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Post-Operative Instructions to Help You During Your Recovery

The recovery period is often the worst part of going in for surgery. The lack of mobility and the discomfort that comes with surgery can easily get on a patient’s nerves and cause them to disregard their surgeon’s post-operative instructions. This, unfortunately, can often cause more complications that might lead to the extension of the recovery period. The good news is that when you follow your doctor’s instructions, you will spend less time in recovery and you will be able to see the results of your surgery sooner!  

So what are the post-operative instructions to speed up your recovery?

Get Enough Rest

Most surgeons will agree that rest plays a big part in any patient’s recovery process. Sufficient rest gives your body time to recover properly, but it also greatly reduces the likelihood that an injury may occur. In some cases, simply walking around too soon can lead to complications or cause you pain. Patients are advised to refrain from any strenuous activity for a period of time, depending on the surgery they received. Your doctor will provide you with a timeframe for your recovery, indicating when you should be able to once again perform your everyday activities.  

Wound Care

Caring for your wounds is extremely important as infection can lead to a whole host of problems. Wounds should be kept clean and dry for a number of days, depending on the procedure that was performed. Patients will only be able to shower after a few days, and scrubbing the wound should be avoided as much as possible. Patients might receive a post-operative compression bandage to wear over their wound. This bandage helps to reduce the swelling and helps the body to heal. Patients may be instructed to remove their wound dressing at home and replace it with an adhesive bandage. This should only be done as instructed by a surgeon, and any uncertainty should be discussed with your doctor. 

Pain Management

You will be prescribed medication to mitigate the majority of the pain that you might experience. It is important to avoid alcohol during your recovery as this can lead to certain complications, especially when used in conjunction with pain medication. Ice packs can be applied to a wound to help reduce pain and inflammation. Heat pads can also be used to the same effect, but only when your doctor has approved it. Ice packs and heat pads can be used regularly, but patients should be cautious of using either of these for extended periods of time.

There’s no reason to be nervous when you come for surgery at Centurion Day Hospital! Our team of professional surgeons will discuss these post-operative instructions with you in more detail to put your mind at rest. We will answer all of your questions and ensure that your worries are put to rest. Book a consultation today to speak to one of our dedicated staff members, or browse our website for more information on any of the procedures performed at our facility.

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Dental Surgery at Centurion Day Hospital

A visit to the dentist is not a pleasurable experience for most people and the thought of dental surgery can be even more daunting. The fact of the matter is that avoiding the dentist’s office can lead to numerous complications and the importance of good oral health can not be overstated. Unfortunately, there are still a number of medical issues that may arise despite the best efforts of an individual to maintain good oral health and in some cases, surgery might be required to address a problem. 

Dental surgery is an umbrella term used to describe various procedures that seek to correct conditions and defects in and around the mouth and a wide variety of these procedures are performed at Centurion Day Hospital.

Dental Surgeries Performed at Centurion Day Hospital:

Apicoectomy:

During an apicoectomy, a dental surgeon removes the tip of the root of an infected tooth in order to gain access to the root. The infected tissue is then removed from around the tip and a filling is placed at the end of the root in order to contain and eliminate any bacteria that is left in the canal system after it has been cleaned. The procedure can take up to 90 minutes to complete and patients could experience swelling for up to two weeks after the surgery.

Dental Extraction

There are many reasons why a tooth might need to be extracted. Infection, tooth decay and a lack of space could lead to the extraction of the affected tooth. The type of extraction that is used is determined by the accessibility of the tooth that is to be extracted. A simple dental extraction is used on teeth that are easily accessible while surgical dental extraction is reserved for teeth that are harder to reach and requires a surgical incision into the connective tissue in order to be able to extract the tooth. 

Dental Implants

A dental implant is made up of an implant fixture that is inserted into the jawbone or skull. The fixture then fuses with the bone over time and creates a strong base to which a dental prosthesis can be fixed. The implant acts as the root of a missing tooth and is able to provide an orthodontic anchor.  

Dentectomy

A dentectomy is the extraction of all of a patient’s teeth. This dental surgery is normally used to enable individuals to use dentures and in some cases when a patient’s teeth are severely damaged or infected.

Contact Centurion Day Hospital if you or a loved one are in need of dental surgery in Gauteng. Our staff will help you to determine which procedure would best meet your needs and provide you with all the information you require to make your surgery a success! Visit our website today for more information on any of the services we offer.

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Maxillofacial and Dental Surgery at Centurion Day Hospital

Maxillofacial surgery is a term used to describe a variety of procedures that aim to treat defects and conditions that affect the mouth, teeth, jaws or face. Dental surgery is another broad term for a set of procedures that is specifically focused on the teeth and gums. These surgeries are often grouped under the umbrella term of maxillofacial and dental surgery to describe a set of procedures performed in the region of the face, head, neck and mouth. Surgeons within this field can treat patients that have sustained facial injuries, offer reconstructive surgery, perform dental implants, and even treat patients that present with tumours or cysts in their jaws.

A variety of maxillofacial and dental surgeries are performed at Centurion Day Hospital. Our state of the art facilities enables us to consistently provide quality care for all of our patients.

Procedures Performed at Centurion Day Hospital:

Frenectomy

In dentistry, a frenectomy refers to the removal of connective tissue within the mouth, called a frenulum, that causes problems with speech or eating. A maxillary frenectomy removes a frenulum that connects the upper gums to a patient’s front teeth while a lingual frenectomy involves removing a frenulum connecting the underside of the patient’s tongue to the floor of the mouth. 

Gingival Graft

A gingival graft is a procedure intended to treat patients with receding gums. Gum recession exposes the roots of teeth, which could lead to numerous complications if left untreated. During the surgery, tissue from the roof of the mouth is removed and grafted onto the affected area of the gums to reduce the recession.

Orthodontic attachment

Orthodontic attachments are small pieces of orthodontic material that have been shaped according to the function they serve. These attachments can be used in conjunction with orthodontic aligners to realign teeth, treat a bite problem and reposition teeth that are out of place.

Sinus Floor Augmentation

A sinus augmentation surgery is performed to increase the amount of bone tissue in the upper jaw. An incision is made into the gum tissue and the exposed bone is lifted into the sinus cavity in order to protect the sinus cavity when a patient receives dental implants.

Centurion Day Hospital is a trusted name in the field of maxillofacial and dental surgery and our staff 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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Gynaecological Surgery and Procedures Performed at Centurion Day Hospital

Gynaecological surgery is a daunting proposition for most women and something that they try to avoid as much as possible. However, women often require surgery for ailments that are simply unavoidable. This is why it is important to have regular visits with your gynaecologist, to make sure that you identify problems as soon as possible. If you find yourself in need of gynaecological surgery, it can help a great deal to calm your nerves if you have trust in the facility where your operation will be performed. 

Centurion Day Hospital should be your first choice for gynaecological surgeries and procedures in Gauteng. Our highly trained surgeons perform numerous procedures in our well-equipped facilities. 

Let’s take a look at some of the gynaecological procedures performed:

Dilation and Curettage: Scraping/Cleaning The Inside of Uterus

Dilation and curettage is a procedure that is often used for diagnostic purposes. It entails the removal of a part of the lining of the uterus and/or the scraping of the uterus, to remove its contents. The scraping of the uterus is often intended to remove tissue in the case of a non-viable pregnancy. Removing the excess lining of the uterus can help to treat certain conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. Tissue that is causing abnormal bleeding can also be removed during the procedure.

Drainage of Bartholin Cyst

A Bartholin cyst is characterised by a swelling of the Bartholin’s glands, located in the opening of the vagina. The cyst may not be painful, but it is still best to have it checked by a medical professional. In some cases, the cyst might require surgical drainage. During this procedure, the surgeon will make an incision into the cyst and insert a catheter to help it drain over time. 

Endometrial Ablation

Endometrial ablation is a procedure that aims to reduce the menstrual flow experienced by a patient. During the surgery, the lining of the uterus is eroded, without the need to make an incision. Narrow tools are used to fill the vagina with warm fluids, which destroys the uterine lining in time. Endometrial ablation is very effective at treating women who experience excessive menstrual bleeding, and it can stop the bleeding completely in some cases.

Hysteroscopy: Inspection of the Inside of Uterus

During a hysteroscopy, a gynaecologist will examine the inside of the cervix and uterus using a flexible tube. During the examination, the gynaecologist will commonly take a tissue sample for analysis. However, a hysteroscopy can also be used as a surgical intervention to remove polyps or fibroid tumours from the uterus.

Contact Centurion Day Hospital if you require gynaecological surgery! Our team of dedicated staff members will be with you every step of the way as you start your treatment journey. Feel free to browse our website for more information on any of the procedures performed at our facility or book a consultation online to speak with one of our surgeons. 

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Centurion Day Hospital – An Ideal Alternative for Children

When your child is in need of surgery it can cause a considerable amount of stress for both of you. Even if it is not an intensive procedure, the thought of sending them in for an operation could weigh on your mind, especially if they need to spend a night in the hospital. Oftentimes the sheer scale of an acute hospital can be daunting, especially to a young child. Fortunately, day hospitals are able to perform various surgical procedures on children as well as adults, which can help to make surgery a more positive experience overall. 

What Makes Day Hospitals Different? 

Patients at a day hospital are discharged on the same day as their surgery as there are no overnight facilities and patients are never required to stay the night. This means that you will always be able to take your child home after their surgery, eliminating the stress of staying alone in an unfamiliar place. The fact that you do not have to spend extended periods of time in the hospital also means that your risk of infection is greatly reduced. The risk of infection in an acute hospital is extremely high because of the wide range of ailments that are treated at such a facility, and also because of the long periods of time that many sick people spend there. At a day hospital, these factors are not present which greatly reduces your risk after surgery.  

Day hospitals are well equipped to perform a range of surgical procedures on children and adults. These facilities are able to invest more into equipment and infrastructure because the overheads of running a day hospital are far less than that of an acute hospital. The reduced operating costs also means that most procedures at a day hospital are less expensive. A day hospital is usually a much smaller facility with a limited amount of patients at any given time. Staff are able to connect with patients more easily and create a more personal experience, which could go a long way to make children less nervous about their surgery. Day hospitals are also able to schedule surgery times very accurately and patients will not have to wait at the hospital for a long period of time before their surgery is performed.  

At Centurion Day Hospital we are dedicated to providing quality care to all of our patients. We perform various surgical procedures on children and our friendly staff will help to make the experience as pleasant as possible for you and your family. Visit our website or contact us for more information on any of the procedures performed at our facility.  

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Pre-Op Instructions For Patients Going In For Surgery

Going in for surgery can be an intimidating experience, no matter the severity of the procedure. Often though, it is more the fear of the unknown that causes an uneasy feeling among patients than the procedure itself. Once you understand the procedure and know what to do leading up to the surgery it becomes a much less daunting experience. At Centurion Day Hospital we do our best to make patients feel as comfortable in our facility as possible. Our knowledgeable staff are always available to answer any questions you may have regarding your procedure. Once you have consulted with your surgeon and decided on a procedure there are certain pre-op instructions that you will need to follow before your surgery takes place.

Before The Procedure

A patient should not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before the procedure is scheduled to take place.  This is mainly because of the effect that anaesthesia will have on the body and any food or liquid in the stomach could pose a threat to the surgery. Therefore patients should avoid taking as much as a sip of water within this 6-hour timeframe. Patients are also advised to avoid smoking for as long as possible before and after the surgery. Smoking reduces the flow of oxygen in the blood, which can increase your risk of infection after the surgery.

If you are feeling unwell or sick on the day of your surgery you should inform the hospital of the symptoms and act according to the recommendation of your surgeon. It could be that the procedure will need to be postponed to avoid the possibility of an infection spreading. A patient will likely require transport after their surgery as they will be too impaired to drive due to the residual effects of anaesthesia. Your surgeon will inform you of any other pre-op instructions that might pertain to a specific procedure.

Admissions Process

An online admissions service is available to simplify the process for prospective patients. You will be required to complete an admission form that is then sent through to the hospital and assessed by our medical team. Once you have been approved for surgery our case managers will assist you with financing the procedure, depending on the patient’s preferred payment method. Once the financing has been completed the date of the procedure will be confirmed.

At Centurion Day Hospital we are committed to providing quality care to all our patients in a comfortable environment. Having more information about the pre-op instructions that need to be followed should put a patient’s mind at ease and help you to prepare for your surgery. Visit our website for more information about any of the procedures we offer or contact us today to speak to one of our qualified staff members.

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Advantages of Using a Day Hospital

In South Africa, overcrowded hospitals and overworked staff members is an issue that many facilities have had to deal with and the need to expand and diversify healthcare options has become more evident. Since the early 2000s, the accessibility and capabilities of day hospitals have greatly increased worldwide. The demand for day hospitals has also intensified internationally as the public becomes more aware of the benefits of these facilities. 

So what makes a day hospital different?

Lower Cost:

In most businesses, you are stuck with the same set of rules: Your income has to outweigh your spending to stay afloat. Hospitals are no exception to this rule, but many of the costs associated with running an acute facility, such as overtime pay for staff and overnight facilities, are not present at a day hospital. The costs that an acute facility incurs from its increased operating hours, and often its large premises, are therefore eliminated. This allows day hospitals to decrease their overall spending, which enables them to perform the same procedure on a patient for a reduced price. Certain procedures can cost up to 28% less in a day hospital than they would have in an acute facility. 

Well Equipped and Reduced Risk of Infection:

A recent study that was done abroad found that around 70% of surgical procedures conducted in an acute facility can be performed at a day hospital. The facilities within a day hospital are oftentimes more advanced as they can invest more into specific facilities. The quality of care provided is something that is also brought into question. Numerous studies have shown that one of the biggest risks posed to a hospital patient is the hospital itself. In large, densely occupied hospitals, the risk of infection from another patient is too high to ignore. In contrast, day hospitals are able to provide a safer, more sterile environment to their patients by reducing the amount of time that patients spend at the hospital, as well as patients’ proximity to one another. 

More Convenient:

We have grown accustomed to medical procedures being tiresome, arduous endeavours that take up a great deal of time. This is largely due to the overbooked schedules of hospitals and their surgeons. Every person who has been to an acute care facility can recall an instance when they were left waiting in a room an hour after they had arrived for their appointment. This is where day hospitals truly stand out. With many day hospitals providing the option to schedule a procedure online, the process has been streamlined to provide patients with efficient and convenient access to services. Less uncertainty means that these facilities can better plan and predict their daily schedules.

In the end, every patient will have their own story to tell about their experience. The hope is that the trend towards more affordable care for all will keep growing. Contact Centurion Day Hospital to take advantage of all the benefits our facility has to offer! Book a consultation today to discuss your options with one of our dedicated staff members.

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What to Expect from a Vasectomy Procedure

Vasectomy surgery is an intimidating procedure for most men. It could cause some stress knowing that not only is the procedure itself taking place in a very private area, but the effects of the surgery could be permanent, even if the procedure is reversed. Thankfully, once you understand the procedure and are well aware of the effects, it becomes a far less frightening surgery and you are able to make an informed decision before going into the operating room. 

The Surgery

A vasectomy is a common surgical procedure that results in the sterility of a male patient, leaving them unable to impregnate a woman. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis and is usually completed within 30 minutes. The patient will receive a local anaesthetic in the groin area but remains awake throughout the surgery. During the procedure, a surgeon will make a small incision in the upper scrotal area in order to access the vas deferens. The vas deferens is a muscular tube situated behind the bladder that transports sperm to the urethra, combining it with seminal fluid. The purpose of a vasectomy is to close or sever the vas deferens in order to prevent sperm from entering the urethra, leaving the patient sterile. The procedure is minimally invasive, leaving only one small scar that might need to be sutured.

Before Your Surgery

If you are considering a vasectomy it is important to be aware of the consequences and to consider them thoroughly before going in for surgery. Your surgeon will discuss all the options available to you and assess whether you are a suitable candidate for surgery. You might be asked to stop taking certain medications before your surgery and you will also be required to stop smoking for a period of time as these could interfere with blood clotting and increase your risks during surgery. You are also advised to shave your pubic area before surgery, especially in the area that the incision is going to be made. Be sure to disclose any medical condition that you may have to ensure that your surgeon is well informed about any potential risks. 

After Your Surgery 

You will be unable to drive after your surgery and you will require someone to drive you home once you are released. Your main priority will be to ensure that the wound stays clean as it heals. Patients will experience some discomfort and swelling and medication will be prescribed to deal with any pain. You should be able to return to work after two or three days, but it is advised to refrain from any strenuous activity for up to a week. 

At Centurion Day Hospital we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care in advanced facilities. Contact us today for more information on any of our procedures, or visit our website to book a consultation and view the wide range of procedures performed at our facility! 

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Dental Surgery Could Bring Your Smile Back!

Centurion Day Hospital is currently offering a 50% discount on dental co-payments to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted! Our facility is well equipped and a wide variety of dental- and maxillofacial surgeries are performed at the hospital. Among the procedures performed at the hospital are dental fillings, dental extraction and -implants, frenectomy, receding gum repair, orthodontic attachment, and sinus augmentation. So take advantage of this incredible offer today! Feel free to book a consultation with one of our qualified surgeons to help you determine which procedure would best suit your individual needs. 

Put your smile on display for the world to see! Having a healthy set of teeth can help to improve your self-esteem and keep you from becoming self-conscious about your smile when you are speaking to other people. We have very little control over the formation of our teeth and all we can do is focus on our oral health and dental hygiene to try to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. For those who are facing more severe problems, dental surgery might be the solution. Thankfully, advancements in medical technology have made it possible to address numerous issues that patients may face. 

Most of us have had at least one bad experience at the dentist, and many patients are scared by the thought of going in for dental surgery. Having a big procedure performed in such a sensitive area is a daunting prospect and a lot of people put off any type of surgery because of this. Unfortunately, most dental issues will only get worse over time if left untreated, and anybody who has had to deal with a severe toothache will know that it is something that no one should have to endure. This is why it is important to address an issue as soon as it presents itself before it leads to more complications in the future. 

It is always important to note that good oral hygiene is the first step towards preventing tooth decay, and everyone should try to follow a proper dental care routine. A lot of issues can be avoided by simply brushing teeth regularly and avoiding an excess of sugary and acidic foods that may damage your teeth over time. In addition to self-care, it is important to visit your dentist every year to help you identify any complications that may require dental surgery before they become more problematic.  

So don’t delay! Contact Centurion Day Hospital today and take advantage of the 50% discount on dental co-payments currently available. Our dedicated team will be with you every step of the way and are available to answer any questions you may have regarding a procedure! 

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Contour Your Body With a Tummy Tuck

It can be very disheartening when you try to attain your ideal body shape with exercise and a healthy diet and never see the desired result. Unfortunately, this is the reality for a lot of people who are struggling with their body image. Oftentimes, traditional weight loss methods are simply ineffective at removing stubborn fat deposits and getting rid of loose skin that can result from weight loss. A tummy tuck surgery could be the solution for individuals who are struggling with these weight loss issues. This procedure is extremely effective in eliminating localised fat deposits and removing loose skin that would have otherwise been very difficult to target. So, for those of you who have lost hope, there might yet be a solution!

During a tummy tuck, a surgeon will tighten the abdominal muscles that have been damaged by pregnancy or weight gain. These muscles have been strained for long periods of time and will struggle to recover from the damage they have received without surgical intervention. A tummy tuck, also known as an abdominoplasty, is able to help repair these damaged muscles. This will make the abdomen appear more flat and will help to reduce the protrusion of the stomach greatly. The procedure will not stop you from gaining weight in the future, so it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle in order to keep your belly contoured.

Major weight loss can result in loose skin and an uneven body shape. A tummy tuck is able to target and remove fat deposits in the abdomen area, allowing the patient to shape their body in a certain way. This surgery is also effective in removing excess skin, which can be very hard to get rid of without surgery. The procedure can be customised to meet the specific needs of every individual.

There might be certain areas that you want to address or a certain body shape that you would prefer to have. Your surgeon will discuss all the options with you and advise you on which they deem to be best. An abdominoplasty is usually completed within 3 hours and is performed on an outpatient basis. However, patients should be aware that it could take up to 2 months for all the swelling to subside and the final results to be visible.  

Book a consultation with us at Centurion Day Hospital if you are considering a tummy tuck surgery. Our professional team of surgeons will assess whether you are a viable candidate for the procedure and will also help you determine which option would best meet your needs. Take the first step towards your ideal body by contacting us today!