www.doctrev.co.za
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Dr Trevor Blumenthal
Specialist Anaesthesiologist
Clinical Link Group
Guiding Every Breath
🤖 Assisted Mode

Select Your Surgeon

Choose your surgeon to access specialized information and forms

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Prof Benn & Dr Kourie

Breast Surgery & Reconstruction

Breast surgery, reconstruction, oncology procedures with general anaesthesia by Dr Trevor Blumenthal and music therapy by Sarah Jean Harrison
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Dr Wineberg

General Surgery

General and laparoscopic surgical procedures with general anaesthesia by Dr Trevor Blumenthal
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Dr Schneider

Gastroenterologist

Information and resources for endoscopy procedures with Dr Trevor Blumenthal

🏥 Surgery Information

Choose what you need help with

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Forms

Complete required consent forms

Common Questions

Answers about your surgery and anaesthesia

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What to Expect

Watch videos about your surgery journey

❓ Common Questions

Answers about your surgery

Will I be asleep during surgery? +
Yes, you will be completely asleep under general anaesthesia. Dr Trevor Blumenthal will make sure you are comfortable and safe throughout the entire procedure.
Will I have pain after surgery? +
We use special techniques to minimize pain. You may receive nerve blocks and pain medication to keep you comfortable during recovery.
Can I eat before surgery? +
No food for 6 hours before surgery. You can have clear fluids (water, clear juice) up to 2 hours before. Follow the specific instructions given to you.
Who will be my anaesthetist? +
Dr Trevor Blumenthal will be your anaesthetist. He is a specialist who will take care of you during the entire surgery.

📋 Forms

Complete your consent forms

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Surgery Consent Form

For Prof Benn, Dr Kourie & Dr Wineberg surgeries

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MRI Sedation Form

If you need an MRI with sedation

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Endoscopy Form

For Dr Schneider procedures

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Music Therapy Form

For breast surgery music therapy with Sarah Jean Harrison

📞 Need Help?
If you need assistance with forms, please call the practice or ask a family member to help.

Breast Surgery & Reconstruction

Prof Benn & Dr Kourie with anaesthesia by Dr Trevor Blumenthal

Breast Surgery FAQ
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MRI Sedation
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What to Expect
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Consent Forms
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Music Therapy
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Pre-Op Triage
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Virtual Tour
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Post-Op Care Guide

Dr Wineberg - General Surgery

General and laparoscopic procedures with anaesthesia by Dr Trevor Blumenthal

General Surgery FAQ
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Virtual Tour
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What to Expect
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Consent Forms
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Pre-Op Triage
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Post-Op Care Guide

Dr Schneider - Endoscopy

Endoscopy procedures with sedation by Dr Trevor Blumenthal

Endoscopy FAQ
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Virtual Tour
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What to Expect
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Consent Forms

MRI Sedation Service

Important: Review MRI Equipment Before Booking Sedation

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Sedation is a private paid service. Dr Trevor Blumenthal will be scheduled specifically for your sedation. Fees apply once the doctor arrives, regardless of whether you proceed with sedation.

Our Open-Bore MRI Scanner

Please review our Siemens Healthineers MAGNETOM Lumina MRI scanner below. This is an open-bore design with 70cm opening - wider than traditional MRI machines.

✓ Key Features of Our MRI:
  • Open at both ends - not a fully enclosed tunnel
  • 70cm wide opening - significantly larger than standard MRI (60cm)
  • Shorter tunnel length - only 145cm long
  • Ambient LED lighting with calming colors
  • Nature scenes on walls and ceiling for relaxation
  • Head remains outside for many lower body scans
  • Two-way intercom - you can talk to the technician anytime

Do You Still Require Sedation?

After viewing our open-bore MRI scanner, please confirm your sedation preference:

Breast Cancer Surgery - Anaesthesia & Recovery FAQ

Prof Benn & Dr Kourie with anaesthesia by Dr Trevor Blumenthal

Will I have a general anaesthetic? +
Yes. For breast cancer surgery you will be asleep under a general anaesthetic, which means you will not feel or remember the operation. We use a breathing tube (intubation) to keep your airway safe while you are asleep.
What type of anaesthetic will be used? +
We use a modern technique called TIVA/TCI (Total Intravenous Anaesthesia / Target Controlled Infusion). Instead of using gases, your anaesthetic is delivered via IV medication with precise computer-controlled pumps. This technique reduces nausea, helps with a smoother recovery, and is particularly well-suited to breast surgery.
How will my pain be controlled? +

While you are asleep, we perform a nerve block (PECS I & II blocks). This numbs the chest wall by blocking pain signals from the pectoral muscles and surrounding nerves.

After the operation, some patients may also receive a PCA (Patient-Controlled Analgesia) pump, which allows you to press a button to give yourself safe, small doses of pain relief if needed.

Our goal is to minimize pain while reducing side effects from strong pain medications.

Do I need to fast before surgery? +

Yes. Fasting is important for your safety during anaesthesia.

Solids & milk: No food, milk, or dairy products for at least 6 hours before surgery.

Clear fluids (allowed up to 2 hours before surgery):
• Water
• Clear apple juice (not cloudy)
• Black tea or coffee (sugar allowed, no milk or cream)

Please follow the specific instructions given to you, as timing may differ depending on your surgery time.

General Surgery FAQ

With Dr Wineberg and anaesthesia by Dr Trevor Blumenthal

What type of anaesthesia will I receive? +
Most general surgery procedures require general anaesthesia, where you will be completely asleep and unaware during the surgery. Dr Trevor Blumenthal will discuss the specific approach based on your procedure and medical history.

Endoscopy & Sedation FAQ

Dr Schneider with conscious sedation by Dr Trevor Blumenthal

What type of sedation will I receive? +

For your comfort, we use moderate sedation. This ensures that you are relaxed and comfortable while allowing Dr Schneider to perform the endoscopy thoroughly.

• Sedation levels range from conscious (light), to moderate, and deep.

• During your procedure, we monitor your brain activity using an EEG system to assess how deeply sedated you are.

Will I be able to drive afterwards? +
No. It is not advisable to drive after sedation. Please arrange for a responsible adult to take you home.

What to Expect

Your journey with Dr Trevor Blumenthal

🎬 Patient Journey Videos
Educational videos are available for each surgical procedure

Music Therapy for Breast Surgery

Complementary healing through music with Sarah Jean Harrison and Dr Trevor Blumenthal

🎵 About Music Therapy:
Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, manage pain, and promote healing during your breast surgery journey. This evidence-based treatment uses music interventions to support your physical and emotional wellbeing.

Benefits of Music Therapy for Breast Surgery Patients

  • Reduces pre-operative anxiety - Calming music helps lower stress levels before surgery
  • Pain management - Music therapy can complement traditional pain relief methods
  • Improved recovery - Relaxation through music may promote faster healing
  • Emotional support - Helps process feelings and emotions during treatment
  • Better sleep - Gentle music can improve rest and recovery
Note: The music therapy consent form will open in a new tab. After completing and submitting the form, you can return to this page. Dr Trevor Blumenthal, Sarah the music therapist and Krystle will be notified of your interest in adding music therapy to your treatment plan.

Pre-Op Self-Triage Assessment

Help Dr Trevor Blumenthal prepare for your anaesthetic care

How it works: Each "Yes" adds points. More points = higher likelihood of needing a pre-op clinic visit.

📋 Medical History

🎂 Age & Physical Status

💊 Current Medications

🚭 Lifestyle Factors

Your Score: 0 points