Conditions managed

The second most common cancer in Australia, very treatable when detected early. Treated with surgery to remove the cancer — laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches are used where possible.

Abnormal growths from the bowel lining. Adenomatous polyps can become cancerous if not removed. Detected and excised at colonoscopy with ongoing surveillance as needed.

A positive faecal occult blood test requires investigation — most commonly colonoscopy — to exclude bowel cancer, polyps, and other sources of bowel bleeding.

Iron deficiency with or without anaemia can be a sign of occult bowel pathology including cancer or polyps. Assessment typically involves colonoscopy and gastroscopy to identify a source.

A less common cancer of the anal canal, distinct from bowel cancer. Most are linked to HPV and are very treatable with chemoradiotherapy when caught early — surgery is reserved for refractory or recurrent disease.

Lynch syndrome, FAP, MUTYH-associated polyposis and related conditions markedly raise lifetime bowel cancer risk. Identifying these syndromes allows earlier surveillance and consideration of risk-reducing surgery.

Enlarged vascular cushions causing rectal bleeding, discomfort and prolapse. Treatments range from in-rooms procedures like rubber band ligation through to day-surgery options including HALRAR, Rafaelo and haemorrhoidectomy.

A tear in the anal canal lining causing severe pain and bleeding with bowel movements. Most respond to topical treatment; a short procedure is available for refractory cases.

An abnormal tract from the anal canal to the skin, often preceded by a perianal abscess. Requires surgical drainage or repair to prevent recurrence and protect continence.

A cyst or sinus at the top of the buttocks crease containing hair and debris, prone to abscess formation. Acute abscesses are drained; chronic sinuses require definitive excision.

Persistent perianal itching arising from dietary irritants, haemorrhoids, skin conditions, or infection. A thorough assessment identifies a treatable cause in the majority of patients.

Around one in three patients with Crohn's develops perianal disease — fistulas, abscesses, atypical fissures. Best managed by combined medical-surgical teams. Setons, biologic therapy and selective definitive surgery are the mainstays.

Pouches that form in the bowel wall (diverticula) can cause pain or become infected (diverticulitis). Managed with diet and antibiotics; surgery reserved for complicated or recurrent cases.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic inflammatory conditions of the bowel. Complex IBD requiring surgery — including resections and stoma formation — is managed in close partnership with your gastroenterologist.

Small-bowel enzyme deficiencies (lactase, sucrase-isomaltase and others) that cause bloating, gas, pain and diarrhoea after meals. Often mislabelled as IBS. Diagnosed with a disaccharidase assay on biopsies taken at gastroscopy.

A common, real and often debilitating condition — but a diagnosis of exclusion. The surgical role is to rule out anatomical and inflammatory causes; long-term management is then led by a gastroenterologist or your GP.

Chronic difficulty with bowel emptying, including slow transit constipation. Managed stepwise from dietary measures and laxatives through to surgery for refractory cases.

Difficulty controlling bowel movements affecting quality of life. Treatable with pelvic floor physiotherapy, dietary changes, biofeedback or surgery depending on the underlying cause.

The rectum protrudes through the anus, causing discomfort, mucus discharge and leakage. Corrected surgically via abdominal rectopexy or perineal approaches depending on fitness.

A weakness allowing the rectum to bulge into the vagina is a common cause of obstructed defaecation syndrome (ODS). Most patients improve substantially with pelvic floor physiotherapy; surgery is reserved for selected cases.

Internal scar tissue forms after abdominal surgery and can cause small bowel obstruction, sometimes years later. Most episodes settle without surgery; operative adhesiolysis is reserved for those that don't.

An umbrella term covering obstructed defaecation, incontinence, prolapse and chronic pelvic pain. Most patients improve substantially with structured assessment and specialised pelvic floor physiotherapy.

A weakness in the abdominal wall allowing internal contents to bulge through. Types include inguinal, umbilical and incisional hernias. Repaired laparoscopically or open with mesh.

Stones in the gallbladder causing pain, nausea or serious infection (cholecystitis). Treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy — a common day-procedure with a well-established safety record.

Skin and soft-tissue lumps including lipomas, sebaceous cysts, ganglia and other benign growths. Assessed clinically and excised under local or general anaesthetic where indicated.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease causes heartburn, regurgitation and oesophageal damage. Managed with lifestyle, medication, or laparoscopic fundoplication for refractory cases.

Separation of the rectus abdominis muscles, most commonly after pregnancy. Assessed clinically; surgical repair is considered when symptoms persist despite physiotherapy.