Achalasia and other Motility Disorders of the Oesophagus What is it? These conditions are reasonably uncommon. It is best to start with how the oesophagus works. Most of the oesophagus is controlled by involuntary means. That is, we can’t change the function of it. The way food is propelled into the oesophagus is through a…

Anti-Reflux Surgery What is it? Reflux disease is a common problem in our society. This can be mild with occasional heartburn after meals or more of a problem with daily symptoms of food coming into the oesophagus with meals, at night or at any time. This type of reflux may respond to medications such as…

Barretts Oesophagus What is it? This is a condition that is very important to know if you have it. It involves a change in the lower oesophagus from a normal lining to a lining that has been damaged by chronic reflux. Barretts is also known as intestinal metaplasia. Barretts is present in approximately 20 –…

Carpal Tunnel What is it? The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist that opens into the hand. It is surrounded by the bones of the wrist (underneath) and the transverse carpal ligament (over the top). The median nerve runs through the carpal tunnel and gives sensation to the thumb, forefinger, middle finger…

Colorectal Surgery What is it? The digestive system or bowel is made up of a long intestinal tube that extends from the mouth at one end to the rectum at the other. The colon is located in the lower area of your digestive system. Cells within this area are constantly being replaced to rid the…

Diagnostic Laparoscopy What is it? Diagnostic laparoscopy is a procedure that allows your surgeon to look directly at the contents of your abdomen or pelvis, including the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, small bowel, large bowel, appendix, liver and gallbladder. This examination helps identify the cause of your pain in this region. How is it done?…

Gallbladder Removal What is it? The gallbladder is a small, non-vital organ which aids in the digestive process and concentrates bile produced in the liver. When foods containing fats arrive in the small intestine, the gallbladder releases the stored bile into the duodenum. Here, the bile helps to break down fats and also neutralise acids…

Head and Neck Surgery What is it? A lump in the neck may arise due to various causes. Not all lumps have to be removed surgically. However, a complete assessment of a lump by a surgeon is important. The most common causes of a lump include: A congenital or developmental abnormality Infection by bacteria, viruses…

Hernia – Inguinal, Incisional, Femoral & Umbilical What is a hernia? An inguinal or femoral hernia is a weakness or defect on the abdominal wall in the groin area. Internal organs may push through the weakness or defect causing discomfort, pain and a noticeable bulge. The anatomy of a hernia can be compared to a…

Hiatus Hernia What is it? Hiatus Hernia is a common condition that involves the part of the stomach in the chest rather than that in the abdomen. There are usually few symptoms but you may experience heartburn, or in more severe cases, pain and vomiting.  How is it treated? Paraoesophageal hernias are a rare type…

Lesions What is it? A skin lesion is an abnormal growth or patch of the skin that does not resemble the area surrounding it.  How is it treated? Some skin lesions are surgically removed to rule out or remove skin cancers. Lesions may also be removed for cosmetic purposes or to remove an inflamed cyst…

Oesophagus Cancer Surgery What is oesophagus/oesophageal cancer? The oesophagus is the medical name for the gullet. It is part of the digestive system. The oesophagus is a long tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. The top part of the oesophagus lies behind the windpipe (trachea). The bottom part runs through the…

Stomach Cancer Surgery What is stomach cancer? Cancer is a condition that can affect any organ. It is the result of cells multiplying abnormally. This results in growths or tumours. When we talk about cancer we talk about primary and secondary cancers. The primary cancer is where the cancer originates. Therefore in Stomach cancer the…

Vasectomy A vasectomy is considered a permanent method of birth control. A vasectomy prevents the release of sperm when a man ejaculates. During a vasectomy, the vas deferens from each testicle is cut and tied. This prevents sperm from mixing with the semen that is ejaculated from the penis. An egg cannot be fertilized when…