Comprehensive, Tailored Surgical Solutions

General Surgery Procedures

Experience Comprehensive General Surgery Solutions: Hernia, Liver, Gallbladder, and Pancreas Procedures Tailored to Your Needs

General Surgery

Surgical Procedures

Hernia Surgery

The only effective form of treatment for a hernia is surgery. Depending on the type of hernia, surgery can be either laparoscopic or open. Both types of surgery are performed under general anaesthetic.

Liver Surgery

The liver is the largest gland in the human body and is located in the right upper abdomen. The liver has an essential role in: digesting nutrients, detoxification, production of blood proteins, immune response.

Gallbladder
Gallbladder & Bile Ducts Surgery

The gallbladder is a small pear shaped organ attached to the liver. Bile produced by the liver is stored in the gallbladder between meals before being released into the small intestines during a meal.

Bile ducts are tubular structures connecting the liver with the small bowel. Bile flows from the liver through these ducts via the gallbladder into the small intestine.

Pancreas Surgery

Located in the upper abdomen behind the stomach and the intestines, the pancreas is divided up into 3 sections: the head, body and tail.

The pancreas has two major functions: Exocrine: production of enzymes for digestion of food, Endocrine: production of hormones, including some that regulate blood sugar.

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General Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you will need a referral to see Dr Puhalla. A referral from your GP is valid for 12 months, while a referral from a specialist is valid for 3 months. 

The initial consultation costs $250, with a Medicare rebate of $76. The pre-operative appointment costs $90, with a Medicare rebate of $38. You will need a valid referral to claim the Medicare rebates. 

No, weight loss surgery is not currently available in the public health system.

Yes, Dr Puhalla accepts uninsured patients. You can apply to the ATO for early release of your super, for which we can assist you. Medicare rebates are available for some fees, however you are liable for all costs.

Unfortunately, Medicare and health fund rebates do not cover the full cost of providing you with medical care. This is because the rate at which successive governments have indexed the Medicare Schedule fees has been substantially lower than increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and average weekly earnings. The reality is that Medicare rebates do not cover the cost of providing you with a safe and high quality service. The fees charged by this practice have to cover all of our practice costs.

Please bring a copy of your referral, along with your personal details, including Medicare card, private health insurance, and a list of medications. You will need to fill out personal details and medical history forms on arrival.

Yes, it is essential that you see a dietitian to support you on your weight loss surgery journey. This is to ensure that you have the best possible outcome relating to your weight loss and overall health.

Dr Puhalla will discuss your options with you to help you decide the best procedure for you. Your individual preferences, lifestyle and health are considered when determining your type of surgery.

Dr Puhalla will discuss your options with you to help you decide the best procedure for you. Your individual preferences, lifestyle and health are considered when determining your type of surgery.

Typically, the hospital stay is one to two nights. If you are undergoing revisional surgery or have a complex medical history, you may need to stay longer.

Depending on the procedure, you will need one to two weeks off work. We can provide you with a medical certificate if required.

We recommend you start driving a week after surgery, initially limiting yourself to shorter drives before returning to normal driving. 

Current wait times are around three to four weeks for appointments and surgery bookings. We also have a cancellation list, as patients often have to move their appointments, which means you may be able to be seen sooner. Please advise our team at the time of booking if you would like to put on the cancellation list.

The entire process typically takes around 8 to 12 weeks. Depending on the investigations needed, and whether or not you have private health insurance, this may be able to be shortened to around 4 weeks. We will do our best to meet your schedule, however we recommend you allow at least 8 weeks for the entire process.

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General Surgery Procedures

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