Oesophago-Gastric and Bariatric Surgery (OGB)

What we do

Formerly part of UGIS, we provide assessment, diagnosis, surgery and management for a wide variety of diseases and complex problems associated with the upper GI tract (mouth and oesophagus, stomach and part of the small intestine).

These problems can include:

• Oesophagus (food pipe) and gastric cancers
• Bariatric surgery for obesity and weight loss
• Hiatus hernias and anti-reflux surgery
• Hernias
• Achelasia

We care and treat people with upper GI cancer and work collaboratively with many other specialists in the hospital to provide a comprehensive treatment service.

We perform a number of emergency and trauma procedures, and general surgery procedures for conditions of the small bowel, appendix and spleen.

We also perform gastroscopies (a camera which goes down your throat) and laparoscopies (a camera which goes through a hole in your stomach to look inside the abdomen) to investigate symptoms and to repair or remove tissue.

How to access this service

Referral from your GP

You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service. Your doctor will fax your referral letter to us. Once we receive it, we will send you a confirmation letter.

If you need surgery, you will be placed on a surgical waiting list after being seen in clinic. You may also need to attend the Pre-Admission Clinic prior to your surgery.

What to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed

For a clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

For a day procedure

• Responsible adult carer to stay with you to hear instructions, help you and take you home
• Comfortable day clothes, such as a tracksuit

For overnight (or longer) rehabilitation stay

• Comfortable day clothes, such as a tracksuit
• Well-fitting, closed-toe styled shoes with firm grip soles. Do not wear open back, slip-on slippers
• Personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, shaving cream, shaver, toothpaste and deodorant

What not to bring for an overnight (or longer) stay

• Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash
• Valuables, such as jewellery or watches