Dr Leonard Du Preez – Anaesthesiologist – Panorama

Dr Leonard Du Preez – Anaesthesiologist – Panorama

Dr Leonard Du Preez – Anaesthesiologist – Panorama delivers specialized anaesthesia and critical care at Mediclinic Panorama as part of Panorama Cardiothoracic Surgeons. He earned his MBChB from the University of Stellenbosch in 1998. Subsequently, he completed his DA (Diploma in Anaesthesiology) and FCS (SA) in 2003. Moreover, he achieved FCA (SA) and a MMed in Thoracic Surgery in 2008, followed by a MMed in Anaesthesiology & Critical Care in 2012. During his tenure at Tygerberg Hospital (2012–2017), he led the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit and initiated a Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) program. Consequently, he brings over two decades of combined surgical and critical care expertise to each case. Since joining Panorama Cardiothoracic Surgeons in 2017, he collaborates closely with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and intensivists. Overall, his evidence-based practice and compassionate care ensure every patient receives personalized attention throughout their perioperative journey.

Services

Dr Du Preez provides a comprehensive array of anaesthesia and critical care services tailored to cardiothoracic and general surgical patients. Each service integrates advanced monitoring technologies and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure optimal safety and comfort:

• Cardiothoracic anaesthesia: Manages anaesthesia for coronary revascularization, heart valve procedures, and aortic surgery, using hemodynamic monitoring and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) for real-time guidance.

• Thoracic anaesthesia: Supports lung resections and Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), ensuring lung isolation with double-lumen endotracheal tubes and one-lung ventilation techniques.

• Complex airway management: Utilizes fiberoptic bronchoscopic guidance and video laryngoscopy for patients with challenging airway anatomy.

• Cardiopulmonary bypass management: Collaborates with perfusionists to maintain optimal oxygenation, anticoagulation, and temperature control during open-heart procedures.

• Postoperative critical care: Leads the Cardiothoracic ICU (CTICU), managing ventilatory support, hemodynamic stabilization, and pain control after major surgery.

• Regional anaesthesia techniques: Offers thoracic epidurals and paravertebral blocks for enhanced postoperative analgesia and reduced opioid requirements.

• Perioperative pain management: Implements multimodal analgesia protocols and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) to optimize comfort and accelerate recovery.

• Preoperative assessment and optimization: Evaluates risks, manages comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), and coordinates with surgical teams to ensure readiness.

• General critical care: Provides ventilator weaning, sepsis protocols, and organ support in the CTICU setting.

Furthermore, Dr Du Preez prioritizes clear communication and patient education. His team provides digital resources and follow-up reminders to support each individual’s recovery. Schedule a consultation today to discuss your perioperative plan and experience personalized, evidence-based care.

Additional Information

Dr Du Preez practices within a state-of-the-art cardiothoracic unit at Mediclinic Panorama, featuring integrated hybrid operating theatres, advanced hemodynamic monitoring systems, and on-site critical care transport capabilities. Consequently, patients benefit from seamless transitions between the operating theatre and the Cardiothoracic ICU. Moreover, he collaborates with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, nursing staff, and perfusionists to deliver coordinated care from induction to discharge.

Since 2017, he has actively contributed to clinical teaching, VATS program development, and quality improvement initiatives. He participates in morbidity and mortality meetings to refine patient safety protocols and reduce postoperative complications. Furthermore, he engages in multidisciplinary forums to stay current with emerging techniques and guidelines.

Dr Du Preez holds membership in professional bodies such as the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) and the Critical Care Society of Southern Africa (CCSSA). Therefore, he integrates evidence-based advances and innovative technologies into his perioperative protocols. Each patient engagement includes thorough preoperative counseling and shared decision-making, reinforcing his commitment to personalized, compassionate care. Schedule a consultation today to experience expert anaesthesia and critical care services in a cutting-edge, supportive environment.