Procedures & treatments

A flexible fibreoptic instrument is passed through the anus to examine the entire large bowel (colon and rectum).

Uses the same flexible fibreoptic instrument as colonoscopy, but examines only the left side of the colon (rectum and sigmoid colon).

Upper endoscopy to examine the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum. Used to investigate reflux, dysphagia, iron deficiency anaemia and upper GI symptoms.

Polyps identified during colonoscopy are removed using a snare wire or biopsy forceps (polypectomy).

A thin, flexible catheter with pressure sensors is gently inserted into the rectum to measure sphincter pressures at rest and during squeezing and straining.

A specialised ultrasound probe is gently inserted into the anal canal to generate high-resolution images of the internal and external anal sphincter muscles.

Umbrella page for the family of cancer resections — explains how the right operation is chosen and what to expect overall.

A technology, not a stand-alone operation. The Da Vinci platform is used at Warringal for selected colorectal and hernia operations where the 3D view and wristed instruments are useful in narrow spaces.

Endoscopic placement of a self-expanding metal stent (SEMS) across an obstructing colorectal cancer — as a bridge to surgery, or as palliation, avoiding emergency surgery.

Most diverticular disease is managed medically. Surgery — usually a laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy — is reserved for recurrent attacks or complications such as fistula, stricture, or perforation.

Removal of the right colon (caecum, ascending colon and hepatic flexure) for right-sided cancer or large complex polyps.

Resection of the sigmoid colon and rectum for upper, mid or lower rectal cancer.

Surgery for low rectal cancer where sphincter-sparing resection is not possible.

Removal of most of the large bowel, leaving the rectum.

Removal of a diseased segment of small intestine for Crohn's disease, tumours, ischaemia or obstruction.

Organ-preserving rectal surgery for large polyps and early rectal cancers — performed entirely through the anus, without abdominal incisions.

Emergency sigmoid colectomy with end colostomy — used for perforated diverticulitis or obstructing cancer where primary anastomosis would be unsafe. Reversal can sometimes be offered later.

Surgical division of internal scar tissue (adhesions) causing small bowel obstruction. Most episodes settle without surgery; adhesiolysis is reserved for those that don't or for signs of bowel ischaemia.

Robotic fixation of the prolapsed rectum to the sacrum for full-thickness rectal prolapse.

Temporary defunctioning stoma fashioned from a loop of small bowel, used to divert bowel contents and protect a fresh anastomosis. Typically reversed 8–12 weeks later, or around 4–6 months if chemotherapy follows.

Reversal of a temporary defunctioning loop ileostomy formed at the time of anterior resection or other colorectal surgery.

The most commonly performed non-surgical procedure for Grade I–II internal haemorrhoids.

Formal surgical excision of haemorrhoids under general anaesthetic.

A Doppler probe identifies the haemorrhoidal arteries supplying the haemorrhoid, which are then tied off (ligated) via a specially designed proctoscope.

A radiofrequency ablation technique using a small probe inserted into the haemorrhoidal tissue to deliver controlled radiofrequency energy, shrinking the haemorrhoid.

An acute perianal abscess is a surgical emergency requiring prompt drainage.

Short surgical procedure to drain an acute pilonidal abscess — relieves the severe pain quickly. Definitive surgery for the underlying sinus is considered later, once the area has healed.

Sphincter-preserving repair for complex and high anal fistulas, covering the internal opening with healthy rectal tissue.

Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract — a sphincter-preserving operation for selected transsphincteric anal fistulas. No sphincter muscle is divided, keeping the risk of incontinence very low.

The definitive treatment for simple, low anal fistulas.

A seton is a surgical thread or vessel loop passed through the fistula tract and secured as a loop.

Botulinum toxin (Botox) is injected into the internal anal sphincter under sedation to reduce sphincter spasm and improve blood flow to the fissure, promoting healing.

A minor surgical procedure performed under general or spinal anaesthetic for chronic anal fissure.

Precise surgical removal of an anal or perianal lesion together with a small margin of normal tissue — used for symptomatic skin lesions, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), and selected early anal cancers.

A comprehensive examination of the anus, anal canal, and lower rectum performed under general anaesthetic.

A minimally invasive, reversible treatment for faecal incontinence and urgency unresponsive to conservative measures.

Overlapping repair of a structurally deficient external anal sphincter, typically caused by an obstetric tear or prior anal surgery.

Inguinal hernias are generally repaired laparoscopically using the eTEP (extended totally extraperitoneal) technique — a minimally invasive approach placing mesh in the preperitoneal space without entering the abdominal cavity.

An incision is made directly over the hernia to repair the defect.

Incisional and ventral hernias (umbilical, paraumbilical, epigastric) are assessed individually.

For large or complex hernias — particularly recurrent hernias, giant ventral hernias, or those with significant loss of domain — formal abdominal wall reconstruction may be required.

Repair of a hernia developing around a stoma site — a common complication affecting up to 50% of patients with a permanent stoma.

Keyhole removal of the gallbladder for symptomatic gallstones or gallbladder disease.

Removal of benign or suspicious skin lumps (lipomas, epidermoid cysts, skin tags, moles, sebaceous cysts).

Keyhole removal of the appendix for acute or recurrent appendicitis, with a rapid recovery and small incisions.