What does it feel like to have a procedure

Mr Usman Jaffer explains some of the factors that may be important to consider when deciding which operation to have for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Research from our institution shows that there are a number of factors identified by key stakeholders (patients, surgeons, radiologists, anaesthetists, intensive care doctors, peri-operative doctors) that can allow you to make a more informed decision with your doctors. These include: pre-existing medical conditions, post-operative complications, 30-day mortality, type of anaesthesia, long-term durability of operation, time to return to normal activities, post-operative pain, patient expectations, impact on carers, personalised information, professional advice, involving others (family/friends), uncertainty, how invasive the surgery is, patient journey, patient values, social factors, need for follow up, length of hospital stay, probability of intensive care admission, impact of energy levels.

Caesarean section is a very commonly carried out obstetric procedure to delivery your baby. Caesarean section is carried out where its benefits outweigh its risks, and the decision is made in conjunction with the mother, obstetrician, midwife and anaesthetist. Caesarean section can either be planned or organised urgently in certain circumstances. As with any procedure, caesarean section comes with risks which can affect both the mother and the baby. The maternal risks include post-operative pain and infection of the wound, and the risks to the baby include injury to the baby and breathing difficulties. The form of anaesthesia most commonly administered is epidural or spinal. The operation itself usually takes less than an hour. If there are no complications, you will stay in hospital for up to 2 days. Time to return to normal activities varies between women, the average time is around 4-6 weeks after surgery.

Mr Usman Jaffer explains that the recovery time after repairing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) mainly depends on whether you have endovascular repair (EVAR) or open repair. With an endovascular repair, the recovery time is usually quicker. You could expect to be discharged home in a day or two if there are no complications and get back to normal activities in a few days. It is very unlikely you will need to stay in intensive care. An open repair is a major surgery so you should expect to be in hospital for about a week and slowly getting back to normal activities over a period of about 6 weeks. You will probably need to stay in an intensive care or a high dependency unit at least the night after the operation.

This is a short video we made outlining why it's important to share experiences of healthcare so that people, their families and carers can get some of their questions answered.

This elderly gentleman shares his story about varicose veins treatment. Procedure was carried out under local anaesthesia with the use of duplex guidance (ultrasound of the vein).

This 46 years old gentleman suffered from both legs varicose veins causing discomfort, pain and swelling. He shares his story about the treatment for this condition. He takes medications for diabetes type 2. Following clinical appointment, he had venous duplex scan of both legs, which showed incompetent superficial veins. He was seen in the clinic with the scan results and treatment options were discussed with him. He agreed for minimally invasive endovenous ablation, which was performed by Mr Jaffer under local anaesthesia as a day case procedure. Recovery was uneventful.