Medical Review
Bring your medication list, allergies, medical history and previous test results. Blood tests, imaging, an ECG or anaesthetic review may be needed.
Patient Procedure Guide
Surgical Procedures
A clear overview of procedures within Dr. Newnham's publicly documented fields of general, laparoscopic, breast, abdominal, trauma and vascular surgery—arranged from lower-complexity procedures to major operations.
Preparing Safely
What to Do Before Any Procedure
Your care team will give instructions specific to your health and operation. The following steps are commonly required.
Medication Plan
Ask specifically about blood thinners, diabetes medicines and supplements. Never stop prescribed medication unless your clinical team tells you to.
Food & Drink
Follow the exact fasting instructions provided. Some procedures also require bowel preparation or a temporary special diet.
Plan for Home
Arrange transport and an adult to stay with you after sedation or anaesthesia. Prepare help at home for major surgery.
Level 1
Lower complexity
Minor & Diagnostic Procedures
Often performed as same-day procedures, depending on the patient's condition and anaesthesia required.
01Skin or Soft-Tissue Lesion ExcisionRemoval of a cyst, lipoma or other superficial lesionTypical recovery: 1–2 weeks
Before
Clinical examination; review blood thinners, allergies and whether local anaesthetic is suitable.
After
Usually home the same day. Mild pain, swelling or bruising is common. Keep the wound clean and attend any dressing or suture appointment.
Recovery
Many people resume light activity within 1–3 days; wound healing commonly takes 1–2 weeks.
02Breast or Lymph-Node BiopsyTissue sampling for diagnosisTypical recovery: several days–2 weeks
Before
Imaging and clinical assessment; discuss blood thinners and whether needle or surgical biopsy is recommended.
After
Expect a dressing, tenderness and possible bruising. Tissue results are reviewed at a follow-up appointment.
Recovery
Light activity is often possible within a day or two; surgical-biopsy discomfort may last 1–2 weeks.
03Upper Gastrointestinal EndoscopyCamera examination of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenumTypical recovery: same day–24 hours
Before
Fast as instructed and review medicines. Arrange an escort if sedation will be used.
After
A mild sore throat, bloating or drowsiness may occur. Do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions after sedation.
Recovery
Most patients return to normal activity the next day, unless treatment was performed.
04ColonoscopyCamera examination of the large bowel, with biopsy or polyp removal when neededTypical recovery: same day–24 hours
Before
Follow the bowel-preparation diet and laxative instructions exactly. Discuss medications and arrange transport after sedation.
After
Temporary gas, bloating or cramps are common. Follow the care team's advice if a biopsy or polyp was removed.
Recovery
Most patients resume routine activity the next day.
Level 2
Intermediate complexity
Common Laparoscopic & Breast Operations
Usually require general anaesthesia and may be same-day procedures or involve a short hospital stay.
05Inguinal or Umbilical Hernia RepairOpen or laparoscopic repair of a weakness in the abdominal wallTypical recovery: 2–6 weeks
Before
Examination and, when needed, imaging. Stop smoking if possible, discuss lifting demands at work and follow fasting instructions.
After
Walking is encouraged. Pain, tightness and bruising around the repair are common. Avoid straining and follow wound-care instructions.
Recovery
Desk work may be possible in 1–2 weeks; strenuous activity and heavy lifting often require 4–6 weeks or surgeon clearance.
06Laparoscopic AppendectomyRemoval of an inflamed appendixTypical recovery: 1–3 weeks
Before
Usually urgent assessment with examination, blood tests and imaging. Antibiotics, IV fluids and fasting may be required.
After
Expect small abdominal wounds, soreness and gradual return to eating and walking. Complicated appendicitis may require a longer stay.
Recovery
Many patients resume routine activity in 1–3 weeks; open or complicated surgery can take longer.
07Laparoscopic CholecystectomyKeyhole removal of the gallbladder for symptomatic gallstones or inflammationTypical recovery: 1–2 weeks
Before
Ultrasound and blood tests are common. Follow fasting instructions and discuss medicines, previous abdominal surgery and anaesthetic risks.
After
Most patients go home the same day or after one night. Temporary shoulder discomfort, abdominal soreness and digestive changes may occur.
Recovery
Return to work is often possible within 1–2 weeks. Open gallbladder surgery may require 4–6 weeks or more.
08Breast Lumpectomy / Wide Local ExcisionRemoval of a breast lump or tumour with a margin of surrounding tissueTypical recovery: 1–3 weeks
Before
Breast imaging, biopsy review and surgical planning. Some patients need image-guided localisation before surgery.
After
Expect tenderness, swelling and a dressing. Pathology determines whether additional treatment or surgery is recommended.
Recovery
Light activity often resumes within days; many return to work within 1–3 weeks depending on the operation and job.
Level 3
Higher complexity
Major Abdominal, Breast, Trauma & Vascular Surgery
These operations generally require inpatient care, closer monitoring and a longer, individualized recovery.
09MastectomyRemoval of breast tissue, sometimes with lymph-node surgeryTypical recovery: 4–8 weeks
Before
Review imaging and pathology, discuss lymph-node assessment and reconstruction options, and plan support at home.
After
A hospital stay and surgical drains may be needed. Arm and shoulder exercises, wound review and pathology follow-up form part of recovery.
Recovery
Many patients need 4–8 weeks; reconstruction or complications may lengthen recovery.
10Bowel Resection / ColectomyRemoval of a diseased portion of small or large bowelTypical recovery: 4–8+ weeks
Before
Imaging, blood tests, anaesthetic assessment and sometimes bowel preparation. Nutrition and the possibility of a stoma may be discussed.
After
Hospital monitoring continues while pain is controlled and bowel function, eating and walking return. Laparoscopic and open recovery differ.
Recovery
Often 4–8 weeks, with longer recovery after open, emergency or complicated surgery.
11Repair of Perforated Ulcer or Emergency Abdominal SurgeryUrgent operation for leakage, infection, obstruction or other acute abdominal diseaseTypical recovery: 6–12+ weeks
Before
Urgent resuscitation, antibiotics, blood tests and imaging may occur alongside rapid surgical and anaesthetic assessment.
After
Hospital care may include IV fluids, antibiotics, tubes or drains and close observation for infection or return of bowel function.
Recovery
Commonly 6–12 weeks, but recovery varies widely with illness severity and complications.
12Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm RepairMajor vascular surgery to replace a weakened section of the aortaTypical recovery: 6–12+ weeks
Before
Detailed vascular imaging, heart and lung assessment, blood tests and medication planning are required. Smoking cessation is strongly encouraged.
After
Patients require inpatient monitoring, pain control and gradual return to eating and walking. Early fatigue is common.
Recovery
Often 6–12 weeks or longer, depending on fitness, whether surgery was planned or urgent, and any complications.
13Major Trauma Surgery / Emergency LaparotomyUrgent open surgery for severe internal injury or life-threatening abdominal diseaseTypical recovery: highly individual
Before
Emergency stabilization, imaging and blood replacement may occur rapidly. The exact operation depends on the injuries found.
After
Intensive monitoring, multiple procedures, rehabilitation or further surgery may be needed.
Recovery
Recovery may take several months and depends on the extent of injury, organs involved and complications.
After Your Procedure
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery plans are individualized. Follow your discharge instructions, take medicines as prescribed, attend follow-up visits and increase activity gradually.
Seek urgent medical help for
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain or fainting
- Heavy bleeding or rapidly increasing swelling
- Persistent vomiting or inability to drink
- Worsening abdominal pain or a swollen abdomen
- High fever, pus, spreading redness or wound opening
- A painful or swollen calf
Confirm Your Treatment
Every procedure begins with an individual assessment.
The final procedure, approach, preparation and recovery plan will be confirmed by Dr. Newnham and the treating hospital team.