How can you prepare for abdominal surgery?
Undergoing abdominal surgery can be a daunting experience, but with the right preparation, you can help ensure a smoother process and a quicker recovery. Here are some essential tips to help you get ready for your surgery. Understand Your Procedure First and foremost, make sure you fully understand the type of abdominal surgery you will […]
10 questions to ask your surgeon if you are having Pancreas Surgery
Undergoing pancreas surgery can be a significant and daunting experience. To help you feel more prepared and confident, here are 10 questions you should ask your surgeon before the procedure to understand your care more fully. You may have other questions and it’s often a good idea to write these down: What type of pancreas […]
Resuming eating after major abdominal surgery – A guide for patients
Recovering from major abdominal surgery can be a challenging journey, but the right nutrition can significantly aid your healing process. Each person is different and even within the broad category of major abdominal surgery, there is considerable variation depending on factors such as the specific type of operation, whether it was done with key-hole surgery […]
How to look after your pancreas
The pancreas is an organ in the upper part of the abdomen. It has several functions including regulating blood sugars and helping digest foods. Looking after the health of pancreas is not really thought of in the same way that we are all used to maintaining our “heart health.” There are several habits and behaviours […]
Resuming Activity After Inguinal Hernia Surgery – A Patient’s Guide
Inguinal hernia surgery is safe and effective with excellent long term outcomes. Many people are able to have surgery done via a keyhole approach (laparoscopic surgery). Patients usually have a smooth recovery process. However, understanding when and how to resume daily activities is crucial for optimal healing. Let’s explore the timeline and guidelines for postoperative […]
Dietary adjustments after gallbladder surgery – Are they necessary and what you need to know
Most patients require no changes to their diet after having gallbladder surgery. The role of the healthy gallbladder is to concentrate bile (a dilute liquid from the liver) which then empties into the small intestine via the bile duct. This liquid is one of the factors that allows you to absorb the nutrients (especially fat) […]
Understanding Fatty Liver Disease – A Guide for Patients
Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, occurs when fat accumulates in the liver. It is essentially when the body stores excess fat within the liver rather than around it or outside the abdominal cavity. It is regarded as a form of visceral fat deposition. It’s a condition that can affect anyone, regardless of […]
What is the role of robotic surgery in gallbladder removal (Cholecystectomy)?
Gallbladder problems can significantly impact daily life, leading to symptoms like severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and digestive disturbances. When gallstones or other gallbladder-related issues cause significant discomfort, gallbladder removal surgery (cholecystectomy) becomes necessary. There are a few different approaches to this operation Laparoscopic Surgery This is the gold standard for removing the gallbladder. It […]
NZ Herald interviewed Dr Srinivasa about Gallbladder Surgery
NZ Herald asked Dr Sunny Srinivasa for a comment on the role of Robotic Surgery for the article titled “The life and death of a gallbladder” by Steve Braunias I interviewed Sunny Srinivasa, New Zealand’s only gallbladder surgeon (he specialises in the severely oversyllabic field of hepatopancreatic biliary surgery, or HPB) with formal robotic training. […]
Navigating Uncertainty – Coping with a Potential Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
Receiving a potential pancreatic cancer diagnosis is understandably overwhelming. The process itself of getting many scans, biopsies and blood tests is also stressful. However, there are practical steps you can take to cope with this challenging situation. In this blog post, we’ll explore strategies to help you navigate the uncertainty around pancreas cancer and some […]