Patient Journey

There are many aspects of coming to see a surgeon and it is helpful to have an idea of what to expect after you have been referred by your local doctor

Consultation

A current referral from your GP is required to come to see Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite and this will last for 12months so one is not required for each visit. When you make an appointment the receptionist may ask you for some details over the phone before your visit.
Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite consults at rooms in North Melbourne, The Epworth Centre in Richmond and at the Centre for Bariatric Surgery in Glen Iris.

At your first consultation you can discuss your problem and there will also generally be an examination. Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite will provide you with an assessment of your problem however sometimes some further information may be required. If this is the case you may be referred for further tests.

Diagnostics

Sometimes in order to make a diagnosis more testing is required. This may include blood tests and X-rays such as a CT scan or MRI scan. In some cases such as with cancers we may know the diagnosis but tests are required to establish where the cancer is up to or the stage. This might mean procedures such as laparoscopy or gastroscopy. These types of tests will allow the correct type of treatment to be chosen. Occasionally a test that you may have had previously may need to be repeated to aid in planning your surgery.

When the diagnosis is cancer we use a team to help work out the very best treatment. To do this your case may be discussed at a Multidisciplinary Meeting or MDM. Cancer patients undergo a comprehensive multidisciplinary team management approach with the most up to date evidence based management.  Cancer patients undergo an initial assessment before being fully investigated with appropriate blood tests and imaging.  This is called staging the cancer and is very important to allow us to select the best possible treatment according to international guidelines.  Generally each patient’s clinical problem is discussed at a Multidisciplinary Team Meeting (MDT).  At these meetings a team of clinicians including surgeons, physicians’ radiologists and oncologists will review each case and develop an optimal management plan.  This allows me to provide the best possible care using this team environment.  The outcome of this meeting will be discussed with the individual patient.  All patients are treated in a world class hospital either Epworth or Melbourne Private to optimise the care environment.  Having access to the best medical oncologists, radiologists and physicians as part of the team are essential for best outcomes. After your case has been discussed Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite will discuss the recommendations with you.

Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite believes strongly in a team based approach to patient care. Having involvement of world class colleagues will aid in optimising treatment for each individual patient. What does this "team" approach mean? The team will vary depending on the condition whether it be cancer or a benign condition such as GORD or an Hiatus hernia. For many years Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite has had a constant team in the operating theatre of dedicated anaesthetists to put you to sleep, surgical assistants and scrub nurses to assist with the surgery. Equally a dedicated team of nurses will look after my patients in the surgical ward. Lap band patients are also cared for by a team of experienced doctors who can make adjustments to the Lap band

Discussion and Choice

At all times your treatment plan will be discussed with you and you will remain in control of your treatment. The best possible treatment will be offered to you and all the aspects involved will be discussed and any questions answered. You are able to bring a family member or friend along to your consultations as a support person.

Procedure

If you require an operation, this will be discussed with you. All aspects including the pros and cons as well as any risks will be outlined. The operation will be booked by the office staff and you will be given details of which hospital admission times and any pre-operative preparation required.

Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite only operates in the best hospitals and you may have a choice. He has a regular team of experienced anaesthetists and assistants involved in your care to ensure the best possible outcome.

Post-procedure

After your discharge from hospital a period of recovery is required and Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite will discuss what you can expect. You should have an appointment booked for a follow-up visit on discharge but if for some reason this is not done please call the office on 9329 3336. If you are experiencing any problems post-op please call Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite’s office.

Care plan

Assoc. Prof. Crosthwaite provides a very comprehensive management and will keep your own local doctor informed with each visit or operation. It is important to have your local GP involved on your ongoing care.