background image College Logo

Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

You are here: Home Patient Information Frequently Asked Questions Questions about particular medical conditions or types of surgery
Document Actions
  • Send this page to somebody
  • Print this page
  • Bookmark and Share

Questions about particular medical conditions or types of surgery

Questions about particular medical conditions or types of surgery, including finding a specific support group for medical and surgical patients.


Can you tell me more about my illness or condition, or particular types of surgery?

The College regrets that it cannot give medical advice to individual patients. However, we have provided information about, and links to, other sources of information on this site.

NHS Direct Online includes an encyclopaedia which gives information about various conditions and treatments, or the medical notes section of the BBC Health website.

See also What are the surgical specialties? for details of the surgical specialties and some of the various surgical procedures.

Back to top


Where can I find a support or self-help group specific to my condition?

There are hundreds of support and self-help groups that are actively involved in promoting the interests of patients with particular conditions. The Patient UK website provides links to self help groups.

Back to top


Where can I get further information about cancer?

NHS Direct Online provides links to a variety of patient information booklets about various forms of cancer.

You may like to contact Macmillan Cancer Relief on 020 7840 7840 or on their National Information Line on 0845 601 6161. Macmillan Cancer Relief also have a website at www.macmillan.org.uk.

Cancer BACUP provides information about various types of cancer and issues concerning cancer.

The BBC Health Information pages also provide some useful information.

Lymphoma-net.org is a website devoted to supporting patients (and their families) with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

Back to top


Where can I find out more about surgery for back and neck pain?

The charity Back Care provides a range of information about back and neck pain and treatment including advice about spinal surgery.

NHS Direct Online also provide information. Alternatively you may like to telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

Further information is provided on the BBC Health Information pages.

Back to top


How can I find out more about obstetrics and gynaecology?

Obstetrics is the care of women before and after childbirth. Gynaecology refers to the treatment of diseases of women's reproductive organs.

Operations in obstetrics and gynaecology are generally performed by surgeons with specialist training in this area of surgery.

More information is available from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on 020 7772 6200.

Back to top


Where can I find further information about treatment for hernias?

NHS Direct Online provide information about hernias and treatment. You can also phone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

You may also like to visit the BBC Health information web pages.

Back to top


Where can I get information about Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy (ETS)?

Endoscopic Thoracic Sympatectomy is a surgical treatment for hyperhidrosis (excessive blushing or sweating).

Contact the Vascular Surgical Society of Great Britain and Ireland on 020 7973 0306. Their website gives details about treatment options for this condition.

Back to top

© 2010 | The Royal College of Surgeons of England | Registered Charity no: 212808 |
35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE | Tel: +44 (0) 20 7405 3474 | Page generated 15/03/2010 06:46
CSS Compliant XHTML 1.0 Compliant