Vasectomy+ Vein Centre with Dr Mark Elvy
D
r Elvy, how long have you been practicing medicine, and when did you begin practicing in Coffs Harbour?
I graduated in 1980 from the UNSW School of Medicine and began medical practice in Coffs Harbour in 1984. Over the last 15 years I have sub-specialised in Phlebology and Vasectomy and have dedicated my practice full-time to these areas of medicine and surgery. My practices are in Coffs Harbour and Sydney CBD. In 2001, I was awarded a Foundation Fellowship of the Australasian College of Phlebology and am currently the Director of the Vasectomy and Vein Centre in Coffs Harbour and Medical Director for Sydney Vasectomy. Once a fortnight I consult at “uRepublic” , a specialist cosmetic Dermatology practice in Sydney CBD and provide services to patients with varicose vein problems. People would assume that you treat all things “veins” and mainly have a female clientele. What are the other areas of
interest in your medical practice? There are two distinct areas of clinical practice in my clinics: 1. Phlebology (the study of vein disease) This includes varicose veins, spider veins, swollen and painful legs. Both males and females can develop varicose and spider veins and attend for assessment and treatment. We treat varicose vein disease for three main reasons - the cosmetic appearance (ugly varicose or spider veins), the symptoms (aching, throbbing, tired legs and associated swelling), and finally to reduce the chance of complications (venous pigmentation, dermatitis, bleeding, thrombosis and leg ulcers). 2. Vasectomy We provide the latest technique in permanent contraception for couples who have completed their family. This is known as the no scalpel open ended vasectomy. This service is provided in our rooms in Coffs Harbour and Sydney. See our website for details (www.sydneyvasectomy.com.au)
Do patients need a referral to access you services? Patients wishing to have treatment at our centre in Coffs Harbour for vein conditions or vasectomy do not need referrals. Referrals are required in our specialist Sydney vein practice. I believe many of the services you provide do not require patients to be too inconvenienced and some procedures are even painless - can you explain what patients can expect? Over the last 10 years, with advancements in the management of varicose veins, treatments can occur out of hospital. The use of anaesthetic nerve blocks and inhaled analgesics treatment has made the treatment of varicose veins more acceptable. Patients can
usually return to work the same or next day and sporting activities within a week. No scalpel Vasectomy is minimally invasive, performed with inhaled analgesia and local anaesthetic, again with no discomfort. Most men can return to work in 1 to 2 days and sporting activities soon after. Dr Elvy, in your spare time, where can we find you, and what do you enjoy most about living on the Coffs Coast? Often in the morning you can find me at the O.P 81 or the Jetty for my coffee and paper or cycling to Sawtell for lunch at Split Café on the weekends. It is the active lifestyle, laidback summers and raw beauty that I enjoy most about living on the Coffs Coast. The Mid North Coast offers bike and running tracks and untouched beaches.
coffs coast focus.
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