Many common general surgical problems can be treated using minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery, either laparoscopic or, in selected cases, robotic-assisted surgery (e.g., Da Vinci Xi). These techniques use small incisions to allow the surgeon to operate with a camera and specialised instruments, aiming for less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery (where appropriate).
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The gallbladder is a small organ beneath the liver that stores bile and releases it into the intestine to help digest fats. Gallbladder disease refers to conditions that affect this organ, most commonly gallstones and gallbladder polyps. Many people have no symptoms, but once symptoms develop they often recur and may lead to complications if not treated.
Where appropriate, care is delivered using standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy, intra-operative cholangiogram (IOC), and laparoscopic transcystic bile duct exploration (LC-TCBDE) to treat bile duct stones during the same operation and reduce the need for separate procedures such as ERCP.
Endoscopy is a “camera test” used to diagnose and often treat conditions affecting the digestive system. It is performed using a thin flexible telescope with a camera, typically under sedation or anaesthetic, and does not involve surgical cuts.
The two most common procedures are:
Why it matters: in common situations such as reflux , iron deficiency anaemia, unexplained weight loss, or a positive bowel screening test—endoscopy can identify the cause early and, in many cases, manage it during the same procedure.
A hernia happens when tissue (often fat or bowel) pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall or groin. Some hernias can presented as a lump and cause some discomfort, while others can become an emergency if the contents become trapped (incarcerated/non reducible) or lose blood supply (strangulated).
In our practice, we prioritise minimally invasive hernia repair (keyhole laparoscopic and robotic) when it’s safe and suitable, especially for groin hernias (inguinal/femoral) and many ventral/incisional hernias, because it can offer smaller incisions, less wound infection, and faster return to activity for the right patient.
Acute general surgery commonly involves emergency presentations of acute abdominal pain and urgent anorectal sepsis. Early triage focuses on identifying red flags for an “acute abdomen” (e.g., appendicitis, cholecystitis, obstruction/incarcerated hernia, perforation/peritonitis), supported by targeted bloods and symptom-directed imaging (often CT; ultrasound for biliary pathways). Small bowel obstruction is frequently commenced with structured conservative management and close observation, with escalation where there is concern for strangulation/ischaemia or failure to improve. Perianal and pilonidal abscesses typically require timely drainage, with recurrence/fistula risk considered in follow-up planning.
Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist inside a narrow tunnel (the “carpal tunnel”). This can cause numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness, especially in the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger.
Most patients describe:
A dorsal wrist ganglion is a benign fluid-filled cyst that typically arises from the wrist joint capsule or tendon sheath. It often appears as a lump on the back (dorsum) of the wrist/hand.
Patients may notice:
A subcutaneous lesion is a lump that sits just beneath the skin. Common causes include lipomas (benign fatty lumps) and cysts (often called “sebaceous” cysts, usually epidermoid cysts). Most are non-cancerous, but any new or changing lump should be assessed to confirm the most likely diagnosis and the safest management plan.
