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Lymph Node Metastasis

Why would you need Lymph Node Metastasis Surgery?

  • HOW MANY NIGHTS SHOULD I SPEND IN THE HOSPITAL?
    This will depend on what operation you are having done and your individual medical history. You will be given specific procedure instructions on what to expect when you book your surgery with Dr Duncan. However, please see a rough guide* is below: Lesion excision (+/- skin graft, +/- local flap) In most cases home the same day Hand Surgery In most cases home the same day or 1 night stay Scar Revision In most cases home the same day Nipple Reconstruction In most cases home the same day Fat Grafting/Liposuction In most cases home the same day Mastopexy In most cases home the same day Breast Reduction In most cases 1 night stay Implant Exchange/Removal (+/- Capsulectomy) In most cases 1- 2 night stay (or when drains removed) Implant Based Breast Reconstruction In most cases 1 - 2 night stay (or when drains removed) DIEP Free Flap Breast Reconstruction 4 - 7 night stay (very individualised - our specialist nurse will follow up with you post op on the ward to make this decision with you) * The above times are general estimations to be used as a guide and may vary from patient to patient.
  • IS THERE A MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM AGE FOR PLASTIC SURGERY?
    Not necessarily based on age, rather health of the patient. Patients who are under 16 years of age are classed as a minor and will require a guardian to attend and sign the consent form for surgery. Patients who have many comorbidities and health issues will have a discussion with Dr Taylor in consultation with our anaesthetic team to determine if surgery is appropriate.
  • WHICH HOSPITALS DOES DR DUNCAN TAYLOR OPERATE IN?
    St John of God Murdoch Hospital - Barry Marshall Parade, Murdoch WA 6150 South Perth Private Hospital - 76 South Terrace, South Perth WA 6151 Waikiki Private Hospital - 221 Willmott Dr, Waikiki WA 6169 St John of God Subiaco Hospital - 12 Salvado Rd, Subiaco WA 6008 The Park Private Hospital - 14 Alvan St, Mount Lawley WA 6050 St John of God Bunbury - 700 Robertson Dr, College Grove WA 6230
  • CAN I COMBINE SURGICAL PROCEDURES?
    If both the procedures are within the scope of a Plastic Surgeon then it is possible to combine these. For example the following procedures are often combined: - Nipple Reconstruction + Scar Revision + Fat Grafting/Liposuction. - Multiple Skin Lesions removed during one operation. Breast cancer reconstruction is often completed as a combined surgery with a breast surgeon completing the mastectomy and then Dr Taylor completing your reconstruction. This can be done as one combined operation or two separate operations depending on your individual needs.
  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A COSMETIC SURGEON AND A PLASTIC SURGEON?
    In Australia, a person with a basic medical degree is legally allowed to perform cosmetic surgery. To use the title of Specialist Plastic Surgeon, a doctor must be a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) and have undergone intensive plastic and reconstructive surgical training to become a qualified plastic surgeon.
  • WHO CAN’T RECEIVE SURGERY?
    Sometimes if you have certain medical conditions the risk may be too high for you to have surgery - this will be discussed with you on an individual basis.
  • HOW SOON CAN I GET A CONSULTATION?
    Contact us and we can let you know Duncan's availability, and schedule in a consultation. Call us on 0421 637 355 or email admin@drduncantaylor.com.au
  • DO I NEED TO BE REFERRED BY MY GENERAL PRACTITIONER (GP)?
    We recommend you get a referral from your GP or Specialist prior to your first appointment with Dr Taylor. A referral will allow you to receive subsidy from Medicare for your initial consultation fee. It also allows you to claim back any applicable rebates related to your surgery. A referral is not needed for Cosmetic Surgery as it is not covered by Medicare. You will always be informed if a referral is required when you phone to make your appointment for your initial consultation on 0421 637 355.
  • HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLASTIC SURGEON?
    There are two parts to choosing the right plastic surgeon, the first is your journey through your treatment, and your experience of your procedure. And secondly the results of your procedure. Finding a plastic surgeon, you feel comfortable and informed with will ensure you feel supported throughout your treatment journey. Your surgeon should listen to you in regards to what you would like to achieve from surgery, and they also should provide you with realistic expectations during your consultation. In order to ensure you achieve the best possible results find the right Plastic Surgeon by checking their credentials and experience. At a minimum, this should include all Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Members, certified by The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS). These doctors have completed specialist surgeon training in plastic surgery (cosmetic and reconstructive) and operate only in accredited medical facilities. The ASPS also aims to maintain the highest standard of surgical practice and ethics in Plastic Surgery in Australia.
  • HOW MUCH DOES A CONSULTATION WITH DR TAYLOR COST?
    Breast reconstruction initial consultation is $300. Duncan's standard consultation rate is $250. In order to secure an appointment with Dr Taylor, we require this payment upfront at the time of booking your consultation. This fee is non-refundable if you fail to give less than two weeks' notice to cancel/reschedule your appointment.
  • WILL THERE BE OUT OF POCKET COSTS?
    Yes, a receipt will be issued following your procedure for you to claim Medicare and Health Fund rebates. Dr Taylor charges AMA rates in line with the Australian Medical Association.
  • WHAT ARE MY PROCEDURE COSTS?
    The procedure cost will be made up of Dr Duncan’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee and hospital costs which will include the hospital bed, the facilities of the operating theatre and any other tests, which may be required. Dr Taylor charges AMA rates in line with the Australian Medical Association.
  • DO I NEED TO PAY A CONSULT FEE AGAIN, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE SEEN DUNCAN PUBLICLY?
    Duncan offers a reduced Private consultation rate of $200 to patients he has seen Publicly (His rate is normally $250) Please note that Duncans Private Practice work and Public work are completely separate.
  • WILL MY PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE COVER MY SURGERY COSTS?
    If your procedure is a medical necessity, and has been allocated a MBS item number, you may be eligible for a rebate. You may also be able to claim a rebate on hospital, surgical and anaesthetic fees. You will be issued a quote via email following the initial consultation to ensure accuracy and transparency. Full payment is required up front (the total fee) 7 days prior to surgery. A receipt will be issued following your procedure for you to claim Medicare and Health Fund rebates. Dr Taylor charges AMA rates in line with the Australian Medical Association.
  • DO I NEED TO PAY A CONSULT FEE AGAIN, EVEN IF I HAVE SEEN DUNCAN PUBLICLY?
    Duncan offers a reduced private consultation rate of $200 to patients he has seen publicly (his standard rate is $250). Please note that Duncan's private practice work and public work are run independently.
  • CAN I SEE HIM PUBLICLY AND HE DO MY REVISIONS PRIVATELY?
    Yes.
  • CAN I SEE DUNCAN PRIVATELY AND THEN HE OPERATE ON ME PUBLICLY?
    No.

Excision of lymph nodes is sometimes required for sampling; this is called a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. It helps determine if the cancer has spread elsewhere in the body besides the primary site. It is most common (but not always required) in the treatment of breast cancer, melanoma and other high-risk skin cancers. It helps to stage your cancer progression and guide a treatment plan. 

 

Excision of lymph nodes is also used as a form of treatment for cancers that have spread into the lymphatic system. A total lymph node dissection of this area may assist in the prevention of cancer further spreading to other areas of the body. Dr Taylor specialises in the following Lymph Node surgeries:​

Things I need to know about Lymph Node Surgery

  • Removing lymph nodes can disturb the usual flow of lymph through the area being treated. This can cause lymphedema, a build-up of lymph in the area and, therefore, swelling of the affected limb. This can cause pain and be very uncomfortable for patients. 

  • The risk of lymphedema is higher the more nodes that are removed, and therefore, complete node dissection (removal) is only completed when necessary. 

  • Patients who do develop lymphedema post-operatively will be referred to lymph scar. They are a team of experienced occupational therapists who regularly work with Dr Taylor’s patients to improve symptoms. 

  • Seromas are common complications after lymph node surgery

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Information Download Sheet: 

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