Preparing for an operation

The patient`s general practitioner will be asked whether there are any contra-indications to having the surgery performed under local anaesthesia. In most cases an electro-cardiogramme and a routine blood test will be performed, if not already done during the past six months.
In case of doubt the general practitioner may refer the patient to a heart specialist for extra investigations.

  • These examinations should be done at least one week before the scheduled date for surgery.
  • The results of these tests must be mailed or faxed to us

The surgical appointment needs to be confirmed by a document handed to you after the pre-operative examination or by a telephone call of Brussels Eye Doctors ( 02/741.69.99)

A prescription for drops will be given tot the patient: these can be obtained from a chemist.

  • Tobrex (antibiotic) and Indocollyre (anti-inflammatory)
  • Patients who choose day surgery will be given a further prescription for three types of drops: Tropicol and Phenylephrine 15% which are to be used on the day of the surgery to dilate the eyes. Tobradex for use after the surgery.

Medication prescribed by the general practitioner or specialist must be continued even on the day of surgery. This applies notably to anti-coagulants such as Sintrom, Aspirin, etc. - if the surgery is to be performed under topical anaesthesia.

Day surgery or hospitalisation

Most cataract surgery is ambulatory, i.e. the patient walks in half an hour before the time scheduled for the procedure and leaves a quarter of an hour after it.

Surgery is performed in the Clinique Delta on Mondays:

  • telephone the Ophthalmology department (02/434.81.09) on the working day preceding surgery to find out for what time it has been scheduled.
  • if the surgery is scheduled for the morning the patient must not eat beforehand – nevertheless prescribed medication should be taken as usual. If the surgery is scheduled for the afternoon a small breakfast is authorised.
  • the pupil of the eye which is to be operated on has to be dilated before surgery by means of eye drops administered by the patient.
  • 2 ½ hours before surgery Tropicol and Phenylephrine has to be applied at the rate of one drop every 15 minutes for one hour.
  • 1 ½ hours before surgery Phenylephrine 15 % has to be applied at the rate of one drop every 15 minutes for 1 ½ hours.
  • the patient should report to the Day Surgery Admissions Desk on the ground floor of the clinic half an hour before the scheduled operation time.
  • cardiac rhythm and blood pressure will be monitored during surgery. Oxygen will be supplied via a nostril to enhance the patient’s comfort.
  • the patient can expect to leave the clinic 15 minutes after the end of the procedure, without wearing a protective patch.
  • a protective patch which will be supplied when surgery is completed must however be worn every night for one week.
  • On arriving home the patients should apply drops:
    Tobradex one drop 4times a day
    Indocolyre one drop 3 times a day
  • one or two checks are done in the week following surgery to make sure that all is well and to detect any sign of infection.

Surgery is also performed at Dr. Vryghem’s practice. Dates and times are scheduled in agreement with the patient on the day of the pre-operative examination.

  • the patient should report at the practice address half an hour before the scheduled operation time.
  • all the instructions mentioned above will apply.

After surgery

  • The patient may eat and drink immediately after surgery.
  • If the patient experiences slight discomfort a painkiller such as Dafalgan or Perdolan can be taken, but in case of abnormal pain or worry he/she should contact Dr. Vryghem through the clinic or the practice during working hours or on his private or mobile phone number outside these hours.
  • The patient must avoid direct trauma to the eye, the carrying of heavy weights and contact with dusty environments.
  • The patient should apply drops for 6 weeks:
    Tobradex one drop 4 times a day for 3 weeks, but reducing gradually thereafter:
    one drop 3 times a day for 1 week
    one drop twice a day for 1 week
    one drop per day for 1 week
  • Indocollyre one drop 3 times a day for 3 weeks
  • The patient’s vision and any possible discomfort will gradually clear.
  • A final check is made five to six weeks after surgery, during which the patient will receive a definitive prescription for his spectacles. In the majority of cases the spectacles will be for reading only.

Cost of the surgery

Day surgery

2 or 3 months after surgery the patient will receive an invoice from the clinic showing the individual items of cost:

  • the clinic’s day surgery standard rate of charge
  • pharmaceutical costs, including the cost of the implant lens (which is partially reimbursed by the Belgian social security service)
  • medical fees ( basic fees and supplements)
  • miscellaneous chargesn

For each item of cost will be shown the amount covered by the Belgian social security service and the amount payable by the patient ( including room charge and medical supplements).
Medical fees are increased by a maximum of 150 %.

Surgery at Dr. Vryghem's practice

The day of the pre-examination the patient will receive all the information about the prices and the supplements.

The day of the surgery the patient will receive the papers for the mutuality or insurance

One week after surgery the patient will receive an invoice from the practice showing the individual items of cost:

  • the practice’s standard rate of charge
  • pharmaceutical costs, including the cost of the implant lens
  • medical fees ( basic fees and supplements)
  • miscellaneous charges

The Belgian social security service does not cover the cost of surgery performed at my practice. The full amount of the invoice is accordingly payable by the patient, who can obtain full or partial reimbursement from his private insurance company.

More about Phako-emulsification

The operation
Preparing for an operation
History

If you want more information, or would like to make an appointment:
Contact us or call 0032 (0)2 741 69 99