Lymphaticovenous Anastomosis - what does it cost?

[heretohelp]

This is the name given to the micro surgery procedure that has been discussed on this forum. Assuming it may not be freely available at all NHS hospitals, does anybody know how much the operation would cost if we go private? Can you recommend a surgeon in the Cambridge area?

[LymphSuppNetwork Partner LSN]

Hi Hereto help

This is quite a new procedure in this country and there are only three surgeons so far who have been trained and are regularly carrying out the procedure so please do be careful. As soon as we find out any details of private hospitals offering the procedure we will let you know.

[Microsurgeon]

HI Heretohelp

I perform LVA both privately and on the NHS. NHS treatment is dependant on your GP / CCG agreeing to pay for it and may depend on local guidelines etc. Private treatment depends on your own funding arrangements.

I cannot discuss the cost of yours or anyone else's proceedure in this forum for several reasons. Firstly I don't know exactly what treatment you are suitable for and what resources it would require. Secondly, it is unethical to disscuss a persons treatment is such an open forum. Finally, I would be as risk of breaching GMC guidelines as to advertising for medical services (the ethics of which can be reviewed in this article jme.bmj.com/content/17/1/35... ).

However, you may find my website useful - oxfordlymphoedemapractice.com/. It will provide factual information of a service I and a colleage provide but again no specific costs. Sorry.

As LSN correctly comments there are other surgeons in the UK and Europe performing this surgery as discussed in my previous question on this site - Does anyone else offer supermicrosurgery for lymphoedema. This may be NHS or privately but I don't know their specific arrangements.

For general interest any private surgical procedure generally has four costs

1 - Outpatient appointment and investigations

then if surgery is undertaken.

2 - Hospital fee

3 - Anaesthetists fee (if needed)

4 - Surgeons fee.

These a based on length and complexity of surgery. All costs should be discussed and agreed before any surgery is undertaken. They may be covered by private health insurance or may not depending on insurance policies.

The UK medical system is based on a referal system. This means that your primary care doctor, (GP) refers you onto a specialist if he cannot complete your care. This happens in both the NHS and independent sectors. This adds protection for patients and coordinates appropriate care. Most UK surgeons would prefer a referral from a GP or other doctor privately and it is essential in the NHS.

Sorry if I got a little side tracked and never actually answered your question but I hope you find this information useful.

PS Thanks LSN for appropriate moderation of these posts and I hope I have been as balanced as possible!