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FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions

A Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgeon is a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases affecting the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. These conditions often require advanced surgical expertise and careful multidisciplinary management.

Dr Christian Jeske is a Specialist General Surgeon with a sub-specialist qualification in Surgical Gastroenterology and has extensive experience in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) HPB surgery. His practice combines advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, patient-centred care.

Dr Jeske manages a wide range of general surgical and gastrointestinal conditions, including:

  • Gallstones and gallbladder disease
  • Liver cysts and liver tumours
  • Pancreatic cysts and pancreatic cancer
  • Bile duct disorders and jaundice
  • Pancreatitis
  • Selective Hernias
  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Colon and small bowel diseases

Every patient receives an individualised assessment and treatment plan. Surgery is only recommended when it is the most appropriate treatment option.

Dr Jeske performs both advanced HPB surgery and general surgical procedures, including:

  • Gallbladder removal (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)
  • Liver surgery and liver biopsy
  • Pancreatic surgery
  • Bile duct surgery
  • ERCP
  • Gastroscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Hernia repairs
  • Appendicectomy
  • Colectomy
  • Splenectomy
  • Small bowel surgery

Many procedures can be performed using minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques, allowing for faster recovery and less postoperative discomfort.

A referral is recommended, particularly if your medical aid requires one. However, referrals are not always necessary.

If you are unsure, our reception team will gladly advise you before your appointment.

You may benefit from seeing Dr Jeske if you have been diagnosed with or experience:

  • Gallstones
  • Persistent upper abdominal pain
  • Recurrent pancreatitis
  • Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
  • Liver cysts or liver masses
  • Pancreatic cysts
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Bile duct obstruction
  • Complex abdominal conditions requiring specialist assessment

Early diagnosis often allows for more treatment options and better outcomes.

No.

Many digestive conditions can be managed without surgery.

Dr Jeske believes patients should fully understand their diagnosis before making treatment decisions. During your consultation he will discuss:

  • Your diagnosis
  • Available treatment options
  • Whether surgery is necessary
  • Benefits and possible risks
  • Expected recovery
  • Alternatives to surgery

Together, you can decide on the most appropriate treatment plan.

Compete the WhatsApp link and documents that our reception would have sent to you upon appointment request. Please send us old and new reports so that Dr Jeske can familiarise himself before you arrive. You will also need to send the practice the following documents:

  • Your ID or passport
  • Medical Aid card
  • Referral letter (if applicable)
  • Previous blood tests
  • CT, MRI, ultrasound or X-ray reports and images
  • Endoscopy or colonoscopy reports
  • A list of your current medications
  • Details of previous operations
  • Any pathology or biopsy reports

Having these available helps ensure the most accurate diagnosis and avoids unnecessary repeat investigations.

Should you struggle with technology our reception will assit you as best as they can before or on the day.

Yes.

Where appropriate, Dr Jeske performs laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, which generally offers:

  • Smaller incisions
  • Less pain
  • Reduced scarring
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Faster recovery
  • Earlier return to normal activities

Not every condition is suitable for laparoscopic surgery, and the most appropriate approach will always be discussed during your consultation.

Your care continues well after your operation.

Our team provides:

  • Follow-up consultations
  • Wound care advice
  • Nutrition guidance
  • Pain management
  • Recovery instructions
  • Referrals to physiotherapists, dietitians, psychologists, oncologists and other healthcare professionals where appropriate.

Our goal is to support your complete recovery from your first consultation through to rehabilitation.

Yes.

Healing is often a team effort. Dr Jeske works closely with a network of trusted healthcare professionals including:

  • Dietitians
  • Physiotherapists
  • Physicians
  • Oncologists
  • Psychologists
  • Other specialist surgeons

This multidisciplinary approach helps ensure every patient receives comprehensive care before, during and after treatment.

The practice is contracted with most major South African medical aids, including:

  • Bankmed
  • Bestmed
  • Bonitas
  • Discovery Classic (in-hospital procedures only)
  • Fedhealth
  • GEMS
  • Keyhealth
  • Momentum
  • Medihelp
  • Medshield
  • Netcare Medical Scheme
  • Opmed
  • Polmed
  • Sesmed

Patients who belong to medical aids outside these contracted schemes are welcome and may receive a quotation before elective procedures.

Please contact our reception team if you are unsure whether your medical aid is contracted with the practice.

Most medical aids provide benefits for specialist consultations and surgical procedures, although cover varies depending on your individual plan.

Our dedicated billing ambassador will be able to assist with your authorisation.

Patients do however still remain responsible for:

  • Obtaining their authorisation where required
  • Understanding their medical aid benefits
  • Any excesses or co-payments not covered by their medical aid

Our administrative team will gladly assist with quotations, ICD-10 codes and billing information.

For your convenience, the practice accepts:

  • All major credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Electronic payments (EFT)
  • Cash (by prior arrangement for larger amounts)

Please note that consultation fees are payable on the day of your appointment. The practice does not accept cheques.

For full details regarding consultations, billing, procedural fees and payment policies, please refer to our Patient Responsibilities & Billing Policy.

Yes.

Dr Christian Jeske is a licensed dispensing practitioner, allowing many of your prescribed medications to be supplied directly from the practice.

This means you can often leave your appointment or procedure with the medication you need, without making an additional stop at a pharmacy.

Common medications and products dispensed by the practice include:

  • Bowel preparation (such as Picoprep®) before colonoscopy procedures
  • Pain medication following surgery
  • Antibiotics where appropriate
  • Anti-nausea medication
  • Wound care products and dressing packs
  • Other post-operative medications prescribed as part of your treatment plan

Dispensing medication directly from the practice helps ensure you receive the correct treatment promptly and provides added convenience during your recovery.

Should any medication not be available for dispensing, Dr Jeske will provide you with a prescription to be filled at your preferred pharmacy.

Preparation depends on your procedure, but you may be asked to:

  • Stop certain medications before surgery
  • Fast for some time before the procedure
  • Arrange transport home after your procedure

Our team will provide detailed written and verbal instructions before your procedure to help ensure everything runs smoothly.

Recovery depends on the type of surgery performed and your overall health.

Many patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery recover more quickly than with traditional open surgery.

Dr Jeske will discuss your expected recovery timeline, when you can return to work, driving, exercise and other daily activities before and after your operation.

Gallstones do not always cause symptoms, but common signs include:

  • Pain in the upper right abdomen
  • Pain after eating fatty meals
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Pain that spreads to the back or right shoulder
  • Fever or jaundice (which requires urgent medical assessment)

If you experience these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation.

ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is a specialised endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat problems affecting the bile ducts and pancreas.

It can be used to:

  • Remove bile duct stones
  • Relieve blockages
  • Insert stents
  • Investigate jaundice
  • Diagnose certain pancreatic and bile duct disorders

Dr Jeske will explain whether ERCP is appropriate for your condition and what to expect during the procedure.

Yes.

Dr Jeske performs both diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopies and colonoscopies to investigate a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms and conditions.

These procedures may be recommended for:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Heartburn or reflux
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Anaemia
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Colon cancer screening and surveillance
  • Removal of polyps
  • Investigation of inflammatory bowel disease

Your procedure is performed using modern equipment under sedation, and detailed preparation instructions will be provided beforehand. Where appropriate, bowel preparation medication can be dispensed directly from the practice for your convenience. The practice provides you with a snack and water after the procedure.

Patients choose Dr Christian Jeske because of his commitment to combining advanced surgical expertise with compassionate, personalised care.

Dr Jeske offers:

  • Specialist expertise in HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) Surgery and Surgical Gastroenterology
  • Extensive experience in complex liver, pancreas and gallbladder conditions
  • Advanced minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgical techniques
  • Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy and ERCP
  • A patient-centred approach, ensuring you understand your diagnosis and treatment options
  • Collaborative care with a trusted network of specialists and allied healthcare professionals
  • A licensed dispensing practice, allowing many prescribed medications and post-operative care products to be provided directly from the practice
  • Comprehensive care from your initial consultation through surgery and recovery

Our aim is to provide safe, evidence-based surgical care while supporting every patient with professionalism, empathy and clear communication throughout their treatment journey.

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