and the carpal tunnel ligament is then cut to reduce the tension on the nerves while also increasing the size of the tunnel.

Various orthopaedic procedures are performed at Centurion Day Hospital’s state of the art facilities daily. Our professional team of staff members are dedicated to providing the best possible care to all of our patients. Book a consultation with one of our qualified surgeons today, or browse our website for more information on any of the procedures performed at our facility.

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Breast Augmentation and Liposuction Promotion

If you feel like exercising and following a strict diet has left you with little to show for it, cosmetic surgery might be the solution! Contour your body with breast augmentation- or liposuction surgery this winter at Centurion Day Hospital, and make sure that your body is beach-ready by the time summer rolls around! 

Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast augmentation surgery is able to enlarge and contour the breasts according to the patient’s wishes. There are many reasons why women consider augmentation mammoplasty. Some women wish to balance out the size and shape of their breasts, others may feel that their breasts are too small in proportion to the rest of their body. Women can lose breast volume after giving birth and also breastfeeding the child, and they may wish to rectify this. Breast enlargement surgery can address these issues by reshaping the breasts and replacing lost volume.

Breast augmentation surgery is usually completed within an hour and is done under general anaesthesia. Patients are able to return home on the same day, but they will require someone to transport them from the hospital. During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision where the breast and the chest meet, making the scar as inconspicuous as possible. An implant is then inserted directly under the breast tissue or beneath the chest wall muscle, and after the implant has been secured in place the incisions are stitched up.

Patients can expect some pain and discomfort in the days after their surgery, but your doctor will prescribe painkillers that will manage your pain quite effectively. You will also have to refrain from strenuous activities for a few weeks after your surgery to prevent any injury from occurring.

Liposuction Surgery Procedure 

Stubborn fat clusters that do not respond to regular exercise or a healthy diet may seem impossible to get rid of. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that breaks up and removes these unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body. Liposuction can be performed on the thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, arms, face and neck to reduce the size of fat deposits. Both men and women can benefit from liposuction, and the procedure is very common around the world.

During liposuction surgery, a surgeon inserts a narrow tube, called a cannula, into a small incision close to the area of the body that is being targeted. The cannula is then used to break apart fat deposits and in some cases, a liquid is used to aid in this process. Suction is then applied to the cannula in order to get rid of fat from under the skin, removing those fat cells from the body for good. Liposuction surgery is a relatively quick procedure, but it is largely dependent on the size of the area that is targeted. Your recovery time will likewise be largely dependent on the size of the area as well as the placement of the affected area.

If you are considering liposuction or breast augmentation surgery, there has never been a better time to book! Take advantage of Centurion Day Hospital’s liposuction and breast augmentation promotion this month and get the look you’ve always wanted, at the best price. Be sure to book a consultation with one of our qualified surgeons today or browse our website to find out more.

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Pain Management Techniques After Surgery

Pain is an unfortunate consequence of any surgical procedure and it could be the reason why many people try to avoid surgery altogether. Fortunately, extensive research has been done into the topic of pain and medical advancements enable us to manage pain very effectively. With the right prescription of medication and the use of a few non-medicinal pain management techniques, you can greatly reduce the amount of pain you experience while also speeding up your recovery.

When you are recovering from surgery it is important to remember that you are experiencing what is called acute pain. Acute pain is defined as pain that occurs as a response to a specific stimulus. But, it is also defined as pain that is short-lived. Knowing that your pain is temporary should help you to mentally prepare for the recovery period. Overcoming the psychological barriers to surgery before the day of your procedure helps to reduce your stress levels a great deal. And the last thing you need when going in for surgery is unnecessary stress!

Using Pain Medication

There are various pain medicines that help you with pain management, while also reducing inflammation and treating high fever. Medications such as aspirin do this by blocking chemicals called prostaglandins which cause inflammation and swelling. These chemicals also make nerves more sensitive and lead to a more intense feeling of pain.

Your Surgeon will prescribe certain pain medication for you after your surgery and it is very important to follow their instructions diligently. Self-medication can be dangerous as it could interfere with your prescribed medication. It is always advised that you seek professional medical advice when you are experiencing excessive pain. 

Non-Medicinal Pain Management Techniques

In addition to medication, there are some activities that could help you with pain management:

  • Physical Activities – Walking and stretching are great activities that you can return to gradually after surgery. Patients should however be careful to not over-exert themselves and give their bodies enough time to recover before resuming physical activities.   
  • Massage – Massaging the muscles encourages blood flow in the body, which in turn promotes healing. Massaging also helps to prevent the muscles from becoming too tense.
  • Hot or Cold Packs – Ice packs are very effective at reducing swelling and inflammation, while heat pads are commonly used to reduce muscle- and joint pain. 

Contact Centurion Day Hospital to book a consultation for your surgery today! Browse our website for more information on any of the procedures performed at our facility. Our team of doctors will be with you every step of the way and provide you with everything you need to make a speedy recovery.