A patient who received Cairns Hospital’s first day case of gallbladder removal surgery says he was happy to help make healthcare history in the Far North.
Trinity Beach resident Derek Charles didn’t realise he had gallstones until earlier this year.
The 60-year-old went to Cairns Hospital for treatment, thinking he had aggravated one of his three hernias, but scans showed his gallbladder was inflamed with stones.
Doctors advised Derek his gallbladder would need to come out before they could fix his hernias later in the year.
Derek was originally told he would need to stay overnight, but a week before the operation the hospital rang and asked if he would be happy to go home the same day. He didn’t hesitate.
‘I’ve had keyhole surgery before for a gastric sleeve ten years ago, so I knew what to expect,’ he said.
‘They inflate your belly a bit and do everything through tiny cuts.
‘I knew the best thing was to get up and move around afterwards to get rid of the gas and feel better.’
Cairns Hospital clinical nurse consultant Rachel Laas said the first day case of gallbladder removal surgery was a milestone for the hospital’s surgical teams.
Ms Laas said the quality improvement project involved extensive collaboration across multiple hospital departments, including surgeons, elective surgery bookings, pre-admission clinics, anaesthetics, and governance committees.
‘Transitioning this procedure to a day-case model is a significant advancement in patient care and hospital efficiency,’ Ms Laas said.
‘Patients who would traditionally require an overnight stay or admission of up to three days can now be treated and discharged on the same day, improving patient experience and safety.
‘It also helps free up beds for other patients requiring inpatient care in our hospital.’
She said to support patient safety and recovery, the health service contacted patients after their procedures to provide telehealth support.
On the morning of his operation, Derek said he was impressed by how well staff explained the procedure to him, including exactly what would happen step-by-step, and answering all his questions.
‘I wasn’t left wondering about anything, and that kept me calm,’ he said.
The surgery went smoothly, and Derek was back at home in Trinity Beach later the same day. A week later he was already up and about doing light activities.
‘It’s still a bit sore, but I’m managing really well,’ he said.
‘They gave me a script for stronger painkillers, but I haven’t needed them – just ordinary Panadol has been enough.’
His wife is especially happy to have him recovering at home instead of in a hospital bed.
Derek says he is proud to be the first patient to have this operation as a day case.
‘If we don’t let them try new ways of doing things, nothing improves,’ he said.