keyhole surgery

KEY HOLE SURGERY – now uniquely available at St Philips Hospital in Malta.

why keyhole surgery? (laparoscopy or minimal access surgery)
KeyHole Surgery – key hole surgery is surgery performed through tiny incisions. These cuts are less
than ½ an inch that is why they are called keyhole– and the instruments smaller in width than your little finger so that they can pass through these keyholesI

Keyhole surgery is technically known as minimal access surgery


Advantages of Key Hole Surgery over Classical Surgery

1. keyhole surgery utilizes smaller Incisions
2. keyhole surgery causes less Pain
3. keyhole surgery results in Rapid Recovery after surgery
4. keyhole surgery needs Shorter Hospital stay
5. keyhole surgery No blood transfusion required in most instances
6. keyhole surgery produces an excellent Cosmetic result -
7. keyhole surgery has less Complications than classical surgery.

Operations now being performed by Key Hole Surgery at St Philips Hospital are
listed below but the list is growing and keyhole surgery is set to expand.

1. Hysterectomy
2. Fibroid removal,
3. Ovarian cysts removal
4. Endometriosis extensive treatment
5. Adhesions – division and excision of abdominal and pelvic adhesions
6. Pelvic pain – diagnostic and treatment
7. Fallopian tube surgery in cases of infertility
8. Cancer of the Uterus Cervix and Ovaries – extensive dissection
9. Female Incontinence
10. Gall Bladder Surgery
11. Appendicectomy
12. Hernia repair

The benefits of Keyhole Surgery are now well-established world wide, however the
use of key hole surgery in Malta has to date been very limited. Key Hole surgery
in Malta has been mainly used for gall bladder operations, and diagnostic
procedures besides a few other procedures. Malta had fallen between five or
even 10 years behind the rest of the world in key hole surgery.

With the establishment of a specialized Key Hole Surgery Unit at St Philips
Hospital run by a team of Doctors and Nurses specially trained in keyhole surgery–
utilizing the latest equipment - we have established a unit of excellence where
75 % of all surgery will be performed by Key Hole.

Technique
When operating on a patient by keyhole surgery, the Surgeon performs the
operation through small cuts of five to 10 millimetres in length; these cuts
heal quickly and cause minimal pain. There is usually little or no bleeding
throughout the operation

A special camera (10 mm in diameter) is inserted into the abdomen through one of the keyholes providing an incredibly clear view with magnification and zooming of the operating field for
the surgeon. In fact the surgeon can see much better than if the patient were
opened up through a classical incision!

We believe that keyhole surgery is the way forward and if you require surgery in
most instances this is the better option for you.

If you are not being offered the option of keyhole surgery – you had better ask yourself why.

Costs
Key Hole surgery is obviously more expensive than traditional surgery because keyhole surgery is
equipment intensive – at St Philips Hospital we realize that this would make keyhole surgery
prohibitive for most patients so during this introductory period our prices for
Key Hole Surgery are going to be highly competetive.
Do please ask for our Fixed Price Packages

Professional Information
Seminars on keyhole surgery are being organized for doctors on a regular basis.
Doctors wishing to learn more about keyhole surgery or who wish to polish
their techniques are invited to contact Dr Frank Portelli on 00356 7949 9511.

Patients who wish to book for an appointment with the hospital should call the main reception on 00356 21 442211

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The Operating Theatre

St Philip’s Hospital has invested heavily in advanced surgical equipment and surgical methods. Most people are aware that infections are serious complications and that infections are particularly disastrous if they occur during surgical operations such as hip or knee replacements, cataract and cosmetic operations.

Many state hospitals are plagued with overcrowding and lack of hygiene. Both overcrowding and lack of hygiene have been shown to increase the risk of infections in hospitals. At St Philips Hospital every patient has his / her own room - so that there is less risk of catching an infection from another patient as happens in a general ward.
Alcohol dispensers are found outside patients’ rooms so that doctors and nurses can sterilize their hands every time after examining a patient. These two factors have been shown to be crucial in diminishing the risk of cross infections.

Technology also plays an – most surgical operations at St. Philip’s Hospital are performed in dedicated operating theatres with laminar flow.

Laminar flow ventilation in the operating theatre also reduces the risk of infection.

Compared to normal ventilation, vertical laminar flow has been shown to decrease the incidence of post-operative infections by around 50%.

In Laminar airflow, the air is forced to circulate in one direction by powerful motors in the operating area.

Air is changed some 400 times per hour in the vicinity of the patient on the operating table. It has been shown that this is one of the most effective ways to prevent infections.

Knee and Hip Replacement

St Philip’s Hospital specializes in knee and hip replacement surgery, surgical interventions that are now performed successfully on a routine basis.

Knee Replacement

St Philip’s Hospital specializes in knee and hip replacement, these joint replacements are performed successfully on a routine basis.

Knee replacement is performed when there is severe knee joint degeneration . The most common cause is "wear and tear arthritis", or Osteoarthritis, which can occur even with no previous injury to the knee joint - the knee simply "wears out".

The major problem in Osteoarthritis is that the cartilage on the surface of the bone inside the joint wears away.

Once this protective surface of the cartilage is worn away, the bones begin to rub against each other, causing a lot of pain.

Previous injuries such as fractures of the knee, torn cartilage, and torn ligaments may also cause the knee joint to function abnormally. This abnormal function can lead to excessive wear and tear of the joint several years after the injury. Most degenerative problems eventually require replacement of the painful knee with an artificial knee joint, which is called a prosthesis.

Hip replacement

Hip replacement is performed when a degenerative hip joint is causing a lot of pain, the hip joint is replaced with an artificial hip joint. There are many conditions that may result in the degeneration of the hip joint. The most common cause for hip replacement surgery is that the hip ‘wears out’, in the same way as the knee does.

There may be a genetic tendency in some people that increases their chances of developing this degenerative condition.

Surgical intervention

Knee and hip replacement surgery are becoming increasingly necessary in our ageing populations.

Fortunately major advances in knee and hip replacement have improved the outcome of surgery greatly.

A painful knee or hip may affect your ability to lead an active life and surgery is recommended primarily to relieve pain.

Joint replacement or arthroplasty, is the surgical procedure in which damaged joint surfaces are replaced.

Several procedures may be adopted. The majority of knee or hip replacements work on the basis of a metal titanium component in the thighbone and a high-density polyethylene cup in the pelvic bone. In most cases, hip or knee replacements are secured with special bone cement that attaches the metal to the bone.

How long will a hip or knee replacement last?

In the light of current experience, hip or knee replacements may last as long as fifteen years. However this depends on the level of physical activity undertaken following surgery.

Blood tests and x-rays

Prior to your operation, you will undergo some routine blood tests and possibly X Rays as well as an ECG in preparation for your operation. Blood will be cross matched although where possible we will transfuse your own blood using a cell saver

Before the operation

Before your operation you will be seen by your surgeon, who will explain the procedure to you, before you sign a consent form. You will also be seen by the Anaesthetist who will assess your fitness for anaesthesia. Your nurse will accompany you to the theatre.

On returning to the ward

When the operation is over, your nurse will collect you from the theatre recovery and lead you to your ward. The nurse will regularly record your blood pressure, pulse and respiration rate. A post operative check X-ray will also be performed.

Physiotherapy and post-operation care

Before your operation, you will be visited by the physiotherapist, who will continue to visit on a daily basis throughout your stay. Following a hip or knee replacement the surrounding muscles and issues take some time to heal. Therefore the support offered by these tissues is not as strong as usual and there is potential for your joint replacement to dislocate. The physiotherapist’s role is crucial because s/he will show you the safest ways of moving during this initial period. The physiotherapist will also instruct you in exercises to regain your strength and joint mobility.

Prior to discharge, the physiotherapist will help you practice your mobility, such as going up and down stairs and walking on slopes.

Reduce your Cost of Surgery

ST. PHILIP'S HOSPITAL
St. Venera, Malta. Tel: (00356) 7949 9511
FAX (356) 21 446030
www.stphilips.com.mt
Email: biomed@stphilips.com.mt

Health is Wealth – so in health GO for GOLD

Introducing a Gold card to help you look after your Health

The St Philip's Gold Card is unique - because it enrolls you in a Health Care Programme and gives you the opportunity to save up to 50% on health care hospital services provided by St. Philip's Hospital

What does the Gold Card cover?

Ø Medical Checkups, Health Screens
Ø In Patient Hospital Accommodation
Ø Hospital Maternity Services
Ø Operating Theatre Services
Ø Medical and Surgical Services
Ø Screening Tests (Stress Tests, ECG etc),
Ø Breast Screening - Mammography
Ø X Rays
Ø Ultrasound
Ø CT –Scan
Ø Open MRI Scan
Ø Laboratory Tests (Blood Tests)
In fact all the services that the hospital itself provides now!

Please note that Pharmaceutical /Consumables such as prosthesis, implants, are not included. Also surgeon's fees and anaesthetists are not included.

Who can benefit from the Gold Card?

Anyone whose age or condition is excluded from full insurance cover
Anyone with a pre-existing medical condition not covered by insurance
Anyone anticipating undergoing surgery in the very near future
Anyone unable to afford a full insurance policy.
Anyone who requires some financial protection when struck by illness
Anyone who requires cosmetic surgery normally not covered by insurance

How Does the Program Work?

· Simply complete the enrolment form and send it together with your membership fee to St. Philip's Hospital - Gold Card Section
· A membership information kit, including a Health Card and full instructions will be sent to each member once he/she is accepted
· Savings are given to you immediately you have been accepted as a member even if you require an operation the very same day

Cost of the Programme

The cost of the health card is Lm 200 per annum for a couple. The first two children are also covered provided they are living in the same household. Additional members in the same family are required to pay an extra LM 50 each.

Elderly Persons

Elderly persons, whose medical needs are naturally higher, are also covered. The St Philip's Health Card knows no age limits and the elderly can now feel secure as the Gold card can reduce their hospital costs by up to 50%. The fee is LM 200 per couple.

Other Advantages
1. No waiting period before you benefit - you can start to benefit the same day that your application has been accepted.
2. No Limit On Hospital Visits or Services -You can go to the hospital and utilize hospital services as often as you need
3. No limits on the amount of hospital expenses and savings you are allowed to incur
4. No limits either on the expenses you may incur on out patient services such as X Rays, Blood Tests, Ultrasound, CT or MRI etc
5. No Age Limit
6. Best of all - no hassle - No Claim Forms to fill - simply present your St Philip's Health Card together with your ID - and we will do the rest

Eligibility

Although anyone is eligible to apply for the St Philips Gold Card - the number of Gold Card members will be strictly limited so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Using the Health Card with an insurance plan.

The health Card can be utilized with your existing health insurance - it can save you money even if you have a medical insurance.
The health card can be used to top up your insurance plan - for instance if your insurance does not offer you full cover in the event of hospitalization, the health card can guarantee 50% discount on hospital services. The health card will reduce your hospital costs incurred for any condition not covered by your insurance policy (for example pre-existing conditions, elective procedures, maternity, cosmetic procedures, screening tests, checkups, congenital conditions etc.).
Please note this is NOT an insurance policy so there are no claim forms to fill in, no medical reports to submit, no age restrictions, and no waiting periods before you become eligible for benefits

Conditions of Use
Payment for hospital services is due at the time that a service is provided - otherwise entitlement to the discount is lost.
Renewal is subject to acceptance by St.Philip's Hospital authorities.
Only the registered member may use this card. Any misuse will automatically disqualify usage and no refund will be given.
Application Form for Gold Health Card

Surname _____________________________ Name ____________ I.D _________ D.O.B_______ _____________ I.D _________ D.O.B_______ _____________ I.D _________ D.O.B_______ _____________ I.D __________D.O.B_______ ______________ I..D __________D.O.B_______
Address
_____________________________________________________
Street _______________________________________________________Town and Post Code _______________________________________________________
Phone and Mobile Phone ____________________Please present your I.D card on application together with a photocopy of the I.D card for each member of the family. In the case of young children, kindly present copy of birth certificate of each child.Please enclose payment with your application form Payment can be made by cheque or credit card


Please debit my Payment by Visa / MasterCard / Quick-cash Please debit my MasterCard /Visa / Quick-cash Other type of Card ………………………. Account Number ……………………….. Expiry Date ………………………..
Amount ……………………….

____________________________________ Date ____/_____/____
Signature
I have read and agree to the above conditions