Andrew Bowker - Laparoscopic Surgeon

Private Service, General Surgery

Description

Andrew Bowker was involved in general surgical laparoscopy from the outset and his early experience with laparoscopic gallbladder removal led to pioneering work with hernia repair and anti-reflux surgery.

He has trained many of his New Zealand colleagues on hernia repair and runs teaching courses allied to his busy fulltime private practice. He has presented his laparoscopic experience at conferences locally and internationally. Read more about Mr Bowker here

Andrew's surgical practice now focuses on hernia procedures:

Laparoscopic/Open Hernia Repair (inguinal, incisional, umbilical epigastric, Spigellian hernias)

What is Laparoscopic Surgery?

Laparoscopic (or keyhole) surgical procedures are performed in the abdomen through several small incisions (cuts), usually only 5-10mm long, rather than through one large incision.

The laparoscope is a long narrow instrument which has a light source and tiny camera attached. It is inserted through one of the incisions so that the surgeon can view the inside of the body on a video monitor.

The surgeon then passes specially designed surgical instruments through the other incisions and carries out the procedure using the monitor to guide the instruments.

Laparoscopic surgery is usually associated with less blood loss, less pain and less scarring, compared to open surgery. In most cases, time spent in hospital and the overall recovery time from the operation are reduced.

Staff

Andrew's Personal Assistant is Robyn Cliffe. She has looked after Andrew's practice for many years and and is well versed in guiding patients through the process of arranging appointments, surgery and followup.

Consultants

Mr Andrew Bowker

General and Laparoscopic Surgeon

Referral Expectations

It is usual for you to be referred by your general practitioner, though, increasingly, patients make direct contact with the practice having searched the website. If this is the case, Andrew will write to your Family Doctor to keep him/her in the loop. He will ask questions about your condition and examine you. Further investigations (blood tests, x-rays, endoscopy) may be requested. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment will be discussed. If surgery is indicated, you can expect a full explanation of what is involved and a quote/estimate of costs will be provided.

Both consultation and surgery will take place at Laparoscopy Auckland.

Charges

Andrew Bowker is a Southern Cross Affiliated Provider for general surgery (gall bladder, hernia) services.

General surgery (gall bladder, hernia)

- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy with an intraoperative cholangiogram
- Laparoscopic repair of inguinal/femoral hernia
- Laparoscopic repair of incisional hernia
- Open cholecystectomy
- Open repair of incisional hernia
- Open repair of umbilical/epigastric hernia
- Open repair of inguinal/femoral hernia

Skin cancer diagnosis & surgery

- Skin lesion removal under general anaesthesia, with another procedure

Procedures / Treatments

Hernias

A hernia exists where part of the abdominal wall is weakened and the contents of the abdomen push through to the outside, forming a swelling or bulge. Common sites are in the groin (inguinal hernia), at the umbilicus or belly button (umbilical or para-umbilical hernia), the upper abdominal midline above… More

Public Transport

The Auckland Transport Journey Planner will help you to plan your journey.

Parking

Parking is available for patients and visitors in the front carpark and on Gillies Ave. Be aware that there restrictions regarding parking on Gillies Ave early in the morning and later in the afternoon.