General Surgery

Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)

At Surrey Total Health we specialize in the treatment of gallbladder problems such as gallstones and gallbladder polyps.

We offer keyhole surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) that in most cases can be performed as a day case. That means that you can return home on the same day of your surgery if your medical and social condition will allow it.

Gallstones are small stones inside the gallbladder. We usually recommend surgery only when gallstones cause symptoms such as pain, inflammation of the gallbladder (acute cholecystitis), inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) or other related symptoms.

In some cases, a stone can become trapped in the main duct (common bile duct) and cause pain, jaundice (yellow discoloration of the eyes and the skin), pancreatitis. This also requires treatment.

The removal of the gallbladder is performed under general anesthetic through keyhole surgery. It is a safe and simple procedure but it still carries some risks such as bleeding, infection of the wound, bile leak, damage to the main duct or the surrounding organs, blood clot. Your surgeon will explain the procedure and all its risks during your consultation.

In very few cases, gallstones can be dissolved by taking tablets however, surgery remains the most effective treatment. 

The recovery after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy is usually quick. Most patients are able to return to work within two weeks after the operation.

You may be prescribed with a special diet before the operation. You can resume your regular diet after surgery. Once the gallbladder is removed, the bile will still be produced by the liver in order to digest food and it will flow directly into your digestive system instead of being stored in the gallbladder. Some patients experience bloating or diarrhoea after a cholecystectomy. These symptoms usually disappear within few weeks. 

At Surrey Total Health we are happy to answer all the questions you may have related to gallstones and gallbladder surgery.

Hernia repair

At Surrey Total Health we specialize in the treatment of hernias.

A hernia is a weakness in your muscle and can occur in your tummy or groin. You may notice a lump or a swelling that can often be pushed back. The lump can contain fatty tissue or part of the bowels. It usually causes no pain, sometimes it can cause discomfort during your daily activities.

In some cases, a hernia can become blocked and cause sudden pain, vomiting or difficulty passing stools. When this happens, immediate medical advice should be seek.

There are several types of hernia:

  • Inguinal hernia – located in the groin

  • Femoral hernia – located in the groin, usually below the skin crease

  • Umbilical hernia – located at your belly button

  • Paraumbilical hernia – located usually above your belly button

  • Epigastric hernia – located below the breast bone

  • Spigelian hernia – located on either side of your abdominal wall

  • Incisional hernia – located in the scar of a previous operation

Your doctor will be able to diagnose a hernia during your consultation. Sometimes they may refer you for an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis.

Hernias don’t get better without surgery however surgery may not be indicated in all cases. This depends mostly on your symptoms, the type of hernia, the content of the hernia and your general health.

At Surrey Total Health we can offer open and keyhole surgery for hernia repair. Your surgeon will discuss with you which technique is more appropriate in your case.

It both cases it is a safe and simple procedure. Depending on the type of surgery, it can be performed under local, general or regional anaesthetic. It is offered as a day case, which means that you can return home on the same day if your medical and social condition will allow it. Like any other surgical procedure, it carries some risks such as bleeding, wound infection, recurrence of the hernia (the hernia can come back), damage to the vessels the supply blood to the testicle (in men), damage to the bowel, blog clot.

During your consultation, your surgeon will explain in more details or the possible risks and complications of a hernia repair.

At Surrey Total Health we are happy to answer all the questions you may have related to hernias and hernias repair.

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