Pre-surgery investigations

Conditions such as hernia, gallstones, anal fistula and colorectal cancer are likely to need surgery.

Others, such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel disease may benefit from initial medical treatment, with surgery as a second-line option.

A range of pre-surgery investigations will determine whether you need surgery, how urgently it needs to be done, and the type of surgery that will be most effective.

These tests are also essential in making sure you are fit to have a general anaesthetic and include:

• Blood tests: a blood sample is taken to check for anaemia, kidney and liver function, blood clotting abnormalities and any other potential problem that could affect anaesthesia or your recovery from surgery.
• A chest X-ray: to make sure your lungs are healthy for surgery.
• Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans: these give detailed information about the contents of the abdomen, which can confirm your diagnosis and help us plan your surgery.

Preparing for laparoscopic surgery

Colonoscopy

Even if you have previously had a diagnostic colonoscopy in the past, you may need an additional up-to-date endoscopic investigation of your bowel so that Mr Wilson can plan your surgery accurately.

Pre-surgery checks

Referral to see Mr Jonathan Wilson either within the NHS or privately at The London Clinic will be made by your GP, who will have already carried out a thorough review of your condition.

You are likely to already have a diagnosis but your first consultation will involve discussing your symptoms and medical history again.

You may then need further tests to provide Mr Wilson with detailed information about the condition of your large bowel. Or the number and size of gallstones that you may have, and the precise position of your hernia, so that he can recommend the best form of surgery for you.

Wherever possible, surgery is carried out using laparoscopic techniques but if there is a reason why this is not suitable for you, Mr Wilson will explain why and will plan for open surgery.

Mr Wilson advises all patients to stop smoking for several weeks before any surgery, and will discuss whether you need to stop taking medication. This includes aspirin or warfarin, which may have been prescribed to reduce your cardiovascular risk.

These can lead to problems with bleeding so you may need to stop taking them for a few days either side of your operation.