General Surgery
Our General Surgery service provides surgical procedures and clinics for elective and emergency general surgery patients.
We see people who require surgical services associated with:
- Breast and endocrine surgery (glands and hormones)
- Hepatobiliary and pancreatic-surgery (pancreas, liver, gallbladder and bile duct)
- Colorectal surgery (intestine, colon, rectum and anus)
- Upper gastrointestinal and thoracic surgery (oesophagus, stomach, lungs and intestines)
- Emergency surgery.
Our services
We offer a range elective and emergency services including:
- laparoscopic surgery (Keyhole surgery)
- trauma surgery
- Hepatobiliary and pancreatic, gastric and colorectal cancer and breast cancer
- endocrine tumours including thyroid cancer.
RBWH My Surgical Pathway
The RBWH My Surgical Pathway guide has been developed to provide you with all the information you need to correctly prepare for your surgery and what you can expect once you go home following surgery.
How to access this service
You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service. Your doctor will need to send your referral letter to the hospital.
If there is a waiting list, you will receive a confirmation letter and be advised on what to do next. If there is no waiting list, you will receive an appointment booking letter or we will contact you to arrange a suitable time for your appointment.
In the case of an emergency, call 000 or visit your local hospital. We will be able to assist you.
Refer a patient
To refer a patient:
General Surgery referral guidelines
GP and Specialist Hotline:
1300 364 938
Health professionals:
More information
After your hospital appointment
Your doctor may advise that you require surgery. If this is the case you will be placed on a surgical waiting list and may need to attend the Pre-admission Clinic before your surgery.
What to bring
- Your Medicare card
- Private health insurance card (if you have one)
- Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
- Current medications (prescription, over the counter and herbal medicine)
- Relevant x-rays, scans or any other test results or reports
- Glasses, hearing and mobility aids
- Your appointment letter
- Any special items listed on your letter
- WorkCover claim number (if relevant)
- Snacks, a drink or money to buy refreshments
- Something to read or do while you wait
- An adult carer to support you and take you home
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney (if you have one)
- A jacket or cardigan in case you get cold
- A dressing gown or cardigan, sleepwear or comfortable day clothes
- Slippers and shoes (low heel, closed-in, non-slip, adjustable and firm fitting around the foot)
- Your toiletries and personal items
- Copy of Advanced Healthcare Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney if you have one
- Something to read or do during your stay
- A smart phone, tablet or laptop, connecting earphones and chargers so you can connect to the free MetroNorth-PatientWiFi and access entertainment. Televisions may not be available for use.
- Medical devices required for your care (e.g. CPAP machine)
- Do not bring large amounts of cash or valuables such as jewellery, watches or other items of value to you
Clinics
Contact us
Centralised Specialist Outpatients Services
Location: Level 1, Dr James Mayne Building
Phone: (07) 3497 3588
Gastroenterology Department
Location: Level 9, Ned Hanlon Building
Phone: (07) 3497 3588
Centre for Breast Health
Location: Level 1, Dr James Mayne Building
Phone: (07) 3497 3588
Need help outside hours?
For non-urgent medical issues call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or visit your GP.
In an emergency call 000.
Refer a patient
To refer your patient, view the General Surgery referral guidelines
GP and Specialist Referral Hotline:
1300 364 938
Health professionals
Five of our surgical units provide general inpatient and outpatient surgical services, and tertiary referrals for:
- Breast, Endocrine and General Surgery
- Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic and General Surgery
- Colorectal and General Surgery
- Upper gastrointestinal and General Surgery
- Acute Surgery