Upper Gastrointestinal

Upper GI surgery deals with surgical procedures and management of diseases and conditions affecting the upper part of the digestive system, which includes the esophagus (food pipe), stomach, duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), gallbladder, liver, and pancreas.

Upper GI surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, which allows for smaller incisions, reduced scarring, and faster recovery times.

Dr Pulitano completed two clinical fellowships in complex hepatobiliary surgery and transplantation. He is skilled in treating a wide range of general surgical and hepatobiliary conditions.

A/Prof Carlo Pulitano Profile

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder diseases begin in your gallbladder itself or in the bile ducts. Any infection or blockage in these ducts can back up into your gallbladder. The bile ducts connect your gallbladder with other organs in your digestive system, and it can affect these other organs too.

Liver Disease

Liver diseases encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the liver's function, including infections, genetic disorders, and lifestyle-related issues, some of which can lead to serious complications like cirrhosis and liver failure.

Intra-abdominal Hernias

The principle of hernia repair is to reduce the contents back into the abdominal cavity and close the muscle. There are various techniques for closing the muscle and Dr Pulitano will discuss the options and make recommendations in your instance.

Pancreas Disease

Pancreatic diseases include pancreatitis (inflammation), pancreatic cancer, diabetes mellitus, and pancreatic cysts. These conditions can cause symptoms like abdominal pain, digestive problems, weight loss, and changes in blood sugar levels. Pancreas diseases may be caused by factors such as alcohol use, gallstones, genetics, or autoimmune reactions, and can range from mild to life-threatening.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique where operations are performed through small incisions using a camera and specialised instruments. It involves inserting a laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) into the body, allowing the surgeon to view and operate without large cuts. This method results in smaller scars, less pain, quicker recovery, and shorter hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery.

Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery where surgeons use a robotic system to perform procedures with enhanced precision, flexibility, and control. The surgeon operates the robot from a console, guiding its arms equipped with tiny instruments and a high-definition 3D camera. This technique allows for greater accuracy, smaller incisions, less pain, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgery.