Bariatric & General Surgeon
Bariatric & General Surgeon
Sleeve gastrectomy is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery that reduces the stomach's size by approximately 80%, transforming it into a slender, banana-shaped tube. This alteration limits food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness after smaller meals, aiding in significant weight loss.
Beyond restricting food volume, sleeve gastrectomy impacts hormones related to hunger and satiety. By removing the portion of the stomach that produces ghrelin—the "hunger hormone"—patients often experience reduced appetite. Additionally, the procedure enhances the release of hormones like GLP-1 and PYY, which contribute to feelings of fullness and improved blood sugar control.
Effective Weight Loss: Achieve substantial and sustained weight reduction.
Improved Health Conditions: Alleviate obesity-related issues such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnea.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Experience increased energy levels and mobility.
Sleeve gastrectomy is typically recommended for individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or higher, especially when accompanied by obesity-related health conditions. A comprehensive evaluation will determine if this procedure aligns with your health goals and needs.
Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) is a surgical procedure aimed at facilitating significant weight loss by altering the digestive system. The surgery involves creating a small pouch from the upper part of the stomach and connecting it directly to a segment of the small intestine. This configuration bypasses a substantial portion of the stomach and the initial part of the small intestine, leading to reduced food intake and decreased calorie absorption.
The RYGB procedure combines restrictive and malabsorptive elements to promote weight loss. By forming a small stomach pouch, the amount of food one can consume is limited. Additionally, rerouting the small intestine alters the digestive process, leading to changes in gut hormones that suppress appetite and enhance satiety. These hormonal shifts also contribute to improved blood sugar control, benefiting individuals with type 2 diabetes.
While RYGB offers numerous benefits, it also necessitates lifelong commitments:Southwest Surgery
The Mini or One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) is a minimally invasive weight loss surgery that simplifies the traditional gastric bypass technique. It involves creating a long, narrow stomach pouch and connecting it directly to a loop of the small intestine, effectively bypassing a significant portion of the stomach and the initial segment of the small intestine. This design reduces the amount of food the stomach can hold and decreases the absorption of calories and nutrients, leading to weight loss.
OAGB combines restrictive and malabsorptive elements to promote weight loss. By forming a long, narrow gastric pouch, the amount of food one can consume is limited. Additionally, rerouting the small intestine alters the digestive process, leading to changes in gut hormones that suppress appetite and enhance satiety. These hormonal shifts also contribute to improved blood sugar control, benefiting individuals with type 2 diabetes.
While OAGB offers numerous benefits, it also necessitates lifelong commitments:
Gallstones are solid formations that develop within the gallbladder—a small organ located beneath the liver responsible for storing bile. These stones form when bile becomes overly concentrated or when the gallbladder doesn't empty effectively. While many individuals with gallstones remain symptom-free, others may experience significant discomfort and complications
Common symptoms associated with gallstones include:
If left untreated, gallstones can lead to serious complications such as:
For individuals experiencing symptoms or complications from gallstones, the recommended treatment is:
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. This approach typically involves small incisions, leading to faster recovery times and reduced postoperative discomfort.
Patients generally return home the day after surgery and can resume normal activities shortly thereafter. In cases where laparoscopic surgery isn't feasible, an open cholecystectomy may be performed, necessitating a longer recovery period.
An abdominal wall hernia occurs when internal tissues or organs protrude through a weakened area in the abdominal muscles. This results in a noticeable bulge, which may cause discomfort or pain, especially during activities like lifting, coughing, or straining. Common types include inguinal (groin), umbilical (navel), incisional (at previous surgical sites), and epigastric (upper abdomen) hernias.
Typical symptoms of an abdominal wall hernia include:
A visible bulge or lump in the abdomen or groin area.
Discomfort or pain at the hernia site, which may worsen with physical activity.
Diagnosis is usually made through a physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests like ultrasounds or CT scans may be used to assess the hernia's size and contents.
Surgical repair is the definitive treatment for abdominal wall hernias. The procedure involves repositioning the protruded tissue and reinforcing the weakened area, often with mesh, to prevent recurrence. Surgery can be performed using:
The choice between open and laparoscopic surgery depends on factors like the hernia's size, location, and the patient's overall health.
A hiatus hernia occurs when a portion of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm into the chest cavity. This condition can lead to various symptoms and, if left untreated, may result in complications.
While many individuals with a hiatus hernia may not experience symptoms, others might encounter:
Heartburn or acid reflux
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
In severe cases, complications can include:
Obstruction
Strangulation of the stomach
Prompt medical attention is essential to prevent these serious outcomes.
The exact cause of hiatus hernia is not always clear, but contributing factors may include:
Obesity
Heavy lifting or straining
Smoking
Certain medications
Understanding these risk factors can aid in prevention and management.
Treatment for hiatus hernia depends on the severity of symptoms. Options include:
Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes, weight management, and avoiding triggers.
Medications: To reduce stomach acid and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Intervention: In cases where conservative treatments fail or complications arise, laparoscopic surgery may be recommended to repair the hernia and prevent recurrence.
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) happens when acid and stomach contents flow back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, or chest discomfort. While many people manage GORD with lifestyle changes and medications, surgery may be recommended when:
Surgical treatment aims to restore the natural barrier between the oesophagus and the stomach. The most common procedure is laparoscopic fundoplication, which:
This approach reduces acid reflux and improves symptom control.
This minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. It involves:
The wrap may be complete (Nissen) or partial (e.g. Toupet), depending on the patient’s condition and surgeon’s assessment.
Most patients experience significant relief from reflux symptoms after surgery and often no longer need long-term medication. However, temporary side effects can occur:
These effects are usually short-term and resolve with time.
Recovery is generally smooth and quick:
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I am a specialist bariatric and general surgeon based in Campbelltown, NSW.
I specialise in procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gallbladder and hernia surgery, anti-reflux operations, and endoscopic diagnostics.
My surgical training spans New Zealand and Sydney, and I also serve as a senior lecturer at Western Sydney University.
I provide patient-centred care across both public and private hospitals using a multidisciplinary approach.
Bariatric & General Surgeon
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Read moreI am a specialist bariatric and general surgeon based in Campbelltown, NSW.
I specialise in procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gallbladder and hernia surgery, anti-reflux operations, and endoscopic diagnostics.
My surgical training spans New Zealand and Sydney, and I also serve as a senior lecturer at Western Sydney University.
I provide patient-centred care across both public and private hospitals using a multidisciplinary approach.
Bariatric & General Surgeon
Dr Ali Zarrouk
Suite 13, 42 Parkside Cres
Campbelltown, NSW 2560
Suite 14
The George Centre
1A – 1B The Hermitage Way,
Gledswood Hills, NSW 2557
02 4625 4745
surgery@southwestsurgery.com.au
Mo-Fr: 9.00 - 17.00
