General & Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

Upper gastrointestinal surgeons specialise in benign and malignant conditions that affect the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the stomach and oesophagus. These include surgery for:

• oesophageal and gastric cancer,
• gastro-oesophageal reflux and hiatus hernia,
• oesophageal motility disorders, including achalasia and Zenker’s diverticulum, and
• morbid obesity.

In addition, upper gastrointestinal surgeons also perform upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and some undertake advanced interventional endoscopy procedures such as:

• endoscopic ultrasound (EUS),
• endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for early oesophageal cancer,
• ablation of dysplastic Barrett’s oesophagus,
• endoscopic stents, and
• other advanced laparoscopic procedures.

Our trained general surgeons also manage acute general surgery problems, and more common abdominal surgical problems, such as gallstones and groin and abdominal hernias.

Our qualified and experienced upper gastrointestinal surgeons include:

• Dr George Balalis (Calvary Adelaide Hospital, 480 Specialist Centre)
• Associate Professor Justin Bessell (Calvary Adelaide Hospital)
• Dr Tim Bright (visiting specialist)
• Professor David Watson (Flinders Private and Tennyson Centre)