Private general surgery in Inverness

General surgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and management of a broad range of conditions and diseases relating to your abdomen and digestive tract. Consultant general surgeons are highly skilled specialists who typically operate on common abdominal conditions such as appendicitis, hernias, gallbladder issues, and stomach and intestinal problems. 

Some consultant general surgeons specialise in one area. For example, some specialise in Hepato Pancreato Biliary (HPB), which is your liver, pancreas and gallbladder.

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 

 

Some of the common surgical treatments that are carried by our Consultant General Surgeons include: 

Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

A cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, a small organ located beneath the liver that stores bile. This procedure is typically performed to treat gallstones and related complications, such as inflammation or infection of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).

Hernia surgery: laparoscopic and open

Used to repair a hernia, which occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. Depending in the circumstances of the individual, surgery can take place in the form of laparoscopic or open. There are different types of hernias that we are able to treat: inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, incisional hernia and sports hernia.

Pilonidal sinus surgery

This is is a small hole or tunnel at the top of your bottom, between your buttocks. The condition occurs when hair penetrates the skin and causes an inflammatory reaction, leading to the formation of a cyst or abscess. If left untreated, it can lead to recurrent infections or chronic drainage. Treatment options include antibiotics, drainage of abscesses, or surgical removal of the sinus tract.

Symptoms from the abdomen and bowel are very common and include: 

• A significant change in their bowel habits
• Blood in the stools or rectal bleeding
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme tiredness
• Diarrhoea
• A pain or mass that can be felt in the abdomen. 
• Return of a positive faecal immunochemical test (FIT) test

If you require a colonoscopy, this will be carried out at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen or at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow - the location is dependent on which consultant is overseeing your care.

At the initial consultation, the consultant general surgeon will ask you to talk about your symptoms. They will ask you a number of questions, like:

• What symptoms do you have?
• How long have you had them?
• Have your symptoms been getting worse?
• Have you tried any treatments already? If so, did they help?
• Are your symptoms stopping you from doing any particular activities or movements?

They will also take a medical history and carry out a detailed physical examination.

Depending on your symptoms and their examination, your consultant may refer you for further investigations.

Hernias can often be diagnosed easily, as a lump will usually be visible. Many GI tract symptoms are best investigated with an endoscopy. If needed, this will be arranged for you at the earliest possible date at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen.

Once the results of any tests are back, your consultant will use these to confirm a diagnosis and plan appropriate treatment. They will discuss the diagnosis with you and explain the treatment options available to you. If you have any questions or concerns about anything, they will always be very happy to talk through these with you.

If surgery is required, you will be under the care of the same consultant you saw at Inverness Outpatient Centre. 

- Patients under the care of Mr Craig Mackay and Mr Momin Malik will attend Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen for further treatment if required. 
- Patients under the care of Mr Raymond Oliphant will attend Ross Hall Hospital for further treatment if required. 

Your consultant will be supported by a dedicated multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals and administration staff. This team will provide the highest level of care in a friendly and comfortable environment at either hospital.

Expert assessment from an experienced consultant general surgeon specialising in treatments for your condition.

• You will see the same consultant throughout the entirety of their treatment journey. 
• Seamless referral from Inverness Outpatient Centre to either Albyn Hospital or Ross Hall Hospital for treatment
• Consultants are local to Scotland
• Treatment plans tailored to meet your individual health needs
• A multidisciplinary team of highly skilled healthcare professionals working at either hospitals to provide expert support and care for people undergoing surgery

If you would like to make an appointment with our consultant general surgeon here at Inverness Outpatient Centre, simply call our friendly team on 01463 213227 You can also book an initial appointment by using our handy online booking system.