Peritonitis

Peritonitis is a life-threatening condition and requires urgent medical attention. Find out more about peritonitis.

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Femoral hernia repair

A femoral hernia is when a lump develops in the hole in the wall of your abdomen where the femoral artery and vein pass from your abdomen into your leg. Surgery will relieve the hernia and complications that may happen if it is not treated.

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Open incisional hernia repair

If you have an operation on your abdomen which is closed with stitches, but where the wound does not heal properly, the contents of your abdomen may push through, causing a lump called a hernia.

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Laparotomy

A laparotomy is an operation that allows surgeons to examine the inside of your abdomen and the internal organs. Find out why it might be needed.

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Inguinal hernia

If you have an inguinal hernia, there is a weakness in the muscles at the lower part of your abdomen. Find more about inguinal hernia.

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Epigastric hernia repair (adult)

An epigastric hernia is where fat pushes out through a weakness in the wall of your abdomen. Surgery can be performed to rectify the condition.

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Abdominoplasty (Tummy tuck)

Abdominoplasty (also called a 'tummy tuck') is cosmetic surgery to alter the shape of the abdomen. Learn about the procedure and the questions to ask.

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Chest injuries

Chest injury is any injury to the chest area, between the neck and the abdomen. Learn about the signs of injury and treatments.

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Hernias

A hernia occurs when tissues or organs bulge through a weak point in the wall of the abdomen (belly muscles). Here is information about hernia symptoms and treatment.

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Inguinal hernia repair (child)

An inguinal hernia is a common condition. It is caused by the contents of the abdomen pushing down towards the scrotum or labia. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

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Paraumbilical and umbilical hernia repair

Paraumbilical and umbilical hernias are lumps caused by the contents of the abdomen pushing the around the belly button (umbilicus). Surgery may be needed to prevent complications from a hernia.

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Hiatus hernia

In a hiatus hernia, a part of the stomach pushes up through a hole in the diaphragm, which is the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. Find out more about hiatus hernia.

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Bloating

Bloating – feeling that you have a swollen tummy – is common, but if you feel bloated regularly, you should see your doctor. Learn more about the causes here.

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Cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal)

A cholecystectomy is surgery to remove the gallbladder, and is usually done using keyhole surgery. Find out how and why this operation is performed.

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Laparoscopic incisional hernia repair

An incisional hernia is a weakness in your abdominal wall, which happens when previous wounds do not heal properly. If left untreated, an incisional hernia can cause serious complications.

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Appendicitis

Learn about appendicitis, an inflammation of the appendix, including possible causes, common symptoms and the main treatment options.

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Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain, stomach cramps or sharp gut pain can have many causes. Learn about them and their treatment as well as when to see a doctor.

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Aortic aneurysm

An aneurysm is a bulge or weakness in a blood vessel. Small aortic aneurysms don’t need to be treated, but larger ones will need surgery in case they burst.

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Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TAPP)

An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

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Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (TEP)

An inguinal hernia is a common condition caused by a weakness in your abdominal wall, near the inguinal canal. If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause serious complications.

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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Gallstones are a common problem. An operation to remove your gallbladder should result in you being free of pain and able to eat a normal diet.

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Underlying causes of abdominal pain

Abdominal pain has many causes, and may be short-term, long-term or a pain that comes and goes. Sudden and severe abdominal pain is a medical emergency.

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Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation)

Cholecystitis is an inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones. It can be very painful and usually needs prompt treatment. Learn more here.

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Laparoscopy

A laparoscopy is a type of keyhole surgery performed in the abdominal (belly) area. Learn more about when and why a laparoscopy is used.

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Hemicolectomy

A hemicolectomy is an operation where a section of the large intestine is removed. It is usually done to treat a condition such as bowel cancer.

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Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumour caused by exposure to asbestos, maybe decades ago. Australia has one of the world’s highest rates of mesothelioma.

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Colostomy

A colostomy is surgery to bring part of the colon to the surface of the body to form an opening. Waste is collected using a bag called a stoma pouch.

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Laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy

Subtotal hysterectomies are operations to remove part of the uterus (womb). Usually a subtotal hysterectomy is carried out to help with heavy or painful periods, and fibroids.

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Pancreatitis symptoms

The symptoms of acute pancreatitis can be similar to symptoms of other medical emergencies such as heart attack. If you or someone in your care has these symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.

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PEG tube placement

A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube may be inserted to supply food direct to the stomach if a person cannot eat enough food.

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