New process slashes waiting time for gall bladder surgery

11 December 2012

New process slashes waiting time for gall bladder surgery

The Bay of Plenty District Health Board is offering a new streamlined treatment option for patients that require non-urgent gall bladder surgery.

For patients that are otherwise healthy, it is now possible for their family doctor to refer them to Tauranga Hospital where they will be booked directly onto a list for surgery.

This new process avoids the patient having to wait to see a surgeon in a clinic, which can sometimes take up to five months. It also reduces the risk of further attacks of gall bladder pain occuring throughout the wait for surgery.

“I was most impressed when the first patient I referred through this new pathway had her surgery under 3 weeks later and was back at work 6 days after that,” said Dr Natasha Roberton of Papamoa Pines Medical Centre, “She was most uncomfortable when I referred her so she was thrilled with the speed of this system.”

Patients who have been treated through this ‘direct referral’ method have been able to have laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery within 4 weeks of seeing their GP. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, using a tube shaped telescope (commonly known as keyhole surgery) through the abdomen.

Having this procedure instead of an ‘open’ cholecystectomy means that the surgery can be performed as a day case, which means no overnight hospital stay is needed.

“This process has completely streamlined the experience for eligible patients,” said Wendy Carey, Project Manager at Bay of Plenty District Health Board, “Patients have more certainty about their operation dates; they are having surgery sooner and spending less time off work attending clinics and appointments.”

Click the following link to view a short clip explaining laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery:
(Warning video contains graphic content) http://youtu.be/6JpWGqHWzQM

ENDS

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