Urology FAQs

Who is a Urologist?

An urologist is a physician surgeon who has specialized knowledge and skills regarding problems of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. The male and female urinary tracts include kidney, ureters, bladder and urethra as well as the related organs - testes, prostate, penis, epidydimis, seminal vesicles and associated glands. Urologist with andrology interest sub-specializes in men’s health namely male urinary, sexual and reproductive medicine and surgery.

How much will my surgery cost?

Prior to your operation being booked, Professor Chung’s staff will provide you with an estimate of the surgery costs for your particular operation. Medicare only covers a portion of your costs for medical and surgical care. If you have not been provided with this quote, please ask the staff for details. Veteran's affair patients and other (private health funcs) categories of patients each have their own fee structure as set by the various government and non-government bodies with whom we comply.

If you have financial difficulties and find the cost of your surgery difficult it is important to let the staff know and we can set up a payment plan before your surgery.

Are there other costs?

You will also get a bill from the anaesthetist involved in your operation. As well, if you require any tests or x-rays then you will get a bill from pathology and the imaging centre. You will also need to check that your private insurance covers the costs of your hospital stay. This can be done by phoning the hospital and discussing these issues with the accounts department.

What if I do not have private insurance?

If you do not have private insurance then you may be able to have your operation at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Professor Chung has an intermediate list at Princess Alexandra Hospital where you can be operated as a private patient without paying private fee for your hospital stay.

Non-insured patients sometimes choose to have their operation in the private hospitals. Quotes can be obtained directly from the accounts department of your hospital of choice.

Which hospital will I be in?

Professor Chung has admitting rights and operates at Greenslopes Private Hospital, St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital, Wesley Private Hospital, Brisbane Private Hospital, Sunnybank Private Hospital Hospital, Spring Hill Day Surgery, Noosa Private Hospital and Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital. In addition, if you do not have private insurance but choose to remain as a private patient (private uninsured) then you may be able to have your operation on the intermediate list in Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Non-insured patients can also choose to have their operation performed in the private hospitals. Quotes can be obtained directly from the accounts department at your hospital of choice.

Can I drive home?

You must not drive for the first 24 hours after an anaesthetic. So you need to arrange for someone to take you home if you are having a day only procedure.

How soon can I drive?

You are not allowed, by law, to drive for the first 24 hours after an anaesthetic. In general you should not drive for about 2-3 weeks or until you have no significant pain from your operation.

When should I have my follow-up visit?

An appointment will be made for you to visit the practice after the surgery. If you did not receive any information on discharge, please contact the rooms for a follow-up appointment. Professor Chung usually sees all his patients in the recovery bay or surgical ward to inform his patients with regards to the outcome of surgery and follow-up plan.

How long will I need off work?

This varies depending on the surgery you are having and Professor Chung will discuss this with you when booking your operation.

How long will I be in hospital?

This varies depending on the surgery you are having and Professor Chung will discuss this with you when booking your operation.

Things to do before your operation

This list is by no means comprehensive but provides you with a guide to getting yourself ready for surgery:

If you are on anti-platelet (aspirin, rivaroxaban, plavix or clopidogrel) and anti-coagulant (warfarin, clexane), please make sure Professor Chung is aware. We will probably ask you to stop these tablets about one week before your surgery.

On the day of the operation, make sure you bring all the relevant paperwork and x-rays to the hospital.

What to expect after your operation

Make sure you take all your x-rays home with you.

You should ensure that you have a follow-up appointment

You will need someone to drive you home as it is not legal to drive in the first 24 hours after anesthesia. If you live far from the hospital (eg more than a hour drive) then you may need to take numerous breaks on the way home or you may choose to stay locally overnight.

Resting is important. You will need to take appropriate time off work and family duties. You may find yourself experiencing fatigue for a few weeks or even months.

Side effects following surgery such as moderate amount of bleeding in the urine and painful urination are expected after instrumentation of your urinary tract. However, if this persists for more than a couple of weeks you should bring it to our attention. Occasionally you may suffer an infection after your surgery. You may recognize this by the presence of burning in the urinary passage, redness around the wound, a fever, or undue pain. If this occurs you should contact your GP or Professor Chung as soon as possible

Make sure you have arrangements made to remove any stitches if needed.

What if I am unhappy with the care I receive?

At all times we seek to ensure that you are content and satisfied with the care we are providing. We would be very grateful for feedback as early as possible if you are not satisfied. Please contact us to discuss the issues you have as soon as possible.

Obviously, we are always happy to receive nice positive feedback!

How do I contact Professor Eric Chung?

See Contact Dr Eric Chung