Dr MJ Vorster

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Services includes :

• Pulmonary function tests
  A pulmonary function test (PFT) is a non-invasive lung test that measures lung capacity and volume. Obstructive and restrictive disorders affect the flow of air to the lungs. Spirometry and plethysmography are two techniques used to carry out a PFT test. Pulmonary function tests are part of a routine health check, but people who work in an industrial setting should consistently undergo PFT tests. A PFT test confirms or rules out chronic asthma, bronchitis, emphysema and respiratory infections. The pulmonologist carries out a PFT test and checks for breathing difficulties, fatigue or other complications. It is, at times, essential to administer a bronchodilator and repeat the PFT test.
• Exercise testing/provocation
  An exercise test is also referred to as a “provocation test.” Dust, pollen and pet dander trigger asthma. Anxiety, difficulty breathing and chest tightness are all symptoms of asthma. The pulmonologist conducts a bronchial provocation test to diagnose asthma and other chronic conditions. A bronchial provocation test can last for up to two hours. Each exercise test varies. The intensity of a provocation test increases over time. A cardiopulmonary stress test measures the patient’s lung capacity and heart rate. Underlying heart or lung conditions resurface at some point during the test. The pulmonologist monitors the patient’s heart and lung health while he or she exercises on a stationary bicycle or treadmill.
• CT evaluation
  A CT scan is a diagnostic tool that’s conducted to check for diseases and infections. A CT scan uses x-rays to take pictures of the body. Through the use of a specialised computerised system, these images are converted into slices of soft tissues, blood vessels and bones. The patient lies flat down on the table, and the machine rotates and takes pictures of the body. While the scan is in process, the patient will hear a click or buzz as the images are being developed. A CT evaluation generally takes twenty minutes but could last longer than half an hour. A CT evaluation helps diagnose lung disease, infections, internal bleeding and lung cancer.
• CT guided biopsy
  A CT scan serves as a digital map for surgery or biopsy. As soon as lung slices are processed, the pulmonologist will use these images as a visual guide. A CT guided biopsy is a less invasive outpatient procedure. The pulmonologist inserts a fine needle into the lung and dissects tissue for further analysis. A CT guided biopsy is a quick procedure that takes fifteen minutes but could also last for up to thirty minutes. At a follow-up consultation, Dr Vorster will discuss the results of the biopsy with his patient.
• Lung ultrasound
  A lung ultrasound scan that’s also referred to as a “sonography” utilises sound waves to create live images of soft tissues, bones and blood vessels. The patient lies down on the operative table, and the technician applies a jelly to lubricate the skin. A device called a "transducer" is attached to the skin. The transducer, similar to the size and shape of a microphone, transmits soundwaves throughout the body. The soundwaves hit against the lung. A computer processes and converts these reflected sounds to an image of the internal structure of the lung. A lung ultrasound helps diagnose lung infections like pneumonia and tuberculosis. The scan also picks up internal bleeding and lung cancer.
• Diaphragm evaluation (fluoroscopy)
  A fluoroscopy is a test that assesses the function of the diaphragm. An x-ray beam travels through the diaphragm while a series of breathing exercises are being performed. The x-ray beam moves through the diaphragm and captures images of the muscle. The patient is asked to breathe in and out while the pictures are being developed. The pulmonologist closely observes the movement of the diaphragm while these exercises are being performed. A diaphragm evaluation (fluoroscopy) is conducted to check for a weak or paralysed diaphragm. Diaphragm paralysis occurs when the patient has no control over the movement of the diaphragm, and the diaphragm fails to move as it used to. Blue lips, headaches and trouble breathing are signs of diaphragm paralysis.
• Bronchoscopy (diagnostic)
  A bronchoscopy is a procedure that is performed to examine the airways. A transbronchial biopsy may be performed to remove lung tissue for analysis. The pulmonologist inserts a bendable tube called a "bronchoscope" through the nose into the lung and dissects tissue. The camera at the base of the bronchoscope sends images of the surgical area to a television screen in the operative room. The lung tissue is sent to the laboratory for further tests. At a follow-up consultation, Dr Vorster discusses the biopsy results with his patient and decides on a suitable treatment plan. Dr Vorster carries out a diagnostic bronchoscopy to check for internal bleeding, strictures, pneumonia and lung cancer.
• Bronchoscopy with bronchial washings
  Dr Vorster performs a bronchoscopy to diagnose and treat lung cancer. In the case of a stricture, the pulmonologist uses stents to dilate and open up the airway. A bronchoscope is gently inserted through the nose into the lung. The instrument is only inserted down the trachea once the nostril becomes numb from anaesthetic jelly. Samples like mucous are retrieved for tests. The pulmonologist uses a saline liquid to flush out the surgical site and collect cells for analysis. The extracted cells and secretions are sent to the pathologist for further tests.
• Tracheal stenosis (laser, dilation and stenting)
  Tracheal stenosis arises when the windpipe constricts. When the windpipe begins to narrow, shortness of breath occurs. Respiratory infections, trauma, radiation therapy, autoimmune disorders and tumours give rise to tracheal stenosis. Trouble breathing, wheezing, stridor, chronic pneumonia and respiratory infections are common symptoms of tracheal stenosis. The pulmonologist uses laser, dilation and stenting techniques to treat tracheal stenosis. Laser surgery is performed to eradicate scar tissue that could be the cause of stenosis. Dr Vorster uses metal or silicone stents to open up the airway. Tracheal dilation involves the use of a balloon or tracheal dilator to widen the restricted airway.
• Transbronchial fine needle aspiration (TBNA)
  Transbronchial fine needle aspiration (TBNA) is conducted to examine cells for cancer. The pulmonologist slides a needle through the catheter into the surgical area. An ultrasound probe situated at the tip of the bronchoscope is used to evaluate nearby lymph nodes. An endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) helps determine if cancer has metastasised. The dissected cells are transferred to an on-site pathologist. At a follow-up consultation, Dr Vorster discusses the results of the biopsy with his patient and generates an appropriate treatment plan.
• Vaccinations
  Annual flu and pneumonia vaccinations help safeguard the patient against infectious lung diseases. Influenza or what’s commonly referred to as the “flu" is a contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. The elderly, children and people with weak immune systems are more susceptible to the virus. Coughing, fever, lethargy, headaches and a sore throat are signs of the flu. An annual flu vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies that protect the body from influenza. Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that affects one or both lungs. Air sacs within the lungs become inflamed. Inflamed air sacs contain liquid or pus. Fluid in the lungs leads to coughing, shortness of breath and fever. Two types of pneumococcal vaccines include the conjugate and polysaccharide vaccine. The effects of combined conjugate and polysaccharide vaccines are long-term.
• Exercise
  Pulmonary rehabilitation forms a key component of Dr Vorster’s treatment plan. The pulmonologist reviews the patient’s medical history and formulates exercise goals. Before Dr Vorster draws up a rehabilitation plan, he assesses the patient’s blood pressure, lung capacity and heart rate. Patients who suffer from chronic lung conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma benefit from the doctor’s exercise programme. At the end of these rehabilitation sessions, the patient will become be self-reliant and have a better quality of life.