Pre-Operative Assessments

During a pre-operative assessment, the patient has the opportunity to meet with the anaesthetic doctor, prior to the day of surgery. They can discuss the patient’s overall health and any concerns related to the surgery or anaesthesia. This process enhances patient safety, reduces last-minute cancellations, and improves patient satisfaction.

The doctor will ask about previous surgeries, any heart or lung conditions, and details regarding medications and allergies. They will also explain if any medications must be stopped before the procedure and if you need additional tests, such as blood tests or an ECG.

Bringing a “patient health summary” from your GP that includes past medical conditions, medications, and allergies can be extremely helpful. Additionally, bringing recent medical test results or notes from specialists like a cardiologist can also be beneficial.

Before undergoing anesthesia, patients must fast according to the ANZCA Guidelines. This means they should not eat solid foods for six hours prior to the procedure. However, they can consume clear fluids (less than 200ml/hr, and not milk) up to 2 hours before the procedure.

For patients undergoing a colonoscopy, bowel preparation is necessary to clear the bowel and enable a thorough inspection of the bowel wall. The doctor who will perform the endoscopy will provide specific instructions for this.

Dr. Daniel Rankmore conducts pre-operative assessments at Tallowwood Health (121 Johnston St, North Tamworth, NSW, 02 6766 6166), and Barber Street Practice (110 Barber Street, Gunnedah, NSW, 02 6742 4466.) It is best to phone the practice to make an appointment. 

4Pre-operative assessments are billed as medical consultations and attract a Medicare Rebate. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please inform Dr. Rankmore at the start of the consultation. The majority of consultations will take 15-20 minutes. 

* Fees as of July 2024 and are subject to change and indexation.

These fees are for the pre-operative assessment. The anaesthetic on the day of surgery is billed through the hospital at no out-of-pocket expense to the patient.

Gunnedah Hospital

🗺️ 27 Marquis Street, Gunnedah, NSW
📞 02 6741 8000

An endoscopy is a medical procedure where a camera is used to look inside the body. A gastroscopy is performed through the mouth and looks at the food pipe (oesophagus), stomach, and first part of the small bowel (duodenum). A colonoscopy is performed through the anus and looks at the rectum and large intestine. These procedures allow the doctor to diagnose for a variety of conditions (including ulceration, inflammation, diverticulum, polyps and cancer.) Some interventions, such as a removing polyp, taking biopsies, and banding haemorrhoids can also be performed.

Endoscopies are almost always performed under sedation to keep you comfortable and safe during the procedure.  sleep-like state, relieve discomfort and prevent you from remembering the experience. 

During the procedure, your vital signs, including oxygen saturation, ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure, will be monitored continuously. You will be provided with oxygen through nasal prongs or a mask.

Medications will be administered through a vein and adjusted based on their effectiveness. Some common medications used include: Midazolam (a short-acting agent that helps you relax, sleep, and not remember), Fentanyl or Alfentanil (short-acting strong opioid pain relief), and Propofol (a short-acting general anaesthetic). Other medication may be used if required.

Every effort is made to ensure the anaesthetic is as safe and comfortable as possible. However, some risks remain, including reactions to the medication (such as allergy), trouble with breathing (such as the aspiration of stomach juices), and trouble with circulation (such as low blood pressure). The rate of serious complications (such as death) is 3-5 per 10,000 cases. You are monitored throughout the case and doctors are nurses are with you to address any concerns should they develop.

After the procedure, you are taken to “Recovery” while the anaesthetic wears off. Most people feel back to normal within an hour of the procedure. However, due to the residual effects of medication, you should not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours after your anaesthetic. 

The doctor performing the endoscopy (surgeon or gastroenterologist) will communicate the results of your endoscopy. Some results are usually available on the day, and some tests will need to await the pathology results. 

Dr. Leen van Schoor

🗺️ 28 Dean Street, North Tamworth
📞 02 6702 6999
💻 New England Surgical