1. Cholecystectomy
Cholecystectomy is the removal of the gall bladder, the source of gall stones which can cause conditions such as biliary colic, acute and chronic cholecystits, and choledocholithiasis (or biliary obstruction). This is usually performed laparoscopically (key hole surgery), under a general anaesthetic with usually an overnight stay in hospital to recover afterwards.

2. Colorectal Cancer Resection
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in our community. Treated early, it is curable. If a cancer is discovered, Mr North performs bowel resection of right-sided bowel cancers. His long and respected career in Geelong means he has excellent contacts with local oncologists to give you the best possible outcome after your surgery. Additionally, Mr North offers ongoing surveillance in the form of endoscopy.

3. Hernia Repair
A hernia is the protrusion of contents outside the abdominal or pelvic cavity in which they are normally contained. This may be simply the fat, but occasionally bowel pushes through a congenital (since birth) or acquired weakness in the muscles of the abdominal wall. Common sites of hernias are the inguinal region, femoral region, umbilicus (belly button), or through previous surgical incisions. The repair procedure is performed under a general anaesthetic, and may require an overnight stay, depending on the size of the deficit.

4. Perianal Surgery
Perianal conditions usually present with bleeding or mucus from the back passage and/or pain. In addition to a colonoscopy to exclude more sinister causes of these symptoms, Mr North performs examination and treatment of common perianal conditions, such as fissures, fistulas, haemorrhoids and skin tags. This may be performed at 44 Swanston St, or as an overnight stay in hospital, depending on the nature of the disease process.

5. Endoscopy
Signs and symptoms concerning for bowel cancer include:

• blood or mucus from the back passage,
• a change in your bowel habit (either constipation, or diarrhoea),
• abdominal pain or bloating,
• loss of weight or loss of appetite, or
• a personal or family history of bowel cancer.

In addition to these indications for endoscopy, excellent screening is now available in the form of faecal occult blood tests available from your local pharmacy, or upon request from your GP. If positive, endoscopy should be performed.

Common issues such as reflux, heart burn, indigestion, stomach or duodenal ulcers, stomach or colonic polyps, and cancer surveillance (patients either with a personal or family history of bowel cancers) should also have endoscopy.

Mr North performs both gastroscopy and colonoscopy as a day stay case at the hospital under sedation.

6. Removal of Skin Lesions
A skin lesion can range from benign (non cancerous) to malignant (cancerous). They may be superficial (on the skin) or just deep to the skin in the subcutaneous tissues. Depending on the size and type of lesion, Mr North conducts the removal of skin abnormalities either under local anaesthesia in his practice at 44 Swanston Street, or under general anaesthetic in the hospital, usually as a day case. The removed lump is then sent to pathology to be appropriately examined and reported.

7. Ingrown Toenail Wedge Excision
Ingrown toenails can be painful, and even potentially dangerous for any immunocompromised patient, such as diabetics. The removal of the troublesome edge of nail is usually performed as a minor procedure under local anaesthetic at 44 Swanston Street.

8. Vasectomy
A vasectomy involves disrupting the vas deferens – the tube that carries the sperm from the testicle. This is a very safe and effective method of permanent contraception, performed usually under local anaesthetic at 44 Swanston Street, though some cases are day stay cases at the hospital under a general anaesthetic.

9. Circumcision
Mr North performs circumcisions on neonates (under 4 weeks) in his practice at 44 Swanston Street. Mr North uses a Plastibell technique to perform the procedure, meaning you may go home from the practice soon after the five to ten minute procedure is performed. The Plastibell is a small, plastic ring, which remains on the tip of the penis for 3-7 days, after which time, the foreskin and Plastibell will simply fall off.

Mr North also performs circumcision on males of all ages over 12 months. This requires a general anaesthetic and day stay hospital admission.