Emergency and Abdominal Surgery
As a General Surgeon, Dr George has extensive experience in managing abdominal pain. He has also undertaken an additional Fellowship in Acute Surgery and Trauma.
Hernia Surgery
A hernia is when tissue or internal organs push through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue, producing a lump which is unpleasant or painful. The most common types are inguinal hernias, which happen in the groin area, and umbilical hernias, which occur around the belly button; however they can occur anywhere. Hernias can develop due to factors like muscle weakness, heavy lifting, taking immune-modifying medications, obesity, or previous surgeries. They might cause discomfort, pain, or a noticeable bulge that worsens with physical activity.
When you visit my clinic with a hernia concern, the first step is a thorough examination. I assess the size and location of the hernia and discuss any symptoms you’re experiencing. If needed, I might recommend imaging tests to get a clearer view of the hernia and determine the best approach for treatment for your specific case.
Hernia surgery aims to repair the weakness in the muscle or connective tissue and restore normal function. There are two main types of hernia surgery: open surgery and laparoscopic surgery. Open surgery involves making an incision near the hernia site to access and repair the tissue. Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions and a camera to guide the surgical instruments, offering a minimally invasive approach with potentially quicker recovery times.
During surgery, I ensure that the hernia is fully repaired and reinforce the area to prevent recurrence. This often involves using a surgical mesh which stimulates your own collagen deposition to strengthen the repair. The choice between open and laparoscopic surgery depends on the type of hernia, its size, and other factors like your medical history and personal preferences.
After surgery, you can expect some recovery time to heal and allow the muscles to strengthen. I’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage pain, prevent complications, and guide you on when you can resume normal activities. It’s important to follow these instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and avoid straining the surgical site.
If you have a hernia or are experiencing symptoms, I’m here to help. Please contact my clinic to schedule a consultation. Together, we can create a treatment plan that addresses your needs and helps you achieve a successful recovery.
Abdominal Pain: Investigation and Management
Abdominal pain can stem from a variety of sources, ranging from mild indigestion to severe infections. If you have severe abdominal pain you should go to your nearest hospital emergency department immediately. In sub-acute cases, I would be pleased to guide you through the process of investigating the cause of your pain and determining the best management strategy.
Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can be linked to various factors, including gastrointestinal issues, infections, chronic conditions, and organ-related problems. It can be a sign of indigestion, gastroenteritis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Infections such as appendicitis or diverticulitis often require urgent care. Chronic diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease might cause recurring pain. Problems with organs like the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas can also lead to abdominal pain, as can muscle strain from overexertion. Musculo-skeletal pain from tendons and joints can also mask as abdominal pain.
Investigation of Abdominal Pain
The most important step in investigating is understanding what you feel. I’ll ask about your symptoms, their onset, and any related conditions. A physical examination helps locate the pain and determine its severity. To understand the underlying cause, imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-rays, or CT scans may be required, along with blood tests or stool samples to check for infections or other issues.
Management of Abdominal Pain
Once we identify the cause of your abdominal pain, we can discuss treatment options. For mild conditions, over-the-counter pain relievers or specific medications might be sufficient. Dietary adjustments, exercise, and stress management can also play a role in managing certain types of abdominal pain. If the cause is more severe, such as appendicitis or gallstones, surgery might be necessary.
As your doctor, my goal is to find the cause of your abdominal pain and provide the most effective treatment. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain, I can help. Contact my clinic to schedule an appointment, and together we’ll investigate the source of your pain and develop a plan for managing it. I’m here to ensure you receive the care and support you need for a smooth recovery and improved way of life.
Gall bladder Surgery
Gallstones are a common cause of abdominal pain, typically felt in the upper abdomen. Sometimes they can lead to more severe issues, such as pancreatitis and jaundice (becoming yellow due to obstruction of the ducts which connect to the Liver). Sometimes other conditions can cause upper abdominal pain, and Dr George has extensive experience in differentiating between these by attentively listening to your symptoms and examining you. Additional investigations such as ultrasound, CT scans and endoscopy can help more complex cases.
In these cases, removal of the gallbladder becomes warranted. Dr George has performed over 700 gallbladder operations, and this can be achieved via a keyhole (laparoscopic) approach either as a day surgery or an overnight stay. In most cases, you will be mobile and able to eat regular food straight after surgery.
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the inside of the body using a flexible tube with a camera and light at the end. Dr George is able to perform these as a specialist Surgeon who is also accredited by the Gastroenterological Society of Australasia (GESA) for Endoscopy.Endoscopy is a versatile tool for investigating symptoms and general health screening.
Endoscopy is usually performed under sedation in an accredited health facilty or hospital. As the camera moves through the tract, I can view the images on a monitor to detect any abnormalities. If necessary, I can also perform procedures like taking biopsies or removing polyps during the endoscopy.
After the procedure, you’ll need some time to recover from the sedation. I’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, including when you can resume normal activities and what to watch out for in terms of symptoms or complications. If biopsies were taken, the results will be available within a few days, and I’ll discuss them with you to determine the next steps in your treatment.
Endoscopy is a safe and effective procedure that can be invaluable in diagnosing and treating a range of conditions. As your specialist doctor, I’m committed to ensuring you feel informed and comfortable throughout the process. If you’re experiencing symptoms that require endoscopy or have concerns about the procedure, I’m here to help. Contact my clinic to schedule a consultation, and together we’ll discuss your needs and create a plan for addressing them. I’m here to provide the care and guidance you need for a successful endoscopy experience and improved health.
Treatment options include special dressings, steroid injections, surgically excising the scar to achieve a finer scar and stem-cell harvesting from your own fat stores (lipofilling).
As scarring is a recognised medical condition and Dr George is a surgical specialist, medicare and insurance rebates might be available. To find out more, feel free to call or enquire online today.
Inflammatory Conditions (Hidradenitis)
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), also known as acne inversa, is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the skin, particularly around hair follicles and areas with sebaceous tissue such as the armpits, groin, buttocks, and under the breasts. It can cause significant discomfort and impacting quality of life.
HS is characterized by painful, inflamed lumps or nodules that can progress to abscesses, sinus tracts, and scarring. These lumps can be tender and may leak fluid or pus, leading to infection or an unpleasant odour. The exact cause of HS is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve an immune system response that leads to inflammation and blockage of hair follicles. People might have other auto-immune disorders as well, such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
When you visit my clinic with symptoms of HS, the first step is a thorough examination and medical history review. I’ll assess the affected areas to determine the severity of the condition and discuss your symptoms, including pain and flare-ups. HS can range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing occasional flare-ups and others having chronic, ongoing symptoms.
There are several treatment options for HS, and the best approach depends on the severity of the condition. Management may include:
Oral Medications: Antibiotics or other medications can be used to manage inflammation and prevent bacterial growth.
Biologic Therapies: These are newer medications that target specific components of the immune system to reduce inflammation.
Surgical Interventions: For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove affected tissue, drain abscesses, or treat sinus tracts.
My role is to work with you to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs, including referral to additional specialists, such as dermatologists. I’ll discuss the risks and benefits of different treatments, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect from each approach.
Scar Reduction
Scarring is a normal part of the healing process which might come about following surgery, trauma or irritation. Healing and scarring is a dynamic process lasting about 18 months, and it is normal for scars to be red and raised during the early months.
However, sometimes there is excessive scar formation which in medical terms can be called hypertrophic or keloid scars caused by excess collagen deposition. Risk factors for excess scarring include certain ethnicities, wounds created due to trauma, infected wounds or in high tension areas. Aside from being unsightly, excessive scarring can be tender or restrict movement.
Dr George is able to assess and treat scarring in the most appropriate manner for you.