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Medical tests and procedures
Whakamātaunga me whakahaerenga hauora

Medical tests and procedures are used to diagnose and monitor your health.

Anaesthesia for your surgery

Anaesthetics are medicines that can numb a part of your body so you do not feel pain. They can also make you 'go to sleep' and be unaware of your surgery or procedure. The choice of anaesthetic depends on the type of surgery and your overall health.

Breast reconstruction surgery

Breast reconstruction is an operation that restores shape to your breast after a mastectomy (breast removal).

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy uses a very small camera on a flexible tube to look directly at the lining of your large bowel (colon).

Colposcopy

The colposcopy process, and what to do before and after one.

Cone biopsy

A cone biopsy is small operation remove abnormal cells that could grow into cancer. Sometimes, very early cancers of the cervix are also treated with a cone biopsy. The tissue that is removed (biopsy) is sent to the lab to be tested.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to treat warts and other skin lesions. Cryotherapy works by freezing the lesion, causing direct damage to the lesion, eventually removing it. It does not prevent them from developing in the future.

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy is a procedure that lets a doctor see into your urethra (the tube you wee through) and your bladder. A special telescope (a cystoscope) is used to find out why you have symptoms like blood in your wee, pain or difficulty when you wee or if you have a lot of urinary tract infections.

Fibroid embolisation

Fibroid embolisation is a procedure used to shrink fibroids — non-cancerous growths in the womb (uterus).

Heart treatments and procedures

Some heart conditions need major surgery such as heart bypass and valve surgery. Many other heart problems can be treated with non-surgical or less invasive procedures.

Hip and knee replacement

A hip or knee replacement can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility for people who have severe osteoarthritis. It may be an option if non-surgical treatments and lifestyle changes have not helped.

Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is when your hospital doctor places a tiny camera through your vagina and cervix into your womb (uterus).

Laboratory tests

Laboratory tests are one way healthcare providers can find out important information about your health. Blood tests, urine tests and some swab tests are commonly done in the community.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy

A laparoscopic hysterectomy is an operation done under general anaesthetic (you are put to sleep) to remove your uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The operation is done through small cuts (0.5 to 1 cm) in your tummy. Find out what to expect before surgery and how to recover after surgery.

Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is an operation done under general anaesthetic (you are put to sleep). This lets the gynaecologist look at your pelvic organs and diagnose and treat various conditions.

LLETZ

LLETZ is a method of treating the cervix quickly and comfortably. They are recommended when pre-cancer changes are found in the cells of your cervix. LLETZ removes the abnormal area with an electrical wire loop (a diathermy loop). The removed tissue is then sent to the laboratory to be examined.

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast. They are done to look for early signs of breast cancer. Find out what happens at your mammogram appointment and what happens if you need to return for an assessment.

Organ donation

Organ transplants and donation includes kidney or liver tissue from living or deceased donors. There are health requirements that you may need to meet to be eligible to give or receive an organ.

Prolapse procedures

Prolapse happens when the muscles and tissues that support the vagina become weak. This allows the pelvic organs (such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum) to press against the vaginal wall, creating a bulge. Your healthcare provider may recommend a surgical or non-surgical treatment.

Scans and x-rays

Scans and x-rays use a type of radiation or magnetic field to take pictures of the inside of your body. Your healthcare provider may request a scan or x-ray to help with a diagnosis or with planning how to manage your health condition.

Tests for blood vessel problems

There are several tests that can help diagnose blood vessel problems.

Tests for heart problems

If you are having problems with your heart, there are several different tests that can help your healthcare provider or hospital staff understand what is causing them.

Urodynamics bladder test

A urodynamic bladder test is used to find out how your bladder is working. It can identify the cause of bladder problems like incontinence, infections and difficulty weeing. It is also known as a pressure test. The results will help your healthcare provider decide on the best treatment for you.

Vulval surgery

Vulval surgery is carried when you have cancer of the vulva (the area surrounding the opening of your vagina) or pre-cancerous lesions. It is a major operation and you will need to take 6 weeks off work to recover.

Haematology treatment

What happens before, during and after your treatment, and information about potential side effects and the people you may meet.

Medical oncology treatment