Pre Operative Tests

[al007]

I have recently finished Radiation and Chemotherapy At Chula in Bangkok and I was quietly impressed

 

I return to Bangkok early Jan for a week to have MRI, see my radiologist chemotherapist and a couple of Colorectal Surgeons

 

At this time I will know how effective the radiation and chemo has been, I am quietly requesting the miracle of no surgery Sir, but know this is maybe only a long shot, maybe I will know if someone is watching over me!

 

I know if I have surgery I will have to have preoperative tests

 

I will have had blood test in KhonKaen,( as per what the specialists in Bangkok told me to have when I left) prior to returning to speed things up, interestingly to have these tests here at a small private hospital was around 2300batt, but at the government hospital 700Batt, needles to say I go to the government hospital. A big disparity in pricing

 

I need advice on what tests I need especially as regards blood pressure, I want to arrange to have them so as to save time or identify problems early

 

I need to also know where to go to get competitive pricing, probably Chula ?

 

I was told to loose weight prior to surgery and so far have lost 15 kilos, my aim is another 15 kilos before surgery when I will be 110 kilos

 

Soon I will have to make some major decisions, like to have or have not surgery, but that is another day

 

The confounding thing about this cancer thing is I am feeling very well especially having shed a few pounds, note pounds not kilos!!

 

I value very highly the help and advice on this section of Thai Visa

 

Thank you all

[Sheryl]

Be aware that the tests will need to be recent relative to the date of the pre-op check , so getting it done far in advance may prove a waste.

 

Also, not all hospitals/doctors will accept tests done in other facilities, so would need to ask about that as well.

 

At Chula they will likely insist that you see an internist there to clear you for surgery (standard procedure at government hospitals) and normally the labs and other tests (chest Xray, EKG being usual) would be done that same day. So you really don't save more than perhaps an hour or two doing them in advance.

 

Usual pre-op labs for major surgery would include:

 

• CBC (compete blood count)
• Prothrombin time; sometimes a full coagulation profile but not always
• BUN
• creatnine
• fasting blood sugar
• electrolytes (sodium, potassium, Chloride)
• blood type and cross (the latter has to be done at the hospital where you will have the surgery as it goes to their blood bank so that they can ensure compatible blood is available if needed for transfusion)

Those are the usual blood tests. In addition a Chest X ray and EKG would be done.

 

It isn't going to cost less anywhere than Chula except possibly a lower level upcountry government hospitals, and given the other considerations (timing, need to have the type and cross go direct to their blood bank etc) you would really do just as well to wait and have it done there.

 

What you can expect to have happen in January if it is determined that surgery is needed, is to be given an appointment on a subsequent day for all the pre-op tests and review by an internist (if anything off is found on your EKG, other consultations may be required e.g. cardiologist). And then back to the surgeon with the results to set a surgery date, which will not be right away if done at Chula.

 

In some cases -- especially if the waiting list is long -- they may schedule the surgery first and have you come for the pre-op work up a few days prior.

 

 

[lopburi3]

As said there can be many tests - especially if you have any conditions - my experience at Rajavithi Hospital for cancer operation (that did not take place) was, in addition to chest x-ray and EKG, required to be cleared by cardio (due previous stent operation/high blood pressure) before anything else (and this required another visit for heart ultrasound due white coat pressure too high to be approved - 160) and then full blood tests day of admittance.  Ophthalmologist full eye testing and exam by two doctors due glaucoma, Endocrinologist due removed thyroid were done during pre operation in-hospital stay and Internists and surgery team members.  If you have CD type material/scans/tests bring as even having chief make copies may not get it into hands of team members who need.