Colorectal cancer is the second most common malignancy in Australia and the second most common cause of death from cancer. One of the most controversial issues in minimally invasive surgery has been the implementation of laparoscopic techniques for resection of curable colorectal malignancies. Initial concerns included the potential violation of oncologic principles, the effects of carbon dioxide insufflation, and the phenomenon of port site [...]
A hernia is a defect in the abdominal wall. The abdominal wall consists of layers of connective tissue, muscle and fat. When there is a defect, in the abdominal wall, organs inside the abdominal cavity protrude through it. This is what causes the unsightly bulge, discomfort and pain with activity. The cause of hernias is multifactorial, which means they are due to a variety [...]
Laparoscopic surgery for gallstone disease is the most common operation which Dr Petrou performs. These include laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic bile duct exploration, in particular for failed ERCP. Gallstone disease is a very common problem to afflict Australians. Most stones are mixed with a predominantly cholesterol component. This means that the cause of gallstones is most likely secondary to an environmental agent, such as [...]
The liver is a complex vascular organ which has a crucial role in coordinating nutrition into metabolic function. The liver also filters the blood and as a result it acts as a physical barrier to cancer cells in the blood stream. In Australia, the most common cancer to deposit in the liver is colorectal cancer. The 2nd most common cancer to afflict Australians is [...]
Endoscopy is performed as a day procedure under light sedation by qualified gastrointestinal specialists. The instrument used is a soft flexible fibre optic camera that transmits a high definition image onto a computer monitor. Long flexible instruments can be placed down the camera to take biopsies and perform therapeutic manoeuvres such as remove polyps. Gastroscopy is an examination of the foregut (oesophagus, stomach and [...]