Colonoscopy

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A colonoscopy is a procedure whereby we are able to examine the inner lining of the large intestine, through the use of a thin, flexible tube known as a colonoscope. A colonoscopy helps us detect ulcers, colon polyps, tumours and areas of inflammation or bleeding. We can also collect tissue samples and remove abnormal growths during a colonoscopy. Colonoscopy can also be used as a screening test to check for cancer or precancerous growths called polyps in the colon or rectum.

A small video camera is attached to the colonoscope so that we can take pictures or videos of the large intestine. The colonoscope can be used to look at the entire colon and the lower part of the small intestine.

Preparation for a colonoscopy takes between one and two days depending on the type of colonoscopy that has been recommended for your specific needs. Many patients find that the preparation for the colonoscopy is worse than the colonoscopy itself, as the bowel prep and clear liquid diet may be slightly uncomfortable. Schedule two days to stay at home during preparation, as you will be required to use the bathroom very often. The colon preparation causes loose, frequent stools and diarrhoea in order to empty the colon prior to the test.

Colonoscopy is one of many tests that may be used to screen for colon cancer. Other tests include sigmoidoscopy, stool tests, and computed tomographic colonography. Which screening test you choose depends on your risk, your preference, and your doctor. Talk to us about the best test for you.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy – or gallbladder removal – is one of the most common minimally invasive surgical procedures. Although the main purpose of the gallbladder is to aid in digestion, the removal of the gallbladder is not associated with any impairment of digestion in most people. 

Gallbladder problems are usually caused by the presence of small, hard gallstones. Gallstones affect more women than men, and is more common as you get older. These stones may block the flow of bile out of the gallbladder, causing it to swell and resulting in sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, indigestion and, occasionally, fever. If the gallstone blocks the common bile duct, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin) can occur.

Gallstones do not go away on their own. Some can be temporarily managed by making dietary adjustments, such as reducing fat intake. This treatment has a low, short-term success rate. Symptoms will eventually continue unless the gallbladder is removed. Treatments to break up or dissolve gallstones are largely unsuccessful. Therefore, the surgical removal of the gallbladder is recommended.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has many advantages, including:

• Patients usually have minimal post-operative pain.
• Patients usually experience faster recovery than open gallbladder surgery patients.
• Rather than a five to seven inch incision, the operation requires only four small openings in the abdomen.
• Most patients go home the same day of the surgery and enjoy a quicker return to normal activities.

Although there are many advantages to laparoscopic gallbladder removal, the procedure may not be appropriate for some patients who have severe complicated gallbladder disease or previous upper abdominal surgery. A thorough medical evaluation by your personal physician, in consultation with a surgeon trained in laparoscopy, can determine if laparoscopic gallbladder removal is an appropriate procedure for you.

Hernia Operations – Open & Laparoscopic

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Hernias can affect anyone at any age or physical condition. It can be present at birth or develop as a result of aging or injury. There are many types of hernias that can occur in different parts of the body. An incarcerated hernia is the most life threatening of all hernias, as it obstructs movement through the digestive tract, causing severe pain, nausea and vomiting. It can also cause a strangulation of an internal organ by cutting off the blood supply, leading to potential death if emergency surgery is not sought after.

A hernia does not get better by itself, nor does it go away without surgery. Hernia repair surgeries are required, and it involves the implantation of a mesh in the weakened area on the abdominal wall. This helps to strengthen the tissue and protect against future protrusions, and can be done through traditional open surgery, or laparoscopic techniques.

Laparoscopic hernia operations are performed through small incisions near the belly button. This typically leads to better outcomes than traditional open surgery because blood loss and discomfort are minimized, as well as trauma to surrounding tissue. Laparoscopic surgery is often indicated for the repair of a recurrent hernia or in cases where there is a possibility of a second hernia developing. This type of minimally invasive hernia repair does not require an overnight hospital stay.

For open hernia repair surgery, one incision is made in the groin. If the hernia is bulging out of the abdominal wall, the bulge is pushed back into place. If the hernia is going down the inguinal canal, the hernia sac is either pushed back or tied off and removed.

Breast & Thyroid Surgery

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Breast problems can be associated with benign or malignant causes. Dr Jackson provides consultations on inflammatory breast conditions such as mastitis (infection of the breast) and abscess formation, breast pain, breast cysts, fibro adenomas and other benign tumours of the breast. Depending on the situation, non-cosmetic breast surgery may be done for different reasons, including:

• Breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy
• Find out whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes under the arm
• Restore the breast’s shape after the cancer is removed
• Relieve symptoms of advanced cancer

The thyroid gland conceals that hormone that regulated the metabolism, known as thyroxine. As with breast conditions, thyroid conditions may also be benign or malignant. Symptoms associated with thyroid disease may be causes by hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or nodule or tumour formation. Although surgery may not be necessary for all patients, partial or total thyroidectomy –surgery performed to remove the thyroid gland may be performed and will require an overnight hospital stay.

There are two kinds of thyroid surgery: Hemithyroidectomy and a thyroidectomy.

A hemithyroidectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to remove half of the thyroid gland. This procedure becomes necessary when:

• A thyroid gland rapidly enlarges.
• The large thyroid nodule causes obstructive symptoms or disfigurement.

A thyroidectomy is that removal of the whole thyroid gland. This procedure is often performed through an incision made in the base of the neck, and is indicated in the following situations:

• Thyroid cancer
• Abnormal biopsy result
• Graves’ disease
• Large thyroid gland that causes obstruction of your airway or swallowing difficulty

The risks and complications of thyroidectomy are rare, with less than 2% of patients reporting the following:

• Voice changes or voice loss from recurrent laryngeal nerves injury
• Hypocalcaemia or low calcium level
• Bleeding or wound complications