COVID-19 Update
Call us today
(07) 5353 7123
As well as a bariatric surgeon, Dr Benedict Mackay is also an experienced upper gastrointestinal and general surgeon.
A Gastroscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to diagnose and treat problems of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. It uses a camera inserted through the mouth to view these organs. A light anaesthetic is administered by an anaesthetist. The procedure is quick and is performed as an outpatient.
A Hiatus Hernia refers to the condition where part of the abdominal contents (usually the stomach) protrudes from the abdomen up into the chest. In the most common types of Hiatus Hernia, the stomach moves through the diaphragm from the abdomen into the chest behind the heart. Many Hiatus Hernias are very small and require no treatment. Some, however, can be large and can cause symptoms such as reflux/indigestion, regurgitation, vomiting, dysphagia and shortness of breath.
A Hiatus Hernia can be repaired with a laparoscopic operation, replacing the normal contents back into the abdomen. A two- to three-day post-operative stay is common with full recovery taking up to four weeks.
A laparoscopic operation performed for Achalasia, a condition which causes patients to have problems with eating and drinking.
The procedure involves dividing the tight muscle at the lower end of the oesophagus and top of the stomach, allowing food and liquid to more easily pass into the stomach. After surgery, most patients feel significantly better but may never achieve 'normal' swallowing
Inguinal Hernias cause bulges in the groin area that increase in size on standing or straining. They may be painful or may be sensitive to touch.
They can be repaired with a laparoscopic approach or an open approach.
Prosthetic mesh is used for both the laparoscopic and open repair.
These hernias may be indicated by a bulge or lump in the abdomen that increases in size on standing or straining. An Incisional Hernia occurs near the scar of a previous operation.
They can be repaired with a laparoscopic approach or an open approach.
Prosthetic mesh is often used for both the laparoscopic and open repair.
The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile (synthesised in the liver), which helps the digestion of fats and waste products.
Gallstones form in the gallbladder due to an imbalance in the concentration of bile salts, cholesterol or bilirubin. This results in a blockage of normal bile flow and/or inflammation and pain. In severe cases infection of the gallbladder can occur, infection of the liver and also pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). The complications of Gallstones can be very severe.
Gallstones are very common; one out of five adults has this condition.
Gallstone symptoms include pain in the upper abdomen that may come and go, nausea and vomiting, light-coloured chalky stools and darker than normal urine. However, quite often patients may not notice Gallstones and they do not need any surgery. Occasionally, Cholecystectomy is required for polyps of a certain size. Current best treatment for symptomatic Gallstones is to remove the entire gallbladder and stones. This procedure is called a Cholecystectomy and is performed using keyhole surgery.
Treatment for Gallstones is known as a Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy and this procedure is performed on patients when Gallstones are causing pain or another complication.
One of Australia’s most highly trained and qualified bariatric surgeons, Dr Benedict Mackay combines impressive experience with a deep knowledge of modern surgical techniques and a commitment to achieving the very best outcome for patients.
Dr Benedict Mackay is based on the Sunshine Coast and operates at Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, so patients no longer need to travel to Brisbane or beyond for exceptional gastrointestinal surgical care.
