Breast Lump Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery to remove a breast lump (lumpectomy). The topics discussed include: benign or malignant breast lumps, what to expect before surgery, recovery after lumpectomy and the possible complications of treatment.

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients requiring a breast biopsy or breast cancer surgery. The surgical treatment options outlined are:
-   Breast biopsy, including fine needle aspiration (FNA), core biopsy and open biopsy
-   Breast-conserving surgery
-   Mastectomy
-   Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB)
-   Axillary lymph node biopsy (ALNB)

Breast reconstruction is also described for women who have undergone a mastectomy. The additional cancer treatments that may be required after surgery are described, including:
-   Radiotherapy
-   Chemotherapy
-   Hormone therapy
-   Targeted drug therapy

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Breast cancer surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Care of Your Incision at Home – patient information to assist informed consent 

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on the care of a surgical wound at home. The topics discussed include:

• How to correctly care for a surgical incision (use of antibiotics, wound inspection, bleeding from the incision and general health advice)
  
• How to change a dressing 
  
• Important dates to record 
  
• Resuming activities
  
• Healing of the incision (use of skin tape, drain tubes, scar formation and pain relief)
  

This pamphlet can be a useful tool for patients as it describes wound care in detail. A comprehensive list of the possible complications during wound healing is provided to assist the informed-consent process. 

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Wound care is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Carotid Endarterectomy and Angioplasty with Stenting – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides surgical information on carotid endarterectomy and angioplasty with stenting. The topics discussed include:

• Anatomy and physiology of the carotid arteries
• Atherosclerosis, plaque and stenosis of the carotid arteries
• Symptoms of carotid disease, such TIAs, minor stroke and amaurosis fugax
• Diagnosis of artery disease, including colour duplex ultrasound imaging, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and carotid angiography

 Carotid endarterectomy and carotid angioplasty with a stent is described for patients needing removal of plaque to reduce the risk of stroke. Anti-platelet therapy and anti-coagulant therapy are also discussed as non-surgical treatment options for artery disease.

This pamphlet can be a useful tool for patients as the benefits, risks and limitations of treatment are discussed in detail. A comprehensive list of the possible complications of surgery is provided on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Carotid endarterectomy and angioplasty with stenting is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Mi-tec publishes 16 patient education pamphlets for the Australian Society Of Otolaryngology Head And Neck Surgery (ASOHNS).

The objective of each pamphlet is to assist surgeons with their informed consent process, reduce the medico-legal risk of failure to inform and improve patient outcomes. The pamphlets serve as valuable resources for ENT surgeons in establishing a process of communication with patients.

The pamphlets are described in plain English and contain medical illustrations and images to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The pamphlets are 2 or 4 pages and are printed in colour on high quality A4 sheets.

Mi-tec publishes 16 patient education pamphlets for the Australian Society Of Otolaryngology Head And Neck Surgery (ASOHNS).

The objective of each pamphlet is to assist surgeons with their informed consent process, reduce the medico-legal risk of failure to inform and improve patient outcomes. The pamphlets serve as valuable resources for ENT surgeons in establishing a process of communication with patients.

The pamphlets are described in plain English and contain medical illustrations and images to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The pamphlets are 2 or 4 pages and are printed in colour on high quality A4 sheets.

Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides surgical information on coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The topics discussed include:

• Anatomy and physiology of the heart
• The coronary arteries and coronary artery disease
• Coronary artery bypass grafts
• Types of bypass grafts (including internal mammary artery graft, radial artery graft and saphenous vein graft)

 CABG surgery is described for patients needing treatment of coronary artery disease, and who may be experiencing angina or are at risk of a heart attack. Anatomical illustrations depict the various types of bypass grafts that may be used.

 This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering undergoing surgical treatment as the benefits, risks and limitations of CABG surgery are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. CABG surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Mi-tec publishes 16 patient education pamphlets for the Australian Society Of Otolaryngology Head And Neck Surgery (ASOHNS).

The objective of each pamphlet is to assist surgeons with their informed consent process, reduce the medico-legal risk of failure to inform and improve patient outcomes. The pamphlets serve as valuable resources for ENT surgeons in establishing a process of communication with patients.

The pamphlets are described in plain English and contain medical illustrations and images to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The pamphlets are 2 or 4 pages and are printed in colour on high quality A4 sheets.

Endoscopy of the Colon or Upper Gastrointestinal Tract – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on colonoscopy, gastroscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

 Colonoscopy is described for patients needing a diagnosis of symptoms that may be attributed to disorders such as colitis, Crohn’s disease, polyps, inflammatory bowel disease (IBS) and colorectal cancer (bowel cancer).

 Gastroscopy is described for patients needing a diagnosis of symptoms that may be attributed to disorders such as gastric and duodenal ulcers, stomach polyps, gastritis, hiatal hernia and cancer of the stomach or oesophagus.

 ERCP is described for patients needing a diagnosis of symptoms that may be attributed to disorders such as chronic pancreatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, cancer of the pancreas, ampulla or bile duct, and pancreas divisum.

 This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients as the benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of colonoscopy, gastroscopy and ERCP are listed to assist the informed-consent process.

 Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Colonoscopy, gastroscopy and ERCP are described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Haemorrhoids and Their Management – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on the surgical treatment of haemorrhoids. The topics discussed include:
-   Internal haemorrhoids and external haemorrhoids
-   Signs, symptoms and diagnosis
-   Causes of haemorrhoids (such as pregnancy and childbirth, obesity, and constipation)

Non-surgical treatment options are discussed for patients that may have small haemorrhoids, which can be treated without surgery. Such options include salt baths, ice packs and haemorrhoidal creams.

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering undergoing surgical treatment as the benefits, risks and limitations of surgery are discussed in detail. The surgical methods described are:
-   Injection sclerotherapy
-   Rubber band ligation
-   Surgical excision (haemorrhoidectomy)
-   Stapled haemorrhoidectomy
-   THD (transanal haemorrhoidal dearterialisation)

The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The management of haemorrhoids is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Hand and Wrist Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery of the hand and wrist. This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering surgery for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome or the relief of pain caused by a ganglion of the wrist or hand. Other conditions of the hand and wrist discussed include Dupuytren’s contracture, stenosing tenosynovitis (trigger finger) and arthritic conditions.

The surgical treatment options discussed include:

• Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
• Open carpal tunnel release
• Removal of a ganglion

 The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Hand and wrist surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Heart Valve Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This 6-page RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery to replace a heart valve. The topics discussed include:

• Anatomy and physiology of the heart (including the structure of the aortic valve, pulmonary valve, mitral valve and tricuspid valve)
• Symptoms of heart valve disease, such as fatigue and chest pain
• Causes of heart valve disease, such as bacterial endocarditis, hypertension, coronary artery disease and congenital defects to the bicuspid aortic valve
• Heart valve replacement and the two types of artificial heart valves (mechanical valves and biological valves)
• Preoperative assessment and investigations, such as echocardiogram and CT coronary angiogram
• The possible complications of heart valve surgery

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients requiring surgical replacement or surgical repair of a heart valve. The surgical methods outlined for heart valve replacement are:

• Open surgery, including aortic valve replacement with a biological valve and mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve
• Minimally invasive heart valve surgery

 For certain patients with aortic stenosis, Trans-catheter Aortic Valve Implantation (TAVI) is also described.

 The surgical methods outlined for heart valve repair include:

• Repair to the mitral valve by quadrangular resection
• Annuloplasty

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Heart valve surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Hyperhidrosis – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on the surgical treatment of hyperhidrosis. This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering surgical treatment for the relief of excessive and uncontrollable sweating. The topics discussed include:

• Anatomy and physiology of the skin
• Causes and diagnosis of hyperhidrosis
• Secondary hyperhidrosis (caused by underlying conditions such as menopause, obesity and some hormone disorders)
• Non-surgical and surgical treatment options

The non-surgical treatment options discussed are:

• Dietary changes
• Prescription antiperspirants
• Oral medications
• Iontophoresis
• Botox injections

The surgical treatment options discussed for hyperhidrosis are axillary sweat gland excision and endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Hyperhidrosis is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Informed Consent for Diagnostic Procedures and Surgical Operations

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on the informed-consent process for diagnostic procedures and surgical operations. The topics discussed include: the rights of the patient, what to expect during the informed-consent process, medical decision-making capacity, and informed financial consent. 

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients undergoing a diagnostic procedure, surgical operation or medical treatment. 

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The informed consent process is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides surgical information on the laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). The topics discussed include:
-   Gallbladder anatomy and physiology
-   Symptoms and complications of gallstones
-   What to expect before and after surgery
-   Laparoscopy and its benefits

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering undergoing surgical treatment for the relief of severe symptoms caused by gallstones, such as pain, nausea and vomiting.

The laparoscopy procedure is described in detail with accompanying anatomical illustrations, and the possibility of conversion to laparotomy is covered. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Mi-tec publishes 16 patient education pamphlets for the Australian Society Of Otolaryngology Head And Neck Surgery (ASOHNS).

The objective of each pamphlet is to assist surgeons with their informed consent process, reduce the medico-legal risk of failure to inform and improve patient outcomes. The pamphlets serve as valuable resources for ENT surgeons in establishing a process of communication with patients.

The pamphlets are described in plain English and contain medical illustrations and images to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The pamphlets are 2 or 4 pages and are printed in colour on high quality A4 sheets.

Anatomy of the Alimentary Canal

This RACS patient education pamphlet shows the normal anatomy of the alimentary canal. This pamphlet can be a useful tool for patients undergoing gastroscopy, colonoscopy, colectomy or who require surgical treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. 

This leaflet is a complementary resource to the following RACS patient information pamphlets:

• Endoscopy of the Colon or Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
• Surgery of the Colon - Colectomy
• Surgical Treatment of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
• Weight Loss Surgery
• Surgical Removal of the Appendix

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The anatomy of the alimentary canal is depicted to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS normal anatomy pads are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets, and come in a tear-off pad of 100 pages.

Anatomy of the Female Pelvic Floor and Urinary Tract

This RACS patient education pamphlet shows the normal anatomy of the female pelvic floor and urinary tract. This pamphlet can be a useful tool for patients undergoing treatment for problems such as urinary incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

This leaflet is a complementary resource to the following USANZ patient information pamphlets:

• Treatment of Urinary Incontinence
  
• Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
  

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Anatomy of the female pelvic floor and urinary tract is depicted to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions.. The RACS normal anatomy pads are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets, and come in a tear-off pad of 100 pages.

This pamphlet comes as a tear-off pad (100 pages).

Anatomy of the Hepatobiliary and Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

This RACS patient education pamphlet shows the normal anatomy of the hepatobiliary and upper gastrointestinal tract. This pamphlet can be a useful tool for patients undergoing appendectomy, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery, bariatric surgery, gastroscopy or surgery to treat hernia.

This leaflet is a complementary resource to the following RACS patient information pamphlets:

• Endoscopy of the Colon or Upper Gastrointestinal Tract
  
• Surgery to Repair Hernia
  
• Surgical Removal of the Appendix
• Weight Loss Surgery
  
• Surgical Treatment of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
  

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Anatomy of the hepatobiliary and upper gastrointestinal tracts is depicted to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS normal anatomy pads are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets, and come in a tear-off pad of 100 pages. 

This pamphlet comes as a tear-off pad (100 pages).

Anatomy of the Male Pelvic Floor and Urinary Tract

This RACS patient education pamphlet shows the normal anatomy of the male pelvic floor and urinary tract. This pamphlet can be a useful tool for patients undergoing treatment for problems such as urinary incontinence and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs).

This leaflet is a complementary resource to the following RACS and USANZ patient information pamphlets:

• Vasectomy
  
• Surgical Treatment of an Enlarged Prostate
  
• Prostate Specific Antigen
  
• Treatment of Urinary Incontinence
  
• Urinary Tract Infections in Adults
  
• LUTS - Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
  

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Anatomy of the male pelvic floor and urinary tract is depicted to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS normal anatomy pads are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets, and come in a tear-off pad of 100 pages. 

Tear-off pad, 100 pages.

Mi-tec publishes 16 patient education pamphlets for the Australian Society Of Otolaryngology Head And Neck Surgery (ASOHNS).

The objective of each pamphlet is to assist surgeons with their informed consent process, reduce the medico-legal risk of failure to inform and improve patient outcomes. The pamphlets serve as valuable resources for ENT surgeons in establishing a process of communication with patients.

The pamphlets are described in plain English and contain medical illustrations and images to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The pamphlets are 2 or 4 pages and are printed in colour on high quality A4 sheets.

Open and Endovacular Surgery of an Aortic Aneurysm - patient information to assist informed consent

This pamphlet was formerly titled RACS "Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm".

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery to treat an aortic aneurysm. The topics discussed include:
•Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and thoracic aortic aneurysm
•Symptoms and signs of an aortic aneurysm
•Risk factors of an aortic aneurysm, including age, family history and hypertension
•Diagnosis of an aortic aneurysm, including mention of computed tomography (CT) and MRI
•Endovascular stent graft repair (EVAR) and its benefits compared to open surgery

Various surgical methods are described for patients needing treatment of an abdominal aortic aneurysm or a thoracic aortic aneurysm. The surgical techniques described include:
•Open surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
•EVAR of an abdominal aortic aneurysm
•EVAR of a thoracic aortic aneurysm
•Open surgery to repair a thoracic aneurysm of the aorta

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients as the benefits, risks and limitations of surgery are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The surgical treatment of an aortic aneurysm is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Peripheral Nerve Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides surgical information on peripheral nerve surgery. The topics discussed include:

• Anatomy and physiology of peripheral nerves
• Most common causes of damage to peripheral nerves (including entrapment and compression, acute trauma and tumour)
• Symptoms of damaged peripheral nerves (such as chronic pain, numbness and poor muscle strength)

The nerve syndromes discussed include:

• Perineal nerve syndrome
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Thoracic outlet syndrome (or brachial plexus compression)
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome.

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients as the surgical treatment options are discussed in detail. The surgical procedures described are:

• Neurolysis
• Nerve transposition
• Nerve repair
• Nerve graft
• Neuroma resection

The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Peripheral nerve surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Surgery of the Cervical Spine – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery on the cervical spine. The topics discussed include:

• Anatomy of the spine
• Causes of spinal nerve compression (such as a herniated disc, degeneration and a tumour)
• Spinal cord compression and cervical spinal nerve compression

The different surgical procedures to relieve a pinched nerve in the neck are described. The surgeries discussed include:

• Cervical laminectomy
• Anterior cervical discectomy
• Anterior cervical vertebrectomy
• Cervical foraminotomy

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering surgery for the relief of severe symptoms, such as pain, numbness and tingling. The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Surgery of the cervical spine is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Surgery to Repair Hernia – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on the surgical repair of hernia. The topics discussed include abdominal hernia, indirect inguinal hernia, what to expect before and after surgery, and the possible complications of surgery to repair hernia.

The different surgical procedures described are: laparotomy (open surgery), laparoscopic surgery and the Lichtenstein tension-free method. The surgical procedures discussed have accompanying anatomical illustrations to help increase the patients’ understanding of each surgery.

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering undergoing hernia repair with the use of surgical mesh. The benefits, risks and limitations of surgical mesh are discussed in detail to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The surgical repair of hernia is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Surgery to Treat Heart Arrhythmias – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgical ablation to treat heart arrhythmias. The topics discussed include:

• Anatomy and physiology of the heart
• An explanation of heart arrhythmias
• Atrial fibrillation and its risks (such as stroke, congestive heart failure and heart attack)
• Diagnosis of heart arrhythmias

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients as the surgical ablation procedure is described in detail. Surgical ablation is also described for patients that may be undergoing surgery for other heart problems, such as coronary artery disease or heart valve disease. The surgical methods outlined include:

• Surgical ablation with open heart surgery
• Surgical ablation with minimally invasive mitral valve surgery
• Minimally invasive surgical cardiac ablation
• Hybrid ablation procedure

The possible complications of open heart surgery are listed on to assist the informed-consent process. The specific risks of surgical ablation are also listed, including fluid retention, pericarditis and unusual heart rhythms following surgery.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Surgery to treat heart arrhythmias is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Surgical Treatment of Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on the surgical treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The topics discussed include:

• Anatomy and physiology of the stomach, oesophagus and lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS)
• Complications of GORD (such as inflammation and ulceration of the oesophagus, and oesophageal stricture)
• Gastroscopy and diagnosis of GORD

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering surgical treatment for the relief of symptoms such as heartburn, reflux, dysphagia and painful swallowing. The fundoplication procedure is described in detail. The different fundoplication techniques described include:

• Nissen fundoplication
• Toupet fundoplication
• Dor fundoplication

Laparoscopy and laparotomy are both described as surgical approaches used for fundoplication. The surgical repair of a hiatal hernia is also discussed.

The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Surgical Treatment of Leg Ulcers  – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on the surgical treatment of leg ulcers. The different types of leg ulcers are discussed in detail, including venous ulcers, ischaemic ulcers, vasculitic ulcers and neuropathic ulcers. The diagnosis of leg ulcers is also discussed, and the advanced diagnostic tests described include: venous incompetence duplex scan, arterial duplex scan, angiogram and ulcer biopsy.

The surgical procedures for treatment of an ischemic ulcer described include:

• Angioplasty and stenting of an artery
• Arterial bypass surgery

The surgical procedures for treatment of a venous ulcer described include:

• Endovascular ablation
• Stripping
• Sclerotherapy
• Skin grafts

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering surgical treatment as the benefits, risks and limitations of surgery are discussed in detail. A comprehensive list of the possible complications of surgery is provided on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The surgical treatment of leg ulcers is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Surgical Treatment of Pilonidal Disease – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on surgery to treat pilonidal disease. The three forms of pilonidal disease discussed are: pilonidal sinus, acute pilonidal abscess and pilonidal cyst.

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients as the surgical treatment options are discussed in detail. The surgical techniques described are:

• Incision and drainage
• Excision surgery
• Excision and repair with reconstructive flap techniques. The flap techniques described are: the Karydakis flap, the Bascom cleft lift flap and the Limburg flap.

EPSit (endoscopic pilonidal sinus treatment) is also discussed as a newer surgical option that has been developed in recent years. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The surgical treatment of pilonidal disease is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Treatment of Varicose Veins and Other Problems with Veins – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on the treatment of varicose veins. The topics discussed include:

• Anatomy and physiology of veins
• Varicose veins and spider veins
• Symptoms of abnormal veins, such as eczema and skin ulcers
• Non-surgical treatment options, such as surgical support stockings and bandages

The surgical removal of varicose veins is described in detail for severe cases and patients at risk of serious problems. Other treatment options outlined include:

• Endovenous laser therapy (ELT)
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Injection sclerotherapy

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients as the benefits, risks and limitations of treatment are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery and injection treatment are listed to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The treatment of varicose veins is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Vascular Access Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on vascular access surgery. This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients needing to undergo haemodialysis due to kidney disease or kidney failure.

The different surgical approaches for vascular access surgery are described. The surgical techniques discussed include:

• Arteriovenous fistula (AV fistula)
• Prosthetic graft
• Central venous catheter (CVC)

The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery, including specific risks of AV fistula surgery, a prosthetic graft and a central venous catheter, are listed to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Vascular access surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.

Vasectomy – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides surgical information on vasectomy. The topics discussed include:
-   Male anatomy and physiology
-   Reasons for vasectomy
-   What to expect before and after surgery

This leaflet can be a useful tool for patients considering vasectomy as a form of permanent contraception, as the benefits, risks and limitations of surgery are discussed in detail. The surgical methods for vasectomy described are:
-   The conventional approach
-   No-scalpel vasectomy
-   Open-end vasectomy

The possible complications of vasectomy are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process. The information provided also highlights that erectile function, sexual desire and testosterone production should not be affected after vasectomy.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. The vasectomy procedure is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets. 

Weight Loss Surgery – patient information to assist informed consent

This RACS patient education pamphlet provides information on weight loss surgery (bariatric surgery). This leaflet can be a useful tool for obese patients considering bariatric surgery to assist with weight loss. Bariatric surgery is described for patients needing relief from obesity-related medical problems, such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure (hypertension), obstructive sleep apnoea and infertility.

The most commonly performed bariatric procedures are discussed, including:

• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Adjustable gastric banding
• Mini-gastric bypass (MGB)
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

Laparoscopy and laparotomy are both described as surgical approaches for bariatric surgery. Other bariatric procedures mentioned include: sleeve plication, the primary obesity surgery endolumenal (POSE) procedure, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and intragastric ballooning, among others.

The benefits, risks and limitations of each procedure are discussed in detail. The possible complications of surgery are listed on page 4 to assist the informed-consent process.

Mi-tec publishes 31 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons patient information brochures. Weight loss surgery is described in plain English to assist the patients’ understanding of health information and to help patients make informed decisions. The RACS patient information brochures are printed in five-colour on high-quality A4 sheets.