Frequently Asked Questions

Are my medical records confidential?
Yes.  We take patient privacy and confidentiality seriously.  South East Colorectal is fully computerised and is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of your personal health information.  Your medical record is a confidential document.  It is the policy of this practice to maintain security of personal health information at all times and to ensure that this information is only available to authorised members of staff.  All information regarding your diagnosis is confidential and will not be provided to any person, including your first-degree relatives, without your permission.  At South East Colorectal we do not provide any information about your condition over the phone or in writing without your permission.

We abide by the National Privacy Principles available at http://www.privacy.gov.au/topics/health. 
For further information on privacy legislation: www.health.vic.gov.au/hsc or e-mail: [email protected]
How soon can I drive a car after surgery?


How soon can I travel after surgery?
After day surgery: the next day
After abdominal surgery: 1 week

After day surgery:
1 week or when you are able to sit for at least 2 hours
After abdominal surgery: 10 days
Can I catch a taxi home after an operation? 
NO.  Even for day surgery you must be dropped off and picked up by a relative or friend.
Can I drive myself home after an operation?
NO.  Because you have had a general anaesthetic you have an altered conscious state (state of mind).
It is illegal for you to drive a vehicle, operate heavy machinery or sign legal documents within 24 hours of having a
general anaesthetic.
How long do I need off work for a haemorrhoidectomy?
I have had my haemorrhoids injected and they are still bleeding.  Is this normal?
Between 7 days to 2 weeks.  Your surgeon will give you a certificate for work.
Yes, because the internal haemorrhoids have been injected with a sclerosing agent and it may take one to two days to be effective.  Should the bleeding continue after two days, please contact our rooms.
When I have polyps removed are there stitches involved?
There are no stitches involved. The polyps are “burned off" using a diathermy at the time of colonoscopy.
What is the minimal time to have a seton
(drainage tube) in place?
4 to 6 weeks
I have received my hospital pre-admission information, what do I do next?
For public hospital bookings, contact the hospital booking office to confirm or cancel your date of surgery.
For private hospital bookings, contact our rooms with any queries.
Should I take all my medications to hospital?
YES, preferably with a typed list of the names, dose amount, and the times you take the medication.
If you are taking medication which increases the chance of bleeding (blood thinners), such as warfarin, aspirin, Coumadin,
Marevan, Plavix, CoPlavix, clopidogrel, Iscover, or any anti-inflammatory medications, please alert the Booking Clerk, the Pre-Admission Clinic staff and the doctors.
How do I organise an interpreter?
If you need an interpreter, please advise our rooms to make these arrangements as soon as you can prior to your appointment so we can make a booking for you.  We make every effort to secure an interpreter for your appointment but cannot guarantee one will be available. I f you have a friend or family member who can interpret for you, you can bring them to your appointment.
What are the most important things to take with me to hospital?
1. The details of your local doctor (GP)
2. Cards – including Medicare card, Health Care or Pension card, Veterans Affairs card and Private Health Insurance card
3. A list of any medications you are on
4. Any paperwork provided to you by South East Colorectal, including the consent form
5. Personal items of clothing and toiletries suitable for an overnight stay
I am a public patient. 
Will the surgeon I saw perform my surgery?
Our surgeons operate at a number of public hospitals and day surgery centres.  Please see our hospitals page for details.  Many of these hospitals have young doctors who are training to be surgeons.  Your South East Colorectal surgeon will always be present at operations and will either perform the surgery himself or supervise a junior surgeon.
What is a facility fee?
Performing a procedure at South East Colorectal requires the use of disposable materials that are not rebatable by Medicare.  This fee just to cover those expenses.
Can I claim my medical expenses back from Medicare?
Yes, any accounts associated with your surgeon can be claimed.
I have had bowel cancer do I still need to have colonoscopies?
Colonoscopy is performed on the anniversary of your surgery and every three to five years after surgery.  It is important that your first-degree relatives are warned that they have a higher risk of bowel cancer and should seriously consider having a colonoscopy.
Can I have my seton removed in the clinic rooms or do I have to go back to hospital?
The seton must be removed under a general anaesthetic so that the tunnel formed by the fistula can be adequately treated.  This may involve either injection with tissue glue or a fistulotomy (an operation to lay the fistula open).
Do I need any appointments after my operation?
An appointment will be made for you with South East Colorectal by the nurse on the ward and you will be provided with an appointment card with the details.  Usually this will be within two weeks of your surgery.
If you are discharged without an appointment, please contact our rooms to arrange one.
How long will I have to wait for my operation?
Patients with private health insurance can usually choose their date of surgery and the hospital. 
Patients who do not have private health insurance will be placed on a waiting list.  At South East Colorectal
we do our best to accommodate the wishes and needs of all patients.
I have concerns about my stoma. 
Who can I talk to?
You will have met a stoma nurse at the hospital where you had the surgery.   He or she is the best contact for you to discuss any problems.  If you cannot contact your stoma nurse, please ring our rooms and speak to our nurse.