Resources & Patient Guides

Mr Nguyen operates as a Known Gap provider for surgical procedures. The out-of-pocket gap for privately insured patients is generally a maximum of $500 per procedure. An anaesthetic fee is charged separately by the anaesthetist. The anaesthetist is also a Known Gap provider — please confirm this with your anaesthetist prior to your procedure.

Uninsured patients will receive a written quote prior to any procedure being booked. Please contact our rooms to discuss fees before your procedure.

• We accept all major Australian private health funds.
• Extras or hospital cover requirements vary by fund and policy level — check with your fund before your procedure.
• We recommend contacting your fund to confirm your level of cover for the relevant item numbers.

Payment for consultations is requested at the time of your appointment. We accept EFTPOS, credit card, and cash. Medicare rebates can be processed immediately via EFTPOS Medicare.

• Medicare card
• Referral letter from your GP (if you have a copy)
• Private health insurance card
• Concession card (if applicable)
• List of all current medications (name, dose, frequency)
• Recent blood test results
• Recent imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound) — disc or printed report
• Any previous specialist letters relevant to your condition
• Your questions written down
• A support person or family member if desired

• Medicare card and health fund card
• Photo ID
• Hospital admission paperwork (if pre-completed)
• Completed bowel preparation (for colonoscopy)
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
• Leave jewellery, valuables, and unnecessary items at home
• A responsible adult to drive you home — you cannot drive after sedation
• An adult to stay with you for the first night after a general anaesthetic
• Any regular medications (check with our rooms which to take on the day)

Elective procedure wait times depend on the urgency of your clinical situation, theatre availability, and your preference for hospital (Warringal Private or Epworth Eastern). Our rooms will advise you of the expected wait at the time of booking.

If your symptoms worsen significantly while waiting for an appointment, please contact our rooms to let us know — we can often bring urgent cases forward. If you have a medical emergency, please call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department immediately.

Stop all non-prescribed vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements — including fish oil, glucosamine, and vitamin E.

Do not drink alcohol or smoke. If you are having a colonoscopy or bowel surgery, please also follow your bowel preparation instructions.

The hospital will call you the afternoon before your procedure (after 2 pm) to confirm your admission time. All fasting times below are calculated from your admission time.

If you develop cold, flu, or respiratory symptoms before your admission, contact our rooms immediately if you feel too unwell to proceed — do not simply present to the hospital.

Mr Nguyen will advise which preparation is right for you. Download and print your specific instruction sheet below — all are available without a prescription from your pharmacy.

• Iron supplements: Stop at least 3 days before your procedure — they interfere with bowel preparation.
• Blood thinners (warfarin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran, or clopidogrel): Contact our rooms — these may need to be paused or bridged.
• Diabetic medications (oral or injectable, e.g. Metformin, Diamicron, Jardiance, Forxiga): Stop these 2 days before your procedure. Do not stop insulin — contact our rooms for personalised fasting and dose adjustment instructions.
• Weight-loss injectables (e.g. Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy): Remain on clear fluids for the full 24 hours before your procedure due to delayed gastric emptying.

Reduce dietary fibre to begin clearing your bowel. If in doubt, leave it out.

Stop all fluids 2 hours before your scheduled arrival time at the hospital or endoscopy unit, then fast completely. Your admission time will be advised by the hospital the afternoon before your procedure.

Any liquid you can see through when held to the light. Avoid red and purple — these colours can be mistaken for blood during your procedure.

You will be given a Fleet enema (or equivalent) to self-administer at home approximately 1–2 hours before your procedure time. Instructions will be provided with your enema kit.

1. Lie on your left side with your knees drawn up towards your chest.
2. Remove the protective cap from the enema nozzle.
3. Gently insert the nozzle into the rectum and squeeze the bottle to empty the contents.
4. Hold for 5–15 minutes, then use the toilet.
5. You may experience cramping — this is normal.

• Medicare card and referral letter.
• List of current medications.
• A driver is required if sedation is planned (confirm with our rooms).

You will be admitted to the endoscopy unit and asked to change into a hospital gown. You will be assessed by the anaesthetist, who will review your medical history, medications, and any relevant medical conditions, and will place an intravenous cannula in your arm for sedation. You will have the opportunity to ask questions before the procedure begins.

Most colonoscopies are performed under conscious sedation (twilight anaesthesia), which means you will be comfortable and drowsy but not fully asleep. The procedure typically takes 20–45 minutes. You may feel some bloating or mild cramping as the bowel is inflated with gas to allow visualisation.

If any polyps are found, they will usually be removed during the same procedure (polypectomy). Biopsies may also be taken if needed.

• You will recover in a monitored area for approximately 30–60 minutes.
• Bloating and wind are common and will resolve within a few hours.
• You may eat and drink normally once fully recovered.
• You must not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours after sedation. You will need a responsible adult to drive you home. Most patients feel comfortable to drive again after 2–3 days.
• Sexual activity: You may resume intercourse when you feel comfortable — gentle activity is generally fine from the following day unless otherwise advised.
• Mr Nguyen will discuss findings with you before discharge. A written report will be provided.
• Biopsy and pathology results are usually available within 5–7 business days.

Some discomfort is expected after haemorrhoid treatment. For banding procedures, discomfort is usually mild and settles within 24–48 hours. After haemorrhoidectomy, pain may be more significant for several days.

• Take regular paracetamol (1g every 6 hours) as directed.
• Add ibuprofen (400mg with food) if tolerated, unless contraindicated.
• Warm sitz baths (sitting in warm water for 10–15 minutes) 2–3 times daily can provide relief.
• Stronger pain relief will be prescribed if needed — take as directed.

• Maintain a high-fibre diet — fruit, vegetables, wholegrain bread, and adequate fluid intake (at least 8 glasses per day).
• A fibre supplement (e.g. Metamucil or Benefibre) is recommended to keep stools soft.
• Avoid straining at stool — do not delay bowel movements.
• A gentle laxative may be prescribed to ease the first bowel motion after surgery.

• Rest for the remainder of the day after your procedure.
• Light activity can resume within 1–2 days for banding, or as directed after surgery.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 2 weeks after haemorrhoidectomy.
• Return to work depends on the nature of your work — discuss with Mr Nguyen.

• Pain: Significant discomfort in the anal region is expected for the first few days. Take paracetamol (1g every 6 hours) regularly — do not wait for pain to become severe. Add ibuprofen (400mg with food) if tolerated and not contraindicated. Your surgeon may prescribe stronger analgesia — take as directed.
• Bleeding: A small amount of fresh blood staining on the wound dressing is normal. Light pinkish discharge is expected, particularly in the first 1–2 weeks. Heavy bleeding that soaks through dressings requires urgent assessment.
• Swelling and bruising: Perianal swelling, bruising, and firmness around the wound are normal and will gradually settle over 2–4 weeks.
• Rest: Rest at home for the remainder of the day after surgery. Light walking from the next day is encouraged.

• A wound dressing or gauze pad will be placed at surgery. Change this daily or when soiled.
• A simple gauze pad or a women's sanitary pad held in place by close-fitting underwear is practical for managing wound discharge.
• Keep the wound area clean. After each bowel movement, gently pat the area clean with moist wipes or toilet paper — do not scrub.
• Sitz baths (sitting in a shallow bath of warm water for 10–15 minutes) 2–3 times daily and after each bowel movement provide excellent pain relief, keep the wound clean, and promote healing. Begin from the day after surgery.
• The wound heals from the inside out (by secondary intention) — it may take several weeks. A small persistent opening is normal and expected during this time.
• Do not apply antiseptic creams (such as Betadine) to the wound unless specifically instructed, as these can slow healing.

• The first bowel movement after anal surgery can be uncomfortable — this is normal.
• Take a stool softener (e.g. Movicol, lactulose, or Coloxyl) from the day of surgery to keep stools soft and easy to pass. Continue for at least 2–3 weeks.
• Maintain a high-fibre diet and drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Adequate hydration is the single most important factor in maintaining soft stools.
• Do not delay going to the toilet when you feel the urge — waiting leads to harder stools and more painful bowel movements.
• Do not strain at stool. If you are unable to open your bowels comfortably, increase your stool softener dose or contact our rooms.

Individual recovery varies. If you have a seton, activity restrictions apply until reviewed by Mr Nguyen.

You may resume sexual intercourse when you feel comfortable. There is no strict restriction, but avoid activity that causes significant perianal discomfort. Most patients are comfortable to resume within 2–4 weeks depending on the nature of the procedure. If you are unsure, discuss with Mr Nguyen at your follow-up.

• Continue your usual regular medications unless specifically told to stop.
• If you were prescribed antibiotics at the time of surgery, complete the full course even if you feel well.
• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, naproxen) if you have a history of stomach ulcers or kidney disease — use paracetamol instead.

A wound check appointment will be arranged for approximately 2–4 weeks after surgery. If you have a seton, regular review appointments are essential — these will be scheduled at your follow-up. Please do not miss these appointments, as seton management requires ongoing assessment.

If you have not received an appointment, or if you have concerns before your scheduled review, please call our rooms on (03) 9816 3951.

After hours: present to your nearest emergency department or call 000 for any emergency. For the Austin Hospital Emergency: (03) 9496 5000.

• Discharge is normal and expected. A seton is designed to keep the fistula draining — you will notice a persistent discharge of fluid around the seton. This is a sign that the seton is doing its job. Use a gauze pad or sanitary pad held in close-fitting underwear to manage this.
• Mild discomfort is common, particularly in the days immediately following insertion. This usually settles to a low-level awareness rather than significant pain.
• The seton loop will remain visible at the skin surface — it should feel like a firm cord or thread passing through the perianal area.

• Do this once or twice daily, ideally during or after your sitz bath when the tissue is soft and relaxed.
• Use clean hands. Gently grasp the visible loop and slide it back and forth through the tract — a movement of a centimetre or two is sufficient.
• Some resistance and mild discomfort when moving the seton is normal. You should not need to force it.
• If moving the seton causes significant pain or you notice the seton feels very tight, stop and contact our rooms — do not attempt to force it through.

• Sitz baths (sitting in a shallow bath of warm water for 10–15 minutes) are strongly recommended 2–3 times daily and after each bowel movement. They keep the area clean, reduce discomfort, and make moving the seton easier.
• After each sitz bath, gently pat the area dry — do not rub.
• After bowel movements, clean gently with moist wipes or damp toilet paper. Do not scrub around the seton.
• Do not apply antiseptic creams (such as Betadine) to the wound unless specifically instructed.

• Do not attempt to remove the seton yourself — even if it feels loose. It must be removed or adjusted by Mr Nguyen.
• Do not tighten, cut, or tie a knot in the seton.
• Do not ignore a seton that has clearly come out, fallen out, or appears broken — contact our rooms.

Most setons remain in place for several months. The timing depends on the type of seton, the nature of your fistula, and your overall treatment plan — which may include a staged procedure such as a mucosal advancement flap or ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) at a later date. Your seton will be reviewed and managed at each outpatient appointment. Do not miss these reviews, as seton management requires ongoing assessment.

After hours: present to your nearest emergency department. For the Austin Hospital Emergency: (03) 9496 5000. For emergencies, call 000.

Your wound has been closed with a specialised tissue adhesive and mesh dressing called Dermabond Prineo. This is a skin-coloured dressing that bonds directly to the wound edges and holds the closure securely while healing occurs beneath it.

• Leave the dressing completely undisturbed. Do not pick at, lift, or attempt to remove it — it is designed to fall off on its own.
• The dressing will naturally peel away and fall off after approximately 3–4 weeks as the skin beneath heals. This is normal and expected.
• Do not apply any creams, ointments, tape, or additional dressings over the Dermabond Prineo unless specifically instructed by Mr Nguyen.
• There is no need to change or replace the dressing.

• You may shower normally from the day after surgery — the Dermabond Prineo dressing is waterproof.
• Allow warm water to run over the area gently. Do not scrub, rub, or use a flannel or loofah over the dressing.
• After showering, gently pat the area dry with a clean towel — do not rub.
• Avoid soaking in a bath, swimming pool, or the ocean until the wound is fully healed and the dressing has fallen off (typically 4–6 weeks after surgery).
• Avoid applying soap directly to the dressing.

• Try to minimise excessive movement of the natal cleft area in the early weeks — avoid vigorous bending, twisting, or stretching of the buttocks where possible.
• Sitting and lying directly on the area is perfectly fine — you do not need to avoid sitting on the wound.
• Light walking from the day after surgery is encouraged and helps recovery.
• Avoid heavy physical exertion, sport, and cycling for 4–6 weeks or until cleared by Mr Nguyen.
• Return to desk work is typically possible within 5–7 days. Manual or physical work may require 2–4 weeks off — discuss with Mr Nguyen at your follow-up.

• Take regular paracetamol (1g every 6 hours) for the first few days — do not wait for pain to become severe before taking it.
• Add ibuprofen (400mg with food, every 8 hours) if tolerated and not contraindicated.
• Discomfort typically improves significantly within the first week.
• Some tightness or pulling sensation around the closure is normal as healing progresses.

Hair removal in the natal cleft region is strongly recommended to reduce the risk of pilonidal disease recurring. Once the wound has fully healed (typically 6 weeks after surgery):

• Laser hair removal is the most effective and permanent option — highly recommended.
• Regular shaving or depilatory creams are alternatives if laser is not available.
• Begin hair removal once Mr Nguyen has confirmed the wound is fully healed at your follow-up appointment.

A wound check will be arranged for approximately 3–4 weeks after surgery, around the time the dressing naturally falls off. Mr Nguyen will assess healing and advise on return to full activity and hair removal. Please do not miss this appointment.

• Rest at home. Light walking is encouraged from the day of surgery.
• Take regular paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medication as prescribed.
• Apply an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) to the wound area for 20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
• Some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around the groin or wound is normal and will resolve over 1–2 weeks.

• Keep the wound clean and dry for the first 48 hours.
• Dissolvable sutures are typically used — these do not require removal.
• A small dressing is usually applied. Change as directed or if it becomes wet or soiled.
• Shower (not bathe) from 48 hours post-operatively — pat the wound dry gently.
• Avoid swimming or submerging the wound until fully healed.

You may resume sexual intercourse when you feel comfortable and pain allows — generally from 2–3 weeks after hernia repair or abdominal surgery. There is no strict medical restriction, but avoid positions that cause discomfort or place strain on the wound. If you have had a large or complex hernia repair, discuss with Mr Nguyen at your follow-up appointment.

• Pain: Pain will be managed in hospital with a combination of regular paracetamol, anti-inflammatory medication, and stronger agents as required. Epidural or patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) may be used initially. As you recover, oral medications will gradually replace these.
• Enhanced recovery: Mr Nguyen follows an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. This means early mobilisation (getting out of bed the day after surgery), early introduction of oral fluids and diet, and removal of drains and urinary catheters as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Diet: You will typically start with clear fluids and progress to light foods as your bowel function returns. Most patients are eating a light diet within 2–3 days of surgery.
• Bowel function: Return of bowel function (passing wind, then a bowel motion) is an important milestone. It usually occurs within 2–5 days depending on the extent of surgery. Temporary changes in bowel frequency and consistency are normal.

• Keyhole (laparoscopic) wounds are small and typically heal quickly. Open wounds are larger and may take longer.
• Keep wounds clean and dry for the first 48 hours after discharge. Shower (not bathe) and pat dry gently.
• Dissolvable sutures are commonly used — these dissolve on their own and do not require removal. Staples, if used, will be removed at your wound check appointment.
• A small amount of clear or slightly blood-tinged ooze from the wound is normal in the first few days. Change dressings as directed.
• Do not apply antiseptic creams or powders to wounds unless specifically instructed.
• Avoid swimming or submerging wounds until fully healed — usually 4–6 weeks.

• Start with small, frequent, low-fibre meals in the first 2–4 weeks, then gradually increase fibre and variety as your bowels settle.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily — adequate hydration is essential for recovery and bowel function.
• Some patients experience a temporary increase in bowel frequency, looser stools, or urgency after bowel surgery. This usually improves over weeks to months as the bowel adjusts.
• Avoid very spicy foods, high-fibre foods (raw vegetables, nuts, seeds, skins of fruit), and carbonated drinks in the first 2–4 weeks.
• If you develop persistent diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, or vomiting after discharge, contact our rooms.

Recovery timelines vary depending on the extent of surgery, whether keyhole or open, and individual factors. Mr Nguyen will advise at your follow-up appointment.

• Continue all regular medications unless specifically told to stop — in particular blood pressure, heart, thyroid, and diabetic medications.
• Blood thinning medications (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, clopidogrel, aspirin) will be withheld around surgery and restarted as directed. Follow specific guidance given at discharge.
• A stool softener (e.g. Movicol, lactulose) is commonly recommended in the first few weeks — take as prescribed.
• Iron supplements may be prescribed if you were anaemic before surgery — take with food to reduce nausea.

A follow-up appointment is usually arranged for 2–4 weeks after discharge. If your surgery was for cancer, your pathology results will be discussed at this appointment and at a multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting. Mr Nguyen will explain what the results mean and whether further treatment — such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy — is recommended. Please ensure you attend this appointment.

After hours: present to your nearest emergency department. For the Austin Hospital Emergency: (03) 9496 5000. For emergencies, call 000.

A stoma is a surgically created opening in your abdomen through which bowel contents are diverted into a bag (appliance) worn on the skin. A colostomy diverts the colon and typically produces a formed or semi-formed stool. An ileostomy diverts the small bowel and produces a higher volume of liquid output. Some stomas are permanent; others are temporary, with the bowel joined up again at a later operation.

• A healthy stoma is pink to red and moist, similar in colour to the inside of your cheek. Some swelling immediately after surgery is normal — the stoma will shrink to its permanent size over 6–8 weeks.
• Light bleeding from the stoma surface when cleaning is normal — the tissue is fragile and has a good blood supply.
• Contact our rooms or your stoma nurse if the stoma appears very dark (purple or black), dry, or sunken — this may indicate a problem with blood supply.

• Change your bag regularly — typically every 2–3 days for a two-piece system, or when the bag is one-third to half full of output.
• Best time to change: first thing in the morning, before eating or drinking, when output is usually at its lowest.
• Gather all your supplies before starting: new bag/flange, scissors, warm water, soft cloths or dry wipes, a disposal bag.
• Gently remove the old flange by pressing the skin away rather than pulling the flange off. Remove slowly to avoid skin trauma.
• Clean the skin around the stoma with warm water and a soft cloth — avoid soap with moisturisers, oils, or creams as these can prevent the flange from sticking. Pat dry thoroughly before applying the new flange.
• Cut or mould the flange opening to fit snugly around the stoma (allowing 2–3 mm clearance). A poor fit allows output to leak onto the skin and cause irritation.
• Press the new flange firmly onto the skin for 30–60 seconds, using your body warmth to improve adhesion.

• Keeping the peristomal skin (skin around the stoma) healthy is one of the most important aspects of stoma care.
• Skin should be clean, dry, and free from output before applying a new flange. Output that sits on the skin — particularly ileostomy output — causes rapid skin breakdown.
• Use a barrier wipe or barrier ring (provided by your stoma nurse) to protect the skin under the flange edge.
• If the skin becomes red, sore, or broken, contact your stomal therapy nurse — do not simply apply creams and hope it settles, as skin breakdown can escalate quickly.
• Avoid zinc oxide creams, talcum powder, or household skin creams around the stoma unless specifically recommended by your stoma nurse.

• Start with a low-fibre, low-residue diet for the first 4–6 weeks, then gradually reintroduce foods one at a time to see how your stoma responds.
• Ileostomy: Output will be liquid to semi-liquid. Aim to drink at least 2–3 litres of fluid daily to prevent dehydration. Monitor for signs of dehydration: dark urine, headache, fatigue, cramps.
• Colostomy: Output should become more predictable and formed over time. Some patients with a sigmoid colostomy can learn to irrigate (flush) the stoma to regulate output — ask your stoma nurse if this is appropriate for you.
• Foods that may increase output or cause odour include onions, garlic, spicy foods, brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), and beans. These do not need to be avoided permanently — experiment gradually.
• Foods that can thicken ileostomy output include white rice, banana, white bread, boiled potato, and marshmallows.
• Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly to reduce wind and blockage risk.

• You may shower with your bag on or off — the stoma itself is not harmed by water.
• Swimming is possible once your wound is healed (usually 4–6 weeks). Waterproof flanges and smaller "swim covers" are available — ask your stoma nurse.
• Avoid very hot baths, as heat can loosen the flange adhesive.

• Most clothing worn before surgery can be continued — loose, comfortable waistbands are most comfortable initially.
• High-waisted underwear or stoma support garments can help keep the bag secure and discreet.
• You may return to work, socialise, travel, and exercise normally once you are physically recovered. Stomas need not prevent any of these activities.
• You are entitled to a Continence Aids Payment Scheme (CAPS) subsidy through the Australian Government to help cover the cost of stoma products — your stoma nurse or the Australian Council of Stoma Associations (ACSA) can assist with registration.

• Stomal Therapy Nurse: Your stoma nurse is your primary point of contact for all practical stoma management questions. Their contact details will be provided at discharge.
• Ostomy Australia / ACSA: acsa.org.au — provides information on product subsidies, support groups, and local stoma associations.
• Bladder & Bowel Health Australia: bladderbowel.gov.au — Australian Government resource for continence and bowel health.