Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
Procedures
Gallbladder surgery
This is a very common elective and sometimes emergency general surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder, usually to treat symptomatic gallstone disease. This procedure can be done with standard laparoscopy or using the da Vinci robot. It is usually a very routine procedure necessitating only a one night stay in hospital.
Inguinal Hernia and Abdominal Wall Hernia surgery
This is surgery to repair an abdominal wall hernia, either in the groin or other part of the abdominal wall, and sometimes as a consequence of previous abdominal surgery. The procedure usually involves placing a strong piece of mesh across the hernial site to provide a durable and secure repair to the hernia. This procedure can be done with standard laparoscopic techniques or using the da Vinci robot.
Hiatus Hernia surgery and surgery for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
This surgery is used for treatment of severe gastroesophageal reflux disease or for patients with large hiatus hernias. It involves repairing the hiatus hernia by bringing the stomach back down below the diaphragm where it has herniated, tightening the opening in the diaphragm through which the stomach has herniated and performing an anti-reflux procedure (fundoplication) which involves using part of the top of the stomach to build a new valve around the junction between the oesophagus and the stomach to stop reflux. This procedure usually takes about an hour and most patients are able to go home the following day.
Heller’s myotomy
This procedure is for patients who have a disease called achalasia and involves cutting the sphincter muscle between the oesophagus and the stomach to aid with swallowing. It is a very precise procedure and the use of the da Vinci robot provides increased vision and finesse while performing this operation.
Robotic Median Arcuate Ligament Release
This is a relatively uncommon but important procedure for patients with proven median arcuate ligament syndrome. The da Vinci robot provides excellent vision and manoeuvrability to allow this procedure to be done with improved access and precision compared to standard laparoscopic techniques.
Bariatric surgery
Sleeve Gastrectomy
This common weight loss operation can be performed using the da Vinci robot. The operation involves removing a portion of the stomach to reduce its size and reduce appetite leading to durable weight loss.
Gastric Bypass surgery
This weight loss operation involves reducing the size of the stomach and bypassing part of the small intestine. It involves making a join between the stomach and the intestine and the da Vinci robot is extremely useful in placing precision stitches to create these joins. Bypass surgery is a very useful durable weight loss procedure for many patients with severe obesity.
Surgeons