Gallstones, small stone-like structures, form in the fluid (bile) that is stored in the gallbladder. They may vary from the size of a grain of sand to a golf ball and there may be one or hundreds present. Gallstones can cause severe abdominal pain if they block the outlet of the gallbladder. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy is surgical removal of the gallbladder. A laparoscope is inserted into the abdominal cavity at the level of the umbilicus (belly button). Surgical instruments are inserted through other incisions and the gallbladder removed. For more information on the above topic, please refer to Andrew Bowker's website: www.gallstones.co.nz

A hernia exists where part of the abdominal wall is weakened and the contents of the abdomen push through to the outside, forming a swelling or bulge. Common sites are in the groin (inguinal hernia), at the umbilicus or belly button (umbilical or para-umbilical hernia), the upper abdominal midline above the umbilicus (epigastric hernia), and through previous surgical scars (incisional hernias). Laparoscopic Hernia Repair is most commonly used for inguinal hernias. It involves using surgical instruments to mobilise the hernia back into its original position. Surgical mesh covers the defect in the abdominal wall. For more information on the above topic, please refer to Andrew Bowker's website: www.hernia.co.nz

GORD is caused by the backflow (reflux) of food and acid from the stomach into the oesophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach). This happens when the valve between the lower end of the oesophagus and the stomach is not working properly. The main symptom of GORD is heartburn (a burning feeling in the upper abdomen and chest). Regurgitation of food is also common. A hiatus hernia is often present, and is one of the causative factors behind reflux. Laparoscopic Fundoplication for GORD involves wrapping the top part of the stomach (fundus) around the lower end of the oesophagus. This creates a valve mechanism between the stomach and the oesophagus, thereby preventing further reflux of acid and food. For more information on the above topic, please refer to Andrew Bowker's website: http://www.laparoscopicsurgeon.co.nz/

The appendix is a small worm-like tube attached to the intestine in the lower right abdomen. If it becomes blocked or infected it can cause appendicitis, resulting in pain on the right side of the abdomen, nausea and vomiting. Laparoscopic Appendicectomy is removal of the appendix using surgical instruments inserted through incisions in the lower abdomen.

The spleen is a soft fleshy organ in the upper left abdomen that is involved in the formation and cleansing of blood. It may need to be removed if it becomes enlarged, has a tumour or cyst, or in the presence of certain blood disorders, the most common of which results in abnormal destruction of platelets (ITP). This causes abnormal bruising and bleeding. Laparoscopic Splenectomy involves freeing the spleen from its attachments and removing it through a small abdominal incision, usually within a surgical plastic retrieval bag. For more information on the above topic, please refer to Andrew Bowker's website: www.spleen.co.nz