Second opinions

When a second opinion can help

A second opinion is a normal and sensible step before a major decision about surgery. Women most often come to me when they have been told that:

• their operation, such as a hysterectomy or the removal of fibroids, can only be done through a large open incision
• their fibroids are too large or too numerous for anything other than a hysterectomy
• their endometriosis is too extensive to operate on, or affects the bowel or bladder in a way that cannot be treated
• the cause of their pain, bleeding, miscarriages or failed embryo transfers is unclear

Complex cases of this kind are a large part of my practice, and I am often able to offer a keyhole or robotic operation instead. I cannot promise that, and sometimes my advice will be the same as the advice you have already been given. Hearing it from a second surgeon can be reassuring in itself.

How it works

1. Get in touch. Contact my secretary, Helen, by telephone or email, or use the request form. She will tell you what to send and book a consultation at the clinic that suits you, or by video if you live further away.
2. Send your scans and reports. Helen will send you a secure link to upload your scan reports and, if possible, the images themselves, together with any operation notes and letters from your current specialist. I review them before we meet.
3. Consultation. We go through your history and your symptoms, what you have been told and what matters most to you. With your permission I examine you, and at Parkside Hospital and the CRP Clinic I can scan you at the same visit.
4. My advice, in writing. I explain what I think can be achieved, set out every reasonable option including no surgery, and give you my recommendation. You receive a detailed letter, usually emailed within 30 minutes of the appointment, which you are welcome to share with your current team.

What I can offer

• A careful review of your scans, sometimes with a further scan or an MRI if the existing images do not answer the question.
• A clear explanation of whether keyhole or robotic surgery is possible in your case, and what it would involve.
• An honest account of the risks and the likely benefits of each option, including the option of no surgery.
• If surgery is right for you, the same surgeon at every stage, from consultation to review.

How I practise

1. 01

   The same surgeon at every stage

   You will see me at your first consultation, for your operation, when the results come back and at your review afterwards.

2. 02

   A scan at the same visit

   At Parkside and the CRP Clinic I can perform an ultrasound scan during your consultation, so we can usually discuss what it shows there and then.

3. 03

   Every reasonable option, and the choice is yours

   I set out every reasonable option, including the option of no surgery, and give you my recommendation. The decision stays with you.

4. 04

   Everything in writing

   You will receive a detailed letter, usually emailed within 30 minutes of your appointment, and full written information well before any operation.