General surgery in Aberdeen

Certain symptoms may indicate the need for a consultation with a consultant general surgeon. These symptoms often suggest underlying conditions that could require evaluation or surgical intervention:

• Abdominal pain
• Swelling or lumps in your abdominal area
• Digestive symptoms such as bloating, reflux or heartburn
• Changes in bowel habits
• Lump in your groin
• Weight-related issues

Any of these symptoms may indicate a problem somewhere in the GI tract, so proper investigation and assessment is important. Some of the conditions that may cause these symptoms include: 

• IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) – Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis 
• Dyspepsia (Indigestion) 
• Diverticulitis – inflammation of a small pocket (diverticula) that has formed in the lining of the intestine  
• Polyps - small fleshy raised areas. These may become if left untreated for many years 
• Gallstones 
• Liver abscess 
• Hernia – inguinal, umbilical, epigastric, femoral, incisions, ventral 

Gallstones are a common condition that can cause discomfort and affect daily life. People with gallstone disease often experience pain in the upper right side of the abdomen. This pain can come and go (intermittent) and is often triggered after eating certain food groups. 

Treatment for gallstones depends on your symptoms and how the condition is affecting your daily life. For some patients, simple changes such as following a low-fat diet can help reduce discomfort and prevent flare-ups. However, the most effective and long-term solution for symptomatic gallstones is gallbladder removal surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy). This is a minimally invasive, keyhole procedure that safely removes the gallbladder and prevents further gallstone-related pain. In some cases, additional tests or treatment may be needed if stones have moved into the bile duct.

At Albyn Hospital, patients benefit from expert assessment, modern surgical techniques, and a quick recovery, helping them return to normal activities as soon as possible.

Abdominal wall hernias are a common condition, most often seen in the groin (inguinal hernias), although they can also develop in other areas such as around the belly button. A hernia occurs when internal tissue pushes through a weakness in the abdominal wall, often creating a visible lump that can be uncomfortable, particularly during everyday activities such as bending, lifting or coughing.

At Albyn Hospital, patients experiencing symptoms such as a noticeable bulge or ongoing discomfort can benefit from expert assessment and personalised treatment. In many cases, hernia repair surgery is recommended to relieve symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening. This procedure involves carefully returning the tissue to its correct position and strengthening the abdominal wall to reduce the risk of recurrence. Treatment is tailored to each individual, taking into account the type, size and location of the hernia, as well as overall health.

Hernia repair can be performed using either a traditional open approach or laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. Where appropriate, keyhole surgery is often preferred as it uses smaller incisions and is typically associated with less post-operative discomfort and a faster recovery, helping patients return to normal activities more quickly. In many cases, hernia surgery at Albyn Hospital is carried out as a day-case procedure, allowing patients to go home the same day.

To achieve the best long-term outcomes, surgeons may use surgical mesh to reinforce the weakened area of the abdominal wall. This helps to strengthen the repair and lower the likelihood of the hernia returning, providing patients with reassurance and lasting results.

If patients present with acid reflux, in most cases, this can be managed medically with lifestyle modifications – including reducing alcohol consumption, stopping smoking and weight reduction. If that doesn’t work, patients can take specific medications to reduce the production of acid in the stomach.

If that fails to control the symptoms or if patients want to avoid taking these medications on a long-term basis, there is an option to consider surgery to prevent reflux. If patients want to explore this option, they will require certain investigations, such as an endoscopy, and physiology assessments of the oesophagus and stomach.

Following this, depending on the tests, patients may be suitable for anti-reflux surgery, where the ‘valve’ between the stomach and the oesophagus is tightened, and this can mean that patient’s reflux improves, and they can stop their medication. 

Intervention for patients who have challenges with their weight is available at Albyn Hospital too. There are specific national criteria and guidance that patients will need to meet before being considered for weight loss surgery.

It’s important to recognise that, in addition to weight loss, there is good evidence that this type of surgery will reduce the risk or reverse weight-related health problems, such as diabetes and hypertension.

It is well recognised that people can be successful with a weight loss diet for a few months ahead of a special occasion. However, trying to sustain this long term can be challenging and as a result some people will put the weight back on. For those who experience a yo-yo pattern of weight loss and weight gain, weight loss surgery in Aberdeen may offer them an opportunity to achieve long-term weight loss and reduce the risk of weight-related health problems.

If the patient meets the required criteria, they will be assessed by the weight loss team, which includes, dieticians, psychologists and surgeons. The team will then discuss which weight loss procedure would be most appropriate, and these include surgical and endoscopic interventions.

Endoscopically, a special balloon can be placed into the stomach. It’s a temporary solution, which lasts a year, before it is removed, but it can aid with weight loss. More definitive surgical procedures include sleeve gastrectomy or a gastric bypass.

During that consultation, the consultant will take a full medical history, carry out the relevant examinations, get a feel for their symptoms and how they are affecting a patient’s lifestyle. They will enquire about their general health to ensure that they would be fit enough to have an operation if required.  

There is ample opportunity to discuss the intervention and council the patient about the pros and cons, as well as the consequences following surgery, departure and recovery.

• Expert assessment from an experienced consultant general surgeon. You will see the same consultant throughout the entirety of their treatment journey.
• A multidisciplinary clinic. Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals such as nurses, radiographers and dieticians. This multidisciplinary team approach ensures you will receive support and treatment from the most appropriate specialist throughout your time with us.
• Our state-of-the-art imaging facilities include Xray, CT, MRI and ultrasound.  These diagnostic imaging procedures can all be easily arranged if required. Our Radiologists work closely with our consultants to provide an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
• Treatment plans tailored to meet your individual health needs.
• Fixed-price surgery packages.

If you would like to make an appointment with our Consultant General Surgeon here at Albyn Hospital, simply call our friendly team on 01224 595993.

You can also book an initial appointment by using our handy online booking system.