General Surgery

Although Dr Mackrill is a specialist colorectal surgeon, he is happy to also see patients with general surgical conditions.  He continues to perform general surgical procedures in both emergency situations and as planned operations.

There are many types of hernias and many surgical techniques to fix them, both laparoscopic (keyhole) and open. Dr Mackrill will talk you through which technique he believes would suit you and your hernia the best.

Gallstones are very common though most people with gallstones have no symptoms and do not need their gallbladder removed. Those patients who do get symptoms often get recurrent episodes and, in this situation, the best treatment is surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) via laparoscopy (keyhole). In some cases, gallstones may move from the gallbladder into the bile ducts and cause further problems. When this occurs, often a second procedure by a different specialist is required. Dr Mackrill can remove these bile duct stones during the laparoscopic cholecystectomy using specialist equipment (flexible choledochoscope). This often eliminates the need for open surgery or a second procedure.

There are many surgical conditions which can lead to a presentation to the emergency department: appendicitis, small bowel obstruction, pancreatitis, and diverticulitis to name a few of the more common ones. Though these may not need an operation a stay in hospital may be required and Dr Mackrill can look after you during your stay.