Scanhealth Scandinavia

Welcome to Scanhealth Scandinavia!

Please Note: Scanhealth is sorry to inform you that we are accepting only UK Citizens.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Scanhealth Scandinavia is a partnership of three health care providers. Quality Certified ISO.
Privatsykehuset Haugesund, a government approved private hospital, Curato Røntgen Haugesund, a private radiology centre, and Klinikk Hausken, a private infertility centre.

All located in Haugesund, at the Southwest coast of Norway. Haugesund is only 1.5hrs from London Stansted and Edinburgh via a direct flight with Ryanair, and Scanhealth is situated only 15 min. from Haugesund Airport. We have new high-quality medical equipment and top-qualified personnel that are present at all operations.

Do you need knee, shoulder, cosmetic or eye surgery?
The Private Hospital offers a wide range of operative procedures. Orthopaedic, eye, cosmetic, urology and general surgery.

At one of Norway’s finest private hospitals, we provide a professional and efficient treatment!

Our Surgeons are very experienced and are all registered by the General Medical Council in UK. We use the latest technology and deliver a standard of care of the highest quality, at surprisingly low cost. Always VIP treatment at a firm fixed price. Eye department alone performs over 1000 cataract surgery a year. The cost of one cataract is 1000 £.

The radiology centre has two radiologists employed. Together they have over 25 years experience within all aspects of radiology. They are also EU accredited.

Here we provide you with the latest technology for pinpointing exactly what the problem or situation is. We provide MRI & CT scans, ultrasound, bone densitometry, X-ray and mammography. A perfect view by way of a visual is one thing, but the expertise from our team of qualified in- house doctors, is the extra assurance you need when documenting and reading the problem.

The Scanhealth Fertilility Centre is approved and certified by the Norwegian Health Service. It is also certified by the EU directives regarding handling of human tissues and cells.

The Medical Director Jon Hausken has Certificate of Full Registration as a Medical Practitioner with Specialist Registration for UK.

The IVF center do about 500 IVF / ICSI cycles a year. Last year we treated 100 couples coming from the UK. The ongoing pregnancy rate per started cycle is above 40%. This is comparable to the best centres in the UK. The cost of one IVF treatment is 1800£. All tests, procedures and scans are included.

• Norway has Europe’s lowest MRSA infection rate.
• English is fluently spoken and there are no waiting lists.
• Scan-health Scandinavia – We provide complete care!

Your GP will be provided with a full medical report in English.

Our Departments:

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

• Breast Augmentation
• Breast Reduction
• Adomenoplastu
• Liposuction
• Face Lift
• Heavy Eyelids
• Plastic Surgery
• Breast Augmentation

Anesthesiology Department

Dermatology Department

• Cosmetic Skin Treatment
• Perspiration
• Migraine
• Botox
• Restylane

Eye department

• Cataract Surgery
• ReSTOR Surgery
• ICL
• Eye Laser Surgery

IVF & Fertility Department

• IVF
• IUI
• ICSI

Orthopaedic Department

• Elbow
• Hand
• Knee
• Shoulder
• Ancle & Foot
• Sports Injuries

Radiology Department

• MRI Scan
• CT Scan/CAT Scan
• X-ray Scan
• Bone Densitometry
• Mammography

Urology Department

• Varicose Veins
• Cystoscopy
• Vasectomy
• TURP
• Phimosis
• TURP

Why Norway?
We offer the latest technology, low costs and no waiting lists.

Welcome to Scanhealth Scandinavia, and welcome to our private hospital in Haugesund. Have your medical treatment done, then explore our beautiful destination; Haugalandet.

ABOUT HAUGESUND & HAUGALANDET
Destination Haugalandet, which includes the coastal town of Haugesund, stretches from the island of Utsira in the west to Etne and Sauda in the east and from Karmøy in the south to Sveio in the north. Haugalandet can offer a broad spectrum of natural beauty ranging from shimmering coastline and wild heather moors to snow capped mountains with cascading waterfalls melting into the fjords. Haugalandet is also a buoyant centre for cultural events as well as outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, bathing, golf, Viking trails, active and extreme sports, café life, shopping and much more.

Please Click here to request more information.

Orthopaedic Department

Key Benefits

• Norway has the lowest MRSA in Europe - 0,6% compared to 43,6 % in UK.
• Post operative infection rates practically non-existent.
• One of few hospitals certified to IS09001 and ISO14001 standards.
• Modern facilities.

Treatments

• Hip and knee replacement.
• Shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, knee and ankle surgery.

During your stay

• Full rehabilitation with physical therapist.
• We have only 4 inpatients at a time - full attention and care for you the patient!
• Outstanding food delivered from the best gourmet restaurant in town.

After your stay

• Extensive if necessary.

Eye Department

Key Benefits

• Latest technology.
• Most experienced surgeon.

Treatments

• Cataract surgery – Latest implantation technology and first class lenses from Alcon®, Staar® or AMO®
• (ReSTOR) - implantation (IOL) - A breakthrough in vision surgery from Alcon®
• ICL-implantation – Surgical treatment of advanced refractive errors from Staar®
• Laser Surgery – LASIK, Epi-LASIK or PRK

During your stay

• Extensive preoperative examination. Operative treatment with skilled and experienced staff. Postoperative visit(s).

Radiology Department

Key Benefits

• No waiting! Modern and Hygenic facilties.

Services

• The company carries out MRI scans, x-rays, CT scans, ultrasound, mammography and bone density measuring.

Equipment

• State of the art. Only the latest scanners are used.
• MRI scanner - Siemens Avanto (Tesla 1,5) installed in the summer of 2004.
• CT scanner - Siemens Emotion 6 multislice installed in 2005
• X-ray equipment - Siemens Axiom Aristos installed in 2005
• Mammography machine - Siemens Mammomat 3000 machine which will be replaced with a totally digitalised new machine later this year
• Ultrasound -Siemens Acuson Antares installed in Spring 2006
• Siregraph - Siemens T.O.P. 33 Siregraph for Fluoroscopy and Barium studies
• Bone Density Measuring - Prodigy Lunar which has recently been upgraded
• Totally digital -their systems were totally digitalised in 2004. Scans can be seen and sent within seconds with just a touch of a button.

IVF & Fertility Center

Key Benefits
- High expertise, astonishing results at a low cost!

Services

• IVF - In Vitro Fertilization
• ICSI - Intra Cystoplasmatic Sperm Injection
• Cryopreservation - Frozen Embryo Transfer
• Azoospermia - PESA:TESA:TESE
• IUI - Intrauterine Insemination
• PCOS - Polycystic Overian Syndrome

Facility
- The latest in state of the art technology in a warm and inviting atmosphere. First impression - Extremely modern!

Please Click here to request more information.

Aesthetic Surgery

• We welcome you to our Plastic Surgery Department.
• We have the latest technology and the most experienced Doctors.
• You will meet the highest standard of care and quality.

Our specialist in plastic surgery, Dr.med Fredrik Gewalli, performs abdominoplasty (”tummy tucks”), breast operations, skin treatments, and permanent fat removal (liposculpture), a rapid and effective way to create a figure.

Breast Augmentation
At Scanhealths ward for plastic surgery we perform safe surgery to increase the size and improve the appearance of the breasts. A breast implant is placed under or over the pectoral muscle for a nice aesthetic result.

The operation takes approximately 1 hour and we use the most common type of general anesthesia. The patient may return home on the same day as the surgery is performed and go back to work within 7 – 10 days. One must avoid touching the breast for 3 to 4 weeks. The scars will normally fade and vanish within 3 months to 2 years after the operation. Recovery time varies from patient to patient.

Side effects to breast augmentation
After surgery one can experience slight discomfort, minor swelling, reduced or no sensation of the nipples and also bruising in the incised area. In rare cases it will be necessary to remove or relocate the implants if they for example deflate or rupture, or there is capsular contracture. This will make the breast feel hard and tight and there can be hemorrhages or infections. Other risks are increased or reduced sensation of the nipples or the skin, which in some cases can be permanent.
The final result will always vary somewhat from patient to patient, but here at Scanhealth your surgery will be performed by experienced surgeons who specialize in aesthetic plastic surgery. This guarantees that we give you the best conditions for a successful breastaugmentation.

Breast Reduction
A breast reduction is a surgical procedure done to reduce the size and improve the shape of the breast by lifting.

Women who chose to have breast reduction typically experience physical problems due to the weight of the breasts. These symptoms include pain in back and neck and also that the straps of the bra dig into the skin.

These symptoms will improve when the breasts are reduced and lifted with surgery. Breast reduction surgery reduce the weight and size, lifts them up and increases their firmness. If desired, the brown pigmented area around the nipples can also be reduced.

Breast lift
A breast lift is performed in the same manner as a breast reduction, but is less complex. This incision may be done in conjunction with breast reduction to give the breasts a higher, rounder shape. A breast lift can also be combined with silicone implant surgery if you desire enhancement of the breasts to increase the size.

Abdomenoplasty and Tummy Tuck
cosmetic tummy tuck
The purpose of abdominoplasty is to remove excess fat and skin in the stomach area and to tighten the abdominal muscles. The result is a smoother and tighter stomach.

The majority would like to have a flat, smooth and firm stomach. During pregnancy and weight gain the skin stretches substantially and for some it does not go back as desired after having given birth or losing weight. This type of loose skin can not be helped by exercise and the solution will be abdominoplasty. For others there may be genetic reasons for fat deposits in the abdomen. This bothersome apron of fat can be removed surgically.

A full tummy tuck is an operation where all excess skin and fat in the lower part of the abdomen, from the navel down to the pubic line, is removed. The abdominal muscles are usually tightened. The procedure is often done in conjunction with liposuction for moulding the stomach and waist. Although liposuction is used, this is not a surgery that will help one to lose weight, and one should keep in mind that the best result is accomplished if one has lost unwanted excess weight before surgery.

A mini tummy tuck is a slightly smaller operation. In some cases there is loose skin below the navel. The skin fold below the navel is corrected with a smaller incision that will leave a barely visible scar, and one will recover fast.

Liposuction
At Scanhealths ward for plastic surgery we perform efficient and gentle liposuction. This surgery is also called liposculpturing or fat removal – the purpose being to mould the body by removing excess fat.

With fat removing surgery one obtains an improved body shape by taking away localized fat that is difficult to lose with exercise. The liposuction begins after having injected the localized area with a saline that contains anesthesia and adrenalin. This is to reduce bleeding, and it makes it easier to take the fat away. It also reduces bruising and swelling and any discomfort after the procedure. The most common areas for liposuction are chin, cheeks, neck, above breasts, stomach, hips, thighs, knees and ankles.

The fat removing techniques vary, depending on where on the body the fat is being removed and what surgeon is performing the incision. During consultation with the plastic surgeon patient and surgeon agrees on which areas to treat and how to achieve the best results.

The operation lasts 1 – 2 hours and is performed using general anesthesia. One can go home on the same day. Normally the patient can go back to work within 5 to 14 days. After 2 to 4 weeks one can resume more strenuous activities. Bruising and swelling will disappear after 1 – 6 months, depending on how much fat is removed and what areas are being treated. The effect of the fat removing surgery is permanent, but one must exercise regularly and keep a healthy diet to maintain the shape.

Side effects to liposuction
Bruising and minor swelling is common and will disappear eventually. The same goes for reduced sensation, tenderness or burning sensations around the treated area. No surgery is risk free, but serious complications after liposuction are very rare.

Forehead Lift
Forehead lift has a rejuvenating effect by reducing wrinkles in the forehead and lifting saggy eyebrows. We accomplish this by altering muscles and removing and tightening skin.

As one grows older the skin loses its elasticity and the eyebrows sag. This may cause heavy eyelids. A forehead lift will weaken the muscle that contributes to the sagging of the forehead and brows. At the same time we remove excess skin. The incision is very simple and both forehead and eyebrows are lifted. A forehead lift is performed with the traditional technique, with an incision right behind the hairline on top of the head.

Alternatively we use endoscope, and 3 – 5 small incisions are made to provide easier access to the relevant area. The operation takes 1 – 2 hours with general anesthesia or local anesthesia with a sedative. The patient returns home on the same day.

Possible side effects to a forehead lift
When using an endoscope, there can be swelling, reduced sensation, headaches and bruising. When using the traditional method there is also a risk of itchiness and hair loss. In very rare cases there is injury to the facial nerves, making it difficult to move the forehead, weakened muscles or an asymmetric appearance, loss of sensation, broad or elevated scars.

The patient can normally go back to work after 10 days and even sooner after an endoscopic forehead lift. The patient must reduce strenuous activities for several weeks. Bruising will disappear within 2 to 3 weeks. One must avoid sunlight for several months to not have pigmentation of the forehead which can occur if one is exposed to sunlight the first 3 – 6 months after surgery.

The result of this procedure usually lasts for 5 to 10 years.

Face Lift
A face lift is the surgery that is first and foremost associated with cosmetic surgery. The purpose of a face lift is to remove excess fat, stretch muscles and tighten the skin.

As years go by the skin loses its elasticity. Gravity pulls the soft tissue under the skin down and the result is bags, folds and wrinkles. A face lift will do something about this. Such surgery will tighten loose skin in the lower part of the face – on the sides of the mouth, along the jaw line and under the chin. Sometimes the muscles are also tightened, and excess skin is removed.

A face lift will have a good effect on the right person. One does not change the character of the face, but the intention is to make the person look younger and revitalized. 13-15 % of us are considering to have this type of surgery and it is most common to do so at the age of 45 – 65, although there is no age limit. Most face lifts can keep a perfect result for 5 to 10 years.

Heavy Eyelids
Many people are troubled with heavy eyelids and bags under the eyes. This may worsen as one grows older. Eyelid surgery with eyelid correction is the solution.

The tendency for excess skin on the eyelids or bags under the eyes is very individual. Inheritability plays a significant role and therefore this can be a problem even for young adults.

With eyelid surgery one can have excess skin on upper eyelids and bags under eyes removed. Correction of upper and lower eyelids are among the most common incisions within aesthetic plastic surgery worldwide, and there is very little risk of complications involved.

Cosmetic Skin TreatmentAt Privatsykehuset Haugesund we offer different types of skin treatments for different types of skin problems, such as wrinkles, acne, sun damage and more. Our dermathologist will provide you with information, an individual consideration and offer you an optimal treatment adjusted to you and your skin.

We offer these skin treatments:

• Botox injections for wrinkles
• Obagi Blue peel and Nu-Derm skin care products
• Laser Peel (CO2 laser)
• Dermal Fillers for wrinkles/Lip Enhancement

Perspiration
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. The body temperature is regulated through sweating, but those who suffer from hyperhidrosis produce much more sweat than necessary in order to regulate the temperature. The condition is caused by over active sweat glands, which can be stimulated by several things. This can be a challenging, both socially and practically. Hyperhidrosis in the armpits cause spots on shirts and tops, spoiled clothes and bothersome odour. Wet hands will make one avoid shaking people’s hands, and one may find it difficult to take certain jobs.

Hyperhidrosis in the armpits, palms of the hands, feet or face can be very successfully treated with Botox.

Approximately 1% of the population suffer from hyperhidrosis, and it often starts in the teens or early twenties.

Sweating can be reduced with local treatment such as aluminium chloride, tablets or electric treatment. These methods are not always efficient enough and can result in unacceptable side effects. Surgical treatment is efficient, but often results in sweating in new areas.

Therefore alternative treatments may be needed.

What is Botox?
Botox is a registered remedy that contains botulinum toxin type A. In very small and diluted doses the toxin can be injected in to the skin to reduce sweating.

How does it work?
Botox blocks the sweat gland activity. The effect of Botox is local, which means that the rest of the body does not respond to the remedy. Nor are other nerves or functions near the area (for example the blood circulation) affected.

The effect comes after 3 -7 days and lasts 4 – 12 months. This varies from person to person.

• Migraine
• Botox
• Restylane

Eye Department

Cataract Surgery
What are cataracts?
Many elderly people have cataracts. A cataract means that the eye´s lens becomes cloudy or less transparent. In the illustration, you can see the eye´s lens just behind the pupil. If the lens looses its transparency due to a cataract, light is prevented from reaching the optic nerve, and vision will be gradually reduced. Eventually, the image will become completely grey and unclear. You can check for impairment by having your vision tested at your doctor or optician. He or she will help you with a referral for cataract surgery.

Roughly half of all people past the age of 60 have a developing cataract. Occasionally younger people may also have it.

The disease can even occur in infants, or begin after an eye injury or other eye disease.

How Are Cataracts Treated?
The treatment for cataracts is surgery. Medication, glasses, or laser treatment will not help normal cataracts. Normally, your ophthalmologist will recommend surgery when your vision becomes so impaired that it affects your ability to perform daily activities. For many people, surgery becomes necessary when they no longer meet the requirements for a driver´s license. The operation involves removing the lens that has become grey and replacing it with a clear, artificial lens. This is a simple and painless procedure. Modern surgical techniques make it possible to operate on cataracts when the patient feels that the disease has become annoying. The cataract does not have to be "ripe". There is always a degree of risk in all operations. Serious complications can arise because of cataracts, but are very rare amongst experienced surgeons.

The Surgery Itself
We perform all cataract operations on an outpatient basis. The actual surgery only takes 10 to 15 minutes, and we only use eye drops as a local anesthetic. Your eye is completely anesthetized, but you are fully conscious. Many patients are afraid that they will “see” what is happening during the operation, but this fear is completely unfounded. You see a bright light and changing colors during the operation, but you cannot see the surgical instruments. Even though you must lie still during the operation, you do not have to lie completely stiff and rigid. You may shift your position, cough, or sneeze, as long as you say so first. During the operation, which is performed under a microscope, we remove the lens through a small incision. Many people believe that this is done with a laser, but this is incorrect. The lens is softened up and removed using ultrasound. Then, the natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens that is adjusted for each patient. Since the surgical incision is very small, there is no need for sutures after the new lens is in place.

In recent years there have been enormous advancements in surgical techniques. This has made cataract operations safer and also improved results. Today, operations are performed using advanced technology, and you can be assured that Haugesund Private Hospital is using the highest quality equipment. We are uncompromising in ensuring good quality in all surgical procedures, and therefore only use materials and equipment from suppliers that can guarantee the highest quality over time. Our surgical team has years of experience, and has performed more than 5000 successful operations since we opened in 1998.

ReSTOR Surgery
Good news for you who dislike or are dependant on reading glasses.

Everybody will notice that reading becomes increasingly difficult as they age, even those with normal vision. This usually begins at about 40 -45 years of age and is known as 'prebyopia'. The solution for this is reading glasses or distance glasses.

Today's technology makes it possible to produce a lens which give good vision both from a distance and for reading. We use the same established and secure operating technique used for the Cataract Operation.

Introducing a breakthrough in vision surgery.

Now there's a revolutionary new way to potentially leave your glasses behind – introducing the AcrySof® ReSTOR® intraocular lens (IOL), a breakthrough in vision surgery. AcrySof® ReSTOR® has been uniquely designed to improve vision at all distances – up close, far away and everything in-between – giving patients their best chance ever to live free of glasses.

How does the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL work?
As we perform daily activities such as reading, watching television or working at the computer, our eyes are constantly focusing on objects at varying distances – up close, far away and everything in-between. The ability to quickly change focus throughout this range of vision is called accommodation (The ability of the eye’s lens to change shape to focus on objects at various distances). Unfortunately, this ability diminishes as we grow older1, causing us to become dependent on bifocals or reading glasses.

However, the AcrySof® ReSTOR® IOL was designed to provide quality near to distance vision by combining the strengths of apodized, diffractive and refractive technologies. Similar technology has been used for years in microscopes and telescopes to improve image quality, and has now been patented for use in intraocular lenses by Alcon.

If you are suffering from Cataracts or are far-sighted this operation will suit you.

ReSTOR® lenses were registered in Europe as early as 2003 and on the American market I July 2005 (FDA approval).

We have done many studies on these lenses at our hospital and at the moment are doing a large new clinical study. Our experiences so far are very positive and most of our patients can do away with glasses, both for the farsighted and for reading.

It MAY still be preferable to use terminal glasses if you work a lot on the computer. Our experiences also show that farsightedness betters quickest followed by short-sightedness. The middle-distance-sight betters also over time.

According to articles in major international journals, 90% of people operated manage completely without glasses after the Restore operation.

ICL
We do not use laser here, instead we adjust the incorrect vision with the help of an extra lens which is placed in the eye. The operation itself is simple, almost pain free and only takes a few minutes. You see relatively well already the same day, and the sight is already stabile after a few days. Well placed behind the iris and in front of your own lens, the ICL lenses are permanent and do not need shifting. ScanHealth is one of Norway´s leading clinics with this technique. We have performed over 600 such operations since starting in 2001, and the results of our operations have been presented at several national and international conferences.

Who is suitable for treatment?
This treatment is more actual for patients with larger sight problems than those we advise to treat with the usual laser treatment. Near sighted -7.00 and upwards and far sighted from +6.00 and upwards are recommended areas for this treatment. Astigmatisms up to -6.00 can also be corrected, but this only applies for near sightedness.

Expected results
People who choose to be operated with ICL often have severe errors of sight. The aim of this operation is to reduce or preferably eliminate the daily need for glasses or contact lenses. Over 75% of the ICL patients do without their glasses or contact lenses. In addition there is a considerable improvement in the quality of sight and life. The sight remains stable after this operation.

Eye Laser Surgery
Receiving treatment for improving your vision is an investment in better health and a simpler daily life. This is an once-in-a-lifetime treatment and there is no room for compromise.

Scanhealth Has Experience
After gaining extensive experience in the surgical treatment of cataracts, in 2001 we began with laser treatment for correcting vision impairment and the implantation of ICL lenses. We have concentrated on the latest generation of modern technology: narrow-beam low-energy scanning lasers, high-frequency eye tracking (the laser follows a slightly twitching eye), and so-called customized ablation, i.e., individually adapted treatment.

We Offer Expertise
Our surgeon ensures his continuous professional development by actively participating in and contributing to international research in the treatment of refractive problems. In 2004, results from our surgical activities were presented in Barcelona, Rome, and Paris. In 2005, we will be presenting results for the first time at the American annual meeting in Washington (ASCRS 2005).

Scanhealth Hospital Assures Your Safe Treatment
We put safe treatment in the seat of honor. That is why we have the most advanced and modern equipment that meets every requirement. Our optician, as well as four of our employees, has been treated since we opened. We feel this is a statement of confidence in our treatment.
Scanhealth Is a Serious and Professional Organization

Scanhealth received government authorization as a private hospital in December 2003. After a thorough review of all aspects of our operation and organization, Scanhealth received ISO-9001 approval in the fall of 2004. Our eye care surgical team has specialized in treatment for correcting vision impairment and in the treatment of cataracts.

IVF & Fertility Department
Hausken IVF provide compassionate, complete care, and offer the latest technologies and methods in top quality facilities. Our team consists of experienced physicians and staff dedicated to providing the individualised treatment we know is necessary to help you to achieve your dream of parenthood.

Led by Director Dr. Jon Wegner Hausken, our team is uniquely qualified to treat complex infertility-related disorders. Dr. Hausken is a highly skilled gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist, and the former chief gynecologist of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at Haugesund Regional Hospital. He is the author of numerous scientific publications and has proven remarkably good results from his work.

Whether you are just starting your infertility treatment, or have already made attempts to get pregnant, we would encourage you to contact us. Age directly effects fertility, so please be advised that time is of the essence.

Our philosophy is to offer a patient-centered care. The effectiveness of any care depends on finding the best options and treatment for each particular couple. At Hausken Fertility Center we work towards developing a plan that helps you find the treatment that works best for you.

THERE IS CURRENTLY NO WAITING TIME FOR PATIENTS AT OUR CLINIC.

We can not offer you donor treatment. This is not allowed in Norway. Our age limit is 44 years.

Our treatments are only available for heterosexual couples that are in a well established relationship, i.e. married or living together as a married couple.

Fertility Treatments
We can not offer you donor treatment. This is not allowed in Norway. Our age limit is 44 years.

IVF – In Vitro Fertilization
IVF involves taking eggs from the woman´s ovaries and fertilizing them in the laboratory with the partner´s sperm. The resulting viable embryo is transferred back to the uterus 2 – 5 days later.

ICSI – Intra Cystoplasmatic Sperm Injection
Severe male factor infertility may result from one or more abnormalities of the several factors evaluated in semen specimens. Among these are: low seminal volume, low motility, low sperm counts or high percentage of abnormal spermatozoa. Other conditions, such as failed attempts of fertilization in vitro and immonulogic infertility, also warrant the utilization of ICSI.

Frozen Embryo Transfer – Cryopreservation
Patients who have good quality embryos available after an in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedure may choose to freeze, or cryopreserve the embryos. They can then be transferred into the uterus in a future natural cycle
Azoospermia

In men with azoospermia it is possible to find sperm cells for ICSI procedure in 50 – 70%. This retrieval can be done in three different ways:

   1. PESA (Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration) in which a small needle (local anaesthetic) is used to aspirate sperm from the epididymus.
   2. TESA (Testicular Sperm Aspiration) in which a small needle (local anaesthetic) is used to aspirate sperm directly from the testical.
   3. TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction (biopsy)) in which a small biopsy of testicular tissue is performed (local anaesthetic). TESE is most often used when no sperm are obtained with PESA or TESA.

In these situations, the woman goes through a typical in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle, and on the day of egg retrieval, sperm are also retrieved from the man.

Intrauterine Insemination – IUI
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a procedure in which sperm are washed, concentrated and injected directly into a woman´s uterus. As compared to a normal intercourse, IUI increases the number of sperm in the fallopian tubes, where fertilization takes place.

Polycystic Overian Syndrome – PCOS
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a complex endocrine disorder associated with a long-term lack of ovulation (anovulation) and an excess of androgens. PCOS is one of the most frequent causes of infertility.

IVF involves taking eggs from the womans ovaries and fertilizing them in the laboratory with the partners sperm. The resulting viable embryo is transferred back to the uterus 2 – 5 days later.

What is In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF)?
In vitro fertilization, often referred to as IVF, is a highly successful assisted reproductive technology. The term in vitro literally means "in glass." It refers to the process by which a womans eggs are fertilized outside her body.

The first step of IVF is that the woman starts by taking fertility hormones to encourage the development of eggs within the ovaries. We control the bodys own hormonal cycle by giving her a nose spray, which usually is administered for 14 consecutive days. Then the woman will start regular injections of a hormone called FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone), which will start the maturation of eggs in the ovary. If the ultrasound control (usually performed after 9-10 days) shows that the so-called follicles (where the eggs are situated) of the ovaries have grown sufficiently, a single dose of another hormone called hCG, is given. Once this process is complete, the woman is ready to undergo what is commonly referred to as “egg retrieval” (typically performed 36 hours after hCG administration).

Egg retrieval is a minor surgical procedure. It takes approximately one hours to perform, and requires local anesthesia. After the vaginal ultrasound is placed in the vagina and the ovarian follicles are localized, a needle is directed through the back wall of the vagina and into the ovarian follicles. From here, the eggs are easily retrieved. Once the eggs have been retrieved, they are placed in a petri dish with a special solution in our laboratory. A semen sample is collected from the male partner and delivered to the lab where it undergoes a clarifying process referred to as “washing”, which isolates the healthiest sperm. Once the sperm are washed, they are incubated and placed in the petridish with the eggs. Alternatively, when the husband is suffering from factor infertility, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is used to assist the sperm in the fertilization process.

After approximately 18 hours, the eggs are examined. If normal fertilization occurs and the eggs start developing, one (or two) of the resulting embryos will be selected and placed directly into the womans uterus.

Embryo transfer is a simple procedure that does not require anesthesia. The selected embryo is inserted into a thin tube and guided towards the womans uterus. Any additional embryos that have not been transferred into the uterus can be frozen (cryopreserved) at this point and used in a later IVF cycle if pregnancy does not occur or a subsequent pregnancy is pursued.Side effects of the hormones that are injected during the treatment are very rare, but so-called hyperstimulation may occur. This is not dangerous and will most probably disappear within a few days after you have reported it to us and we have taken the necessary precautions. We will instruct you on what symptoms you should be looking for during the stimulation period, and we will stay in close contact with you throughout the whole process.

Orthopaedic Department

Elbow
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer`s elbow or medial epicondylitis is a condition when the inner part of the elbow becomes painful and tender, usually as a result of a specific strain, overuse, or a direct bang. Sometimes no specific cause is found. Although called golfer's elbow, it is much more commonly seen in people who are over using their arm doing something else. It could equally well be called "plasterer's elbow" or "mechanic's elbow" or "painter's elbow".

The most common cause is overuse of the muscles, which are attached to the bone at this part of the elbow. That is to say, the muscles, which pull the hand forwards (the wrist flexors). All the flexor muscles of the hand attach to the elbow at the inner part (the medial epicondyle). If they are strained or over used they become inflamed, which means they are swollen, painful and tender to touch. Sometimes, especially when the cause is direct injury or strain, the muscles are actually partially torn.

Treatment
Rest helps, with avoidance of the activities, which overuse the elbow.
Physiotherapy treatments, the use of anti inflammatory drugs and ordinary pain killers (analgesics) may help. Your doctor may suggest an injection of a small dose of steroid to the affected area.

A brace from a sports shop or pharmaceutical supplier can be helpful.

Surgery
Candidates for surgery are usually those who have had symptoms for more than 6-12 months despite non-surgical therapies. Surgery involves a small incision over the elbow to trim the tendon and to release the tendon from the bone. You will get absorbable sutures.

Rehabilitation
The most important exercise at the beginning is to stretch and extend your elbow as if reaching out. Support the operated arm by putting your opposite hand under the upper arm on the operated side and fully extend and stretch your elbow. You can achieve a better result by holding a bottle of water (0,5 – 1 litre) in your hand. Hold this position for a few minutes every hour. For the best possible result it is important that you start rehabilitation as soon as possible. You need to see a physiotherapist three weeks after surgery for further exercises for movement, strengthening, stability and endurance.

General advice
Most patients return to work within 3-6 weeks, but if their job requires heavy lifting, climbing or throwing return may be delayed several weeks. Full recovery and return to pre-injury athletic activities occurs within 3 – 6 months.
Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis is a condition when the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender, usually as a result of a specific strain, overuse, or a direct bang. Sometimes no specific cause is found. Although called tennis elbow, it is much more commonly seen in people who are over using their arm doing something else. It could equally well be called “plasterer’s elbow” or “mechanic’s elbow” or “painter’s elbow”.

The most common cause is overuse of the muscles, which are attached to the bone at this part of the elbow. That is to say, the muscles, which pulls the hand backwards (the wrist extensors). All the extensor muscles of the hand attach to the elbow at the outer part (the lateral epicondyle). If they are strained or overused they become inflamed, which means they are swollen, painful and tender to touch. Sometimes, especially when the cause is direct injury or strain, the muscles are actually partially torn.

Treatment
Rest helps, with avoidance of the activities, which overuse the elbow.
Physiotherapy treatments, the use of anti inflammatory drugs and ordinary pain killers (analgesics) may help. Your doctor may suggest an injection of a small dose of steroid to the affected area.
A brace from a sports shop or pharmaceutical supplier can be helpful.

Surgery
Candidates for surgery are usually those who have had symptoms for more than 6-12 months despite non-surgical therapies.
Surgery involves a small incision over the elbow to trim the tendon and to release the tendon from the bone. You will get absorbable sutures.

Rehabilitation
The most important exercise at the beginning is to stretch and extend your elbow as if reaching out. Support the operated arm by putting your opposite hand under the upper arm on the operated side and fully extend and stretch your elbow (pic.). You can achieve a better result by holding a bottle of water (0,5 – 1 litre) in your hand. Hold this position for a few minutes every hour. For the best possible result it is important that you start rehabilitation as soon as possible. You need to see a physiotherapist three weeks after surgery for further exercises for movement, strengthening, stability and endurance.

General advice
Most patients return to work within 3-6 weeks, but if their job requires heavy
lifting, climbing or throwing return may be delayed several weeks. Full recovery and return to pre-injury athletic activities occurs within 3 – 6 months.

Hand
Carpal Tunnel
Symptoms
Pain, tingling and numbness occur on the inside of the thumb, pointing and middle fingers and part of the ring finger of the hand. In late cases there is lameness, wasting and weakness of the thumb muscles.

The symptoms are often worse at night and when the arm is rested. It helps to shake or massage the hand.

There is difficulty handling small objects and wringing out cloths because of the numbness in the fingertips

Prognosis
The syndrome may pass over on its own, if the symptoms occur during pregnancy they will return to normal in most cases after giving birth.

Treatment
Injections of corticosteroids may help in some cases.

In the majority of cases with carpal tunnel syndrome operative division of the transversal ligament to provide more room for the nerve offers a quick and simple cure.

Before Surgery
What is important for you as a patient?

It is important to wash the hands thoroughly before surgery to prevent infection occurring in the operation wound. There are lots of small wrinkles and hiding places on the hands and fingers, especially when one cannot stretch the fingers completely.

We ask you therefore to follow this regime;

The day before operation:
Soak the hands in a soft soap solution (one table spoon of soft soap in 5—10 litre of water) for 15 minutes, then wash the hands well and dry with a clean towel. You may do this before retiring for the night.

(before leaving for the hospital).
Wash the hands with Hibiscrub solution for 2 minutes.
Hibiscrub can be purchased from the chemist shop.

After Surgery
There is a soft bandage covering the wound. You must bend and stretch your fingers as soon as possible achieving full bend and full extension during the first days despite the pain.

The sutures are to be removed after 10 -14 days.

NB! It is usual to feel pain in the wound and scar after surgery. These pains may last from a few months until approximately 6 months.

Knee Problems
Disorders

Arthroscopic Surgery
ACL Reconstruction
When you twist your knee or fall on it, you can tear a stabilizing ligament that connects your thighbone to the shinbone. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) unravels like a braided rope when it’s torn and does not heal on its own. Fortunately, reconstruction surgery can help many people recover their full function after an ACL tear.

Meniscal Surgery
An arthroscopic meniscal surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon uses an arthroscope and other tools to remove all or part of a damaged meniscus in the knee or, if possible, to repair a meniscus. A meniscus is a piece of rubbery tissue (fibrocartilage) between the bones of the knee joint. An arthroscope is a tube with a light at the end that projects an image of the inside of your knee onto a TV monitor. The arthroscope is about the diameter of a pencil.

Cartilage Surgery
An articular cartilage injury, or chondral injury, may occur as a result of a pivot or twist on a bent knee, similar to the motion that can cause a meniscus tear. Damage may also be the result of a direct blow to the knee. Chondral injuries may accompany an injury to a ligament, such as the anterior cruciate ligament. Small pieces of the articular cartilage can actually break off and float around in the knee as loose bodies, causing locking, catching, and/or swelling. More often, there is no clear history of a single injury.

Shoulder
Shoulder Impingment Syndrome
Occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff and the subacromial bursa are pinched in the narrow space beneath the acromion.

This causes the tendons and bursa to become inflamed and swollen. This pinching is worse when the arm is raised away from the side of the body. Impingement may develop over time as a result of a minor injury, or as a result of repetitive motions that lead to inflammation in the bursa.

Rotator Cuff Tears
Can be the result of a traumatic injury or deterioration over time.

Continual irritation to the bursa and rotator cuff tendons can lead to deterioration and tearing of the rotator cuff tendons. The tendon of the supraspinatus muscle is the most commonly involved tendon among the rotator cuff muscles. This muscle forms the top of the cuff and lies in the narrow space beneath the acromion. It is subject to the most pinching of all the rotator cuff muscles.

SLAP Tear
A very common labral injury is a tear that occurs on the top of the labrum, extending from the front to the back of the cartilage. This is known as a SLAP tear ("SLAP" is an acronym for superior labral anterior to posterior tear). This injury affects the attachment of the biceps tendon to the glenoid. An injury in this area can be extremely painful, and can cause the biceps tendon to rupture.

Ancle & Foot
Sports Injuries
On your feet again with the right treatment

Sports injuries are difficult to avoid whilst playing high level sports and athletic training. Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for reducing the injuries.

In many cases this will demand access to orthopaedic expertise.
We have Orthopaedic Specialists at Scanhealth with long experience with sports injuries.

Sports injuries requiring surgery?
The consequenses of sports injuries are often enormous for teams and the individual athlete. Our Surgeon and Physiotherapist at Scanhealth can attend to your injuries whenever necessary. We offer surgery og injuries sustained in the shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, thigh, knee, ankle, and foot with acknowledged modern techniques.

You are guaranteed professional and effective treatment with us, distinguished by top quality and care.

Radiology Department

• MRI Scan
• CT Scan/CAT Scan
• X-ray Scan
• Bone Densitometry
• Mammography

Urology Department
Varicose VeinsEach year 10 000 – 15 000 patients in Norway have surgery for varicose veins. So-called stripping has up until now been the most commonly used technique to remove varicose veins. Now there are new methods based on thermotherapy and denaturation of damaged veins.

More women than men suffer from varicose veins. Many women get their first varicose veins during pregnancy. Standing straight up and down and walking around a lot can also cause varicose veins. Using compression stockings or socks can help prevent varicose veins, but for those who are hardest hit, this is not enough. Some families seem to be harder hit than others. A blood clot in a vein causes damage to the lining of the vein, which increases the risk of having varicose veins. Varicose veins are most common in the legs as that is where there is highest pressure.

Thermotherapy and denaturation
The advantage of thermotherapy and denaturation of the vein rather than stripping, is that the patient can go home without a long canal on thigh and calf filled with blood, needing many weeks to heal. For the surgeon it can seem easier and more affordable to pull out the vein by stripping rather than letting the sound from the generator decide how to pull the RF probe. But the postoperative patient will notice a remarkable difference. The surgery can be performed with local anesthesia combined with intravenous sedation. The probe can be inserted by using simple flebotomy.

The Celon method
The Celon method (bipolar radiofrequency induced thermotherapy) is a minimally invasive procedure for the endovenous treatment of insufficient saphenous veins, in particular, the great saphenous vein. During this procedure veins are gently heated to temperature of 60 ° to 85 °C using an ultra-thin RFITT applicator inserted into the vein. This localized and precisely delivered application of radiofrequency energy causes the vein to shrink and close. Following treatment, the vein remains in the body and is then no longer visible.

Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy is an examination of the interior of the bladder through an instrument called a cystoscope. This is done to assess the bladder tissue and examine the condition of the prostate gland.

After the cystoscopy we will usually perform a uroflowmetry.
Uroflowmetry is a simple, diagnostic screening procedure used to calculate the flow rate of urine over time. The test is noninvasive (the skin is not pierced), and may be used to assess bladder and sphincter function.

Uroflowmetry is performed by having a person urinate into a special funnel that is connected to a measuring instrument. The measuring instrument calculates the amount of urine, rate of flow in seconds, and length of time until completion of the void. This information is converted into a graph and interpreted by a physician. The information helps evaluate function of the lower urinary tract or help determine if there is an obstruction of normal urine outflow.

Information for patients having a cystoscopy
You will be anaesthetised with local anaesthetic, Xylocaine jelly 2% (ointment) in the urinary tract (urethra).

You may drive home yourself after the examination.

There is no need to fast or stop medication before the procedure.

Anticoagulant therapy: patients taking medication such as Marevan (Warfarin) and Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)
must contact their doctor for affirmation regarding stopping this 3-4 days before examination.

Vasectomy
is a simple and straightforward operation that stops sperm entering semen.
It is a permanent form of contraception, but it shouldn’t interfere with your sex life because you will still have erections and produce semen.

It is a routine operation these days, with about 18 per cent of British males of reproductive age having had a vasectomy.

Provided you have thought it over carefully, any man can choose to be sterilised by having a vasectomy

Routines/Information after Sterilisation

The surgery involves the removal of 2 1/2 -3 cm from the spermatic chords on both the right and left sides.
The operation is performed under local anaesthetic.

The wound is stitched with dissolving suture which do not need removing.

The compression dressing used can be removed after 24 hours. The inner bandage can be removed after a few days.

The sperm remain alive and viable for yet a few weeks. Therefore the sperm sample is delivered to your own Doctor after about 6-8 weeks after operation. You are not sterile as long as the sperm lives and in the meantime contraception will be necessary.

To prevent bleeding after surgery it is necessary to take it easy for the rest of the day. No heavy lifts the first 24 hours.

It is usually not necessary for control at the urological outpatients dept. an eventual check up is done by your own Doctor.

Anticoagulant therapy: patients taking medication such as Marevan and Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) must contact their GP for affirmation regarding stopping these 2 days before the operation.

TURP
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TUR-P)

is the term given to the operation performed on an enlarged prostate gland. The prostate is the name of the gland surrounding the male urethra at its junction with the bladder outlet (bladder neck) which often becomes enlarged after middle age and may require removal if it causes obstruction to the flow of urine. One notices that urinary flow is feeble and interrupted and if this continues long enough may eventually stop completely.

Surgery is often necessary to enlarge the bladder outlet. The inner prostate gland is removed by operating through the urethra (urinary tract). The surgical method is decided in each individual case after thorough prostate examination. The wound at the bladder neck (inside) is the same which ever surgical method is chosen.

When the surgery is completed a catheter is inserted through the urinary tract (urethra) to the bladder, through which we flush out and rinse the bladder. When this fluid is clear enough the catheter is removed. When the catheter is removed it is your own urine that rinses the sore at the bladder outlet, therefore it is important to drink plenty (at least 2 litres a day) to produce enough urine. At the same time helping retrain the bladder to retain urine, also very important. You can exercise and retrain the sphincter by tightening and releasing the muscles many times a day. By tightening the sphincter, you hinder at the same time the reflex to empty the bladder. This training may be somewhat difficult immediately after surgery. You will have pain in the wound and are in suspense about how things will go, however it is very important that you are active and make an effort yourself.

The surgeon can remove the obstruction at the neck of the bladder but it is you, yourself who must take over control of bladder function – emptying your bladder. When you manage to hold urine for 3-4 hours during the day you will have a chance to sleep peacefully at night.

The sperm ducts empty out at the bladder neck. The bladder outlet is widened such after surgery that sperm empties into the bladder on ejaculation and little or nothing comes through the urinary tract(penis). This has no effect on potency.

The wound left after surgery at the neck of the bladder usually needs between six and eight weeks to heal, often longer. Bleeding may occur at this time and loose slants of tissue may loosen from the bladder outlet. This is noticed by the red colour and particles seen in the urine and maybe misinterpreted as a urinary tract infection if a urine test is carried out before at least two months after surgery. For better rinsing of the bladder it is important to drink plenty of fluids so as to produce abundant urine.

It is important to avoid increased pressure in the tissue surrounding the bladder during the weeks needed for the wound at the bladder neck to heal because this may easily cause bleeding from the sore.
You are therefore, not to do any heavy lifting, not to press whilst moving bowels or passing urine, and to avoid hard coughing.

You are discharged home the day after surgery. You are not permitted to drive a car home.
When you notice blood and tissue particles in the urine after surgery remember that the open sore at the bladder outlet need about one and a half to two months (6-8 weeks) to heal.
You can expect to take antibiotics for 3-4 weeks after surgery.

The length of sick leave depends among other things on what type of work you have.

Phimosis
Phimosis is a condition where the male foreskin cannot be fully retracted from the head of the penis. It is normal for a baby’s foreskin not to retract, but as the child grows the foreskin is expected to become retractable.

Different management is appropriate. In other words, there are different degrees of phimosis, and treatment may vary on the degree of phimosis.

Phimosis in infancy is nearly always physiological, and needs to be treated only if it is causing obvious problems such as urinary discomfort or obstruction.

If phimosis in older children or adults is not causing acute and severe problems, nonsurgical measures may be effective.

Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves partial or complete removal of the foreskin (prepuce) of the penis.
Information after circumcision surgery

The operation is performed under local anaesthetic.

You must fast (not eat) from midnight before surgery, however you may drink water, cordial or juice (not milk) until 06.30am.

The wound is stitched with dissolving sutures which do not need removing.
The dressing over the wound can be removed after 24 hours.
Intercourse can be resumed when the wound has healed after about 2-3 weeks.

To prevent bleeding after surgery it is necessary to take it easy for the rest of the day. No heavy lifts the first 24 hours.

It is usually not necessary for control at the urological outpatients dept. an eventual check up is done by your own Doctor.

The length of sick leave depends among other things on what type of work you have.

Anticoagulant therapy: patients taking medication such as Marevan and Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) must contact their GP for affirmation regarding stopping these 2 days before examination.

Fertility Center Staff
We have 9 staff members:
Jon Hausken, Medical Director
Dr. Hausken is the founder and Medical Director of Hausken Fertility Center.

He has been a licensed specialist in women’s disease and obstetrics since 1995, and has been positioned as a chief physician at the maternity hospital of Haugesund Regional Hospital until the opening of Hausken Fertility Center.

Dr. Hausken is the author of numerous scientific publications and can prove remarkably good results from his work.

Elise Odland Amundsen, Nurse
Elise is a licensed nurse since 1988, and has four years of experience from intensive care. She has gained experience in assisted reproductive medicine during 8 years as a nurse at the Fertility Center of Haugesund Regional Hospital.

Anna Vorobieva, Embryologist
Anna is a trained embryologist since 2002 and bioengineer graduate since 1997.
She has been working in the field of assisted reproduction since 2002.

Jorunn Sørvåg, General Manager
Jorunn is the General Manager of Hausken Fertility Center, and is a licensed physiotherapist since 1985. She is a joint owner of Haugesund Medical Center, and an experienced business manager.

Jorunn Severeide, Nurse
I am a state authorised nurse since 1984. Specialised in intensive care nursing from 1987. Was employed at the intensive care unit from 1984.

Shabana Sayed, Embryologist
Shabana is an embryologist trained in clinical Embryology from Monash University, Australia 2005. She also holds a Masters degree in Biotechnology 1997.

She has been working in the field of assisted Reproduction since 2003.

Arne Schwennicke, Doctor
Dr. Schwennicke has been a licensed specialist in women`s disease and obstetrics since 2006 and has worked at the maternity hospital of Haugesund Regional Hospital from 2000 until 2008. He was working at the fertility center of this hospital since 2003 and was the
medical director there the last year before starting at Hausken fertility center.

Camilla Røkenes, Secretary
10 years work related experience in the field of administration and client relations.
Worked 7 years for the public sector in England.

Gunnvor Storesund, Doctor
Government approved doctor since 1991. Government approved in womens health and midwifery in 2003. Worked as senior doctor at Haugesund Hospital Womens Clinic between 2003 and 2009.

Staff Orthopedic
Mr. Hans Jacob Rossebø MD is the head surgeon of the orthopaedic department at ScanHealth Scandinavia. He was trained at the County Hospital i Haugesund, Ullevål University Hospital and Buskerud Hospital Trust. He worked many years as the head surgeon at the County Hospital in Haugesund’s daycare unit. Our orthopaedic surgeon is specialist in prosthetic surgery and in endoscopic surgery (”keyhole surgery”) and performs more than 1500 operations a year. Mr Rossebø is very experienced and are also registered by the General Medical Council in UK.

Dr. Hausken is the author of numerous scientific publications and can prove remarkably good results from his work.

Dr. Gunnar Sjøen MD
Dr. Gunnar Sjøen MD is specialist in anesthesiology since 1998. He was trained at Haugesund Hospital and Haukeland University Hospital.

Dr. Gunnar Sjøen has special competence in anesthesiology for day surgery procedures. He has for years been head physisian for anesthesiology at the daycare unit at the County Hospital in Haugesund. He has also been a senior Lecturer at the Universiy of Bergen.

Dr. Bjørn Hågenvik MD
Dr. Bjørn Hågenvik MD is specialist in anesthesiology since 1998. He was trained at Haugesund Hospital and Haukeland University Hospital.
Dr. Bjørn Hågenvik has special competence in anesthesiology for day surgery procedures. He has for years been head physisian for emergency medicine at the anesthesiology department at the County Hospital in Haugesund.

Ernst Grutle is a certified registered nurse anesthetists. He was trained at the County Hospital in Haugesund. He has extensive experience and has also worked as a medic in oil related industry.

Anne Vedø
Anne Vedø is a certified registered operating room nurse. She was trained at the East Agder Hospital trust. She has extensive experience as a operating room nurse in orthopedics.

Cathrine Herløe is our physiotherapist.
Birgit Pedersen is a registered nurse. She is responsible for our in-patients and post operative care unit..
Nina Bentsen is a registered nurse. She is responsible for our in-patients and post operative care unit.
Lene Stavland is a registered nurse. She is responsible for our in-patients and post operative care unit.

Staff of Urology Department

Mr Tønnes Østrem MD is Head Surgeon responsible for the Urology Department. He has his general surgery and urology education from The Central Hospital in Hjörring, Denmark, Haugesund Hospital, The Central Hospital in Stavanger and The National Hospital in Norway.

Mr Østrem was registered as a specialist in general surgery in 1973 and a sub-specialist in urology in 1981. He has a long career in urology and is probably the surgeon with the most experience in prostate surgery in Norway.

"The only way to keep your head above water in business is to work out how much you earn" Henry Helmsley

"The only way to keep your water running free in Rogaland, is to know how many prostate glands you have to operate." Tønnes Østrem.

Please Click here to request more information.

Health tourism: Have your eyes done, then see the fjords
‘Just a note to say thank you so so much for the wonderful treatment I received at Scanhealth. I was diagnosed with a cataract seven weeks ago and was told I would have to wait at least 12 months on the NHS even to be seen, with a further 4 to 5 month wait before I would have an operation.This was not an option as I am a 52 year old single mother with a full time job and I was virtually blind in my right eye.

I booked an appointment with a private consultant which cost me £110. He told me that I actually had cataracts in both eyes and that the type of cataracts I had would become worse very quickly so it was imperative that I was treated quickly. I was very upset but he made me feel that the only important thing was my money. When I went back to my GP she was not happy that my only option seemed to be to pay £4,000 or wait another 5 months and tried to persuade the consultant to prioritise me on the NHS. He refused to do so.

I had already looked at going abroad and the day after I had seen the consultant in Cardiff, I spoke to Dr Gundersen at Scanhealth. He was so wonderfully kind on the phone and explained so many things to me. He made me feel completely safe and I knew then that this was the man I wanted to look after my eyes.

Within a few weeks I was on my way to Norway. The flight is only 90 minutes from the UK, the hotel is only 20 minutes from Haugesund airport and the clinic is a 5 minute walk from the hotel.

I had the most amazing time there. Not only was it cheaper than the UK but every member of staff I dealt with was so so kind. Dr Gundersen was wonderful, I felt 150% safe in his hands. I will never forget the staff at Scanhealth and would like to thank everyone for all their kindness and help. Dr Gundersen gave me back my sight and will always be my hero.

If I ever have to have private treatment again I would definitely go back to Scanhealth and would recommend it to anyone.
Cardiff, 09.30.2008
Terryl Davies

"I can’t believe my luck"Cataracts left Paul Cooper nearly blind on one eye. He was about to lose months of income, when he stumbled across ScanHealth. Days later he was back in business.

Text: Tina Helen Aasen, London– No pains or problems, just an incredibly fast and friendly service.

This is how self employed Paul Cooper (43) sums up his experience with Norwegian ScanHealth.
The carpenter from Reading in South England found himself in a crisis when he suddenly got cataracts in his right eye. Within less than two weeks, Paul had lost 80 percent of the sight on the eye, and he had to stop working.

- I have a young family who’s dependent on my income. My sight was cloudy; I found it hard to drive and to perform specialised tasks at work. It was very difficult, says Paul.

He needed an operation fast, but the British NHS couldn’t offer him any help before 1-3 months at the earliest. He checked out private surgeries, but the waiting list was still around six weeks – and the treatment was very costly. Paul feared he’d lose months of income, until he stumbled across ScanHealths website on the Internet.

- I called on a Thursday and had my operation the following Tuesday. I couldn’t believe it, I’m still shocked at how quick and easy I could get the operation abroad, says the father of three.

Paul admits he was apprehensive before the trip, but his worries soon faded.
– The whole experience was really perfect – I can’t fault it at all. The doctor explained everything clearly and I learned so much about my eyes, says Paul.

The operation itself took only ten minutes, and was done under local eye drop anaesthetic. An hour later his sight had gone up from 20 to 60 percent, and soon after it was back to normal. He was fit to drive and able to have a look around the local town centre.

- I was a little bit worried about the cabin pressure on the flight back, but the operation made no difference at all. The flight to Haugesund is only 90 minutes, and I was back in the UK two days after my surgery, says Paul.

He could have started work straight away, but took the Friday off and was back in business the following Monday. Surprisingly the eye-operation was less costly with ScanHealth than with private clinics in the UK, even including flights and hotel accommodation. This is despite Norway being one of the world’s most expensive countries, with a very high standard of living. The ScanHealth hospital performs surgeries two days a week, with 18 operations each day. The general rule is three patients per hour. Both eyes can be operated on at the same time, though it is recommended to wait a couple of weeks between the operations.

- The people in Haugesund were very friendly and helpful. It’s a shame I didn’t have more time to look around the coastal area, concludes the happy brit.
Now when he’s got his sight back on both eyes, he is considering a weekend trip to explore the wild nature of the breezy Norwegian West Coast.
- It would be lovely to go back. I may even be forced to, as there is a chance I could get cataracts in my left eye as well. At least now I’ll know exactly where to turn, says Paul.

London, England 10/07/08

Sincere thanks...

Hi, I would like to take this opportunity to give sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the staff at Scanhealth who I found exceptional.

From the minute I decided to proceed with an MRI scan and subsequent ACL reconstruction, everything was so professional and so simple. The flight was short, transfer to the hotel was quick and easy, and the hospital itself even closer.

The whole experience completely exceeded my expectations. I found the surgeon, his staff and all of the people that helped me along the way to be in a totally different league.

This is definitely the best decision I’ve ever made and I would encourage anybody considering Scanhealth to look no further and put an end to your injury and NHS nightmare. I would be more than happy to speak to anybody who is considering treatment and answer any questions or concerns.

Kind Regards,

Daryl Carr, Norfolk, England 20/09/07

"A first class clinic with first class results for us"

My husband and I contacted Scanhealth Scandinavia in December 2006 after seeing their site on the internet. We had been trying to conceived for over 3 years and had been told that the waiting list for private treatment within the UK was 2 ½ years minimum. We emailed the clinic our details and received a phonecall the following day and spoke to Jon. We were given all the information we needed and booked an appointment for later that month and flew out to Norway. We were overwhelmed by the sensitivity and support we received in our first appointment and were made to feel very at ease at the clinic. Jon was very honest with us from the start about our infertility problems and helped us plan the next step to achieving our dreams. We returned to the clinic in early February 2007 and underwent IVF ICSI treatment. I was very nervous about the whole procedure and Jon and Elise could not have put me more at ease throughout each step of the way. The rapport we built made all the difference in making us both feel relaxed and positive about our treatment. I am now 4 months pregnant with twins and cannot thank the IVF & Fertility Center at Scanhealth and its staff enough for their help and support and professionalism in making our dream come true. I would wholeheartedly recommend the clinic to anyone considering IVF treatment. The clinic itself provides a clean and modern yet comfortable and inviting atmosphere and the staff are second to none. A first class clinic with first class results for us.

Kind regards.
23/05/07

Dear all at Scanhealth,
At last a rather overdue note to thank you all for the superb treatment I had at your hospital in Norway when I came in January for a total knee replacement.

From the moment I walked into the hospital with its shining wooden floors and welcoming reception area, and met with Mr Rossebo, I knew that I was in good hands. I had gone privately to see a consultant in the UK but he had not examined my knee joint with anything like the same thoroughness as Mr Rossebo.

The surgery itself was painless. I had been very nervous at the prospect of spinal anaesthesia but the sedation made me very sleepy and I was largely unaware of what was going on. Everyone seemed so professional and the place was so spotless that it was a relief to have no worries regarding possible infection.

Following my operation, I cannot speak highly enough of the care I received from the nursing staff. They were so kind and cheerful and went out of their way to see that I was as comfortable as possible and wanted for nothing. Nigel and I returned home impressed by how friendly and hospitable the Norwegian people are.

The food was superb. Sadly, my lack of appetite post-surgery meant that I was unable to fully appreciate it, but Nigel certainly did! I was also very impressed by the physiotherapy facilities, and although the sessions were often very uncomfortable, Cathrine, the physioterroist’s, cheerful and enthusiastic nature was the inspiration I needed to succeed in bending my knee joint further, and further, to the required 90 degrees.

The whole experience was great, and although it is a longish road to full recovery, I am now free of the agonising pain which was keeping me awake most nights before my knee surgery. If I had the choice to make again, of going abroad for orthopaedic surgery, I would choose Scanhealth. You are a wonderful team of people and I wish you all the very best for the future!

Fiona Dods, 12/3/07
Keyworth, Nottinghamshire.

Daryl Carr, Norfolk, England
I would like to take this opportunity to give sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the staff at Scanhealth who I found exceptional. From the minute I decided to proceed with an MRI scan and subsequent ACL reconstruction, everything was so professional and so simple. The flight was short, transfer to the hotel was quick and easy, and the hospital itself even closer.

The whole experience completely exceeded my expectations. I found the surgeon, his staff and all of the people that helped me along the way to be in a totally different league. This is definitely the best decision I've ever made and I would encourage anybody considering Scanhealth to look no further and put an end to your injury and NHS nightmare. I would be more than happy to speak to anybody who is considering treatment and answer any questions or concerns.

Bodil Tretterud, Skjold
I don’t need eye glasses or contact lenses after the eye surgery at Scanhealth Scandinavia. I am very confident. The surgery lasted only few minutes, without pain and discomfort.

Karl Ludvig Kristoffersen, Krehamn
I was100% depended on eye glasses and contact lenses and was total helpless without them. My life has changed after having surgery at Scanhealth Scandinavia. My vision is a lot better, clearer and I don’t need glasses anymore.

Fertility Treatment
My husband and I contacted Scanhealth Scandinavia in December 2006 after seeing their site on the internet. We had been trying to conceive for over 3 years and had been told that the waiting list for private treatment within the UK was 2 years minimum. We emailed the clinic our details and received a phone call the following day and spoke to Jon. We were given all the information we needed and booked an appointment for later that month and flew out to Norway. We were overwhelmed by the sensitivity and support we received in our first appointment. I am now 4 months pregnant with twins and cannot thank the IVF & Fertility Center at Scanhealth and its staff enough for their help and support and professionalism in making our dream come true. I would wholeheartedly recommend the clinic to anyone considering IVF treatment.

Fiona Dods – Total Knee Replacement Surgery
… From the moment I walked into the hospital with its shining wooden floors and welcoming reception area, and met with Mr Rossebo, I knew that I was in good hands. The surgery itself was painless. I had been very nervous at the prospect of spinal anesthesia but the sedation made me very sleepy and I was largely unaware of what was going on. Everyone seemed so professional and the place was so spotless that it was a relief to have no worries regarding possible infection.

Following my operation, I cannot speak highly enough of the care I received from the nursing staff. They were so kind and cheerful and went out of their way to see that I was as comfortable as possible and wanted for nothing. Nigel and I returned home impressed by how friendly and hospitable the Norwegian people are. The whole experience was great, and although it is a longish road to full recovery, I am now free of the agonising pain which was keeping me awake most nights before my knee surgery.

T.M. Birch, N. Wales U.K.
I first became aware of the existence of Scanhealth when searching the Internet for the possibility of having private surgery outside the UK. All the medical tests and treatment were carried out promptly and efficiently in modern, well equipped conditions, and the nursing staff were extremely kind and considerate. I could not have asked for better treatment and felt confident that I was in good hands. I would not hesitate to recommend Scanhealth to anyone considering having private surgery abroad.

Tony Legge, Company MD – MRI
I called Scanhealth on Thursday, flew to Haugesund on Sunday, had my MRI and X-ray on the Monday. I also had a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon on the Monday and could have had an operation the same day, but luckily for me I didn’t need one. There were no problems with the language, or indeed any other problems I highly recommend Scanhealth!

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Norway
We offer the latest technology, low costs and no waiting lists.

Welcome to Scanhealth Scandinavia, and welcome to our private hospital in Haugesund. Have your medical treatment done, then explore our beautiful destination; Haugalandet.

ABOUT HAUGESUND & HAUGALANDET
Destination Haugalandet, which includes the coastal town of Haugesund, stretches from the island of Utsira in the west to Etne and Sauda in the east and from Karmøy in the south to Sveio in the north. Haugalandet can offer a broad spectrum of natural beauty ranging from shimmering coastline and wild heather moors to snow capped mountains with cascading waterfalls melting into the fjords. Haugalandet is also a buoyant centre for cultural events as well as outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, bathing, golf, Viking trails, active and extreme sports, café life, shopping and much more.

NORWAY’S BIRTHPLACE
For more than 3000 years chieftains at Avaldsnes, on the strait between Karmøy and Haugesund known as Nordvegen, levied tolls on passing ships. It is these chieftains or kings, from the time before written records began, who have endowed us with a history told through monumental burial sites, carved stones and other treasures discovered on the seabed as much as on land. It was here, following the battle of Hafrsfjord in 870 AD, that Harald the Fairhaired established Norway’s first throne and the strait of Nordvegen gave its name to Norway.

FOLLOWING NORDVEGEN
While archaeologists on the one hand continue to dig deeper and deeper for traces left by our forebears, technological development and advances on the other hand are taking place at a phenomenal rate just a stone’s throw away. Here, the foundations are being laid for a future that is harmonious with both history and nature. The Norwegian oil industry has strong roots in Haugalandet with the gas pipeline from the North Sea to Kårstø following the route of the Vikings and others before and after them, Nordvegen.

THE PEOPLE OF HAUGALANDET TODAY
Even yet, the earth and seabed around of the seat of the ancient kings at Avaldsnes, Rogaland’s millennium focal point, reveals long hidden secrets about both Norwegian and international history. Not least, are revelations about who, we, the people of Haugalandet are. Are we just a pleasant stock of people or do we have more royal linage than most? Whatever the case, the course of the last 1000 years has given us a friendly frame of mind, and open and proud of our history are we also. Modern day Haugalanders are just as interested in the region’s cultural heritage as they are in continuity for the cultural expressions of the present.

THERE IS FREEDOM IN THE OPEN LANDSCAPE
Gentle evergreen forests and inviting lakes are secrets we are glad to impart, but the open landscape is our trademark. Sporadic windblown pine trees and proud standing birches together with a vista of unending stone walls. Picturesque pastures. Rugged peaks. Open sea. It is advisable to let others know if you are planning to wander off the beaten path or take to the mountains and forests but you don’t need to ask. Around Haugalandet, you can hike where you please because access to the wilderness is unrestricted and fishing in the fjords is free. Above all, we want to ensure that you have the right to experience our fantastic landscape and nature.

Yours sincerely

Tore Gautesen
Regional travel director