General Surgery

Dr Saam Tourani General Surgeon Melbourne, gall bladder surgery, hernia surgery, haemorrhoid surgery, carpal tunnel surgery

Welcome to Dr Saam Tourani’s general surgery page. While I am subspecialised in breast and endocrine surgery, I am still deeply committed to and enjoy all aspects of general surgery. I find great satisfaction in addressing a wide range of surgical conditions, and I value the synergies between general surgery and my subspecialty work. My continued practice of general surgery enhances my manual dexterity, precision, and overall surgical skill, allowing me to deliver the best care possible across disciplines. 

General Surgery Services

Gallbladder Surgery (Cholecystectomy)

Gallbladder surgery is a common procedure to treat conditions such as gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis). Minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard of care ensuring a quicker recovery and minimal discomfort for my patients. Patients generally stay one night in the hospital and can resume work within a week. I advise them to avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks following the procedure.

Useful links:

  1. https://www.explainmyprocedure.com/procedure/laparoscopic-cholecystectomy-english/

  2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cholecystectomy

Appendicectomy

Appendicectomy is the removal of the appendix, often performed in emergency situations for appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendicectomy is the standard of care, however conversion to open surgery may occasionally be needed in complicated cases.  Patients generally stay one night in the hospital and can resume work within a week unless they present with perforated appendicitis in which case a few days of IV antibiotic treatment in the hospital may be required. Heavy lifting should be limited for 6 weeks following the surgery.

Useful links:

  1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/appendicectomy

Hernia Repair

I treat various types of hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, epigastric and incisional hernias. Depending on the case, I offer open or laparoscopic hernia repair to restore function and relieve discomfort. Patients generally stay one night in the hospital and can resume work within a week. Following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, I recommend wearing snug-fitting underwear to reduce scrotal swelling and bruising. For incisional or umbilical hernia repairs, an abdominal binder may be recommended to provide support and aid in recovery. I advise them to avoid heavy lifting for six weeks following the procedure.

Useful links:

  1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/laparoscopic-inguinal-hernia-repair-tep

  2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/laparoscopic-incisional-hernia-repair

  3. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/epigastric-hernia-repair-adult

  4. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/femoral-hernia-repair

  5. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/open-inguinal-hernia-repair-male

  6. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/open-incisional-hernia-repair

  7. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/open-inguinal-hernia-repair-female

  8. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/paraumbilical-and-umbilical-hernia-repair

Haemorrhoids and Anal Fistulas

Haemorrhoids are a very common condition, affecting a significant portion of the population. They can be classified as internal or external, depending on their location relative to the anal canal. Internal haemorrhoids often present with painless bleeding or a feeling of prolapse, while external haemorrhoids can cause discomfort, swelling or concern with hygiene or cosmesis.

I offer a range of minimally invasive treatments tailored to each patient’s condition, including rubber band ligation for internal haemorrhoids and radiofrequency ablation to address symptomatic haemorrhoids effectively. I reserve surgical haemorrhoidectomy for more severe cases. My approach focuses on providing relief while minimizing recovery time and ensuring the best possible outcomes.

Anal fistulas, on the other hand, are abnormal connections between the anal canal and the surrounding skin. They are often associated with conditions such as abscesses or Crohn’s disease. Treating anal fistulas requires a detailed understanding of the intricate anatomy of the anal region to ensure the best results while preserving continence. I provide advanced procedures such as the Ligation of Intersphincteric Fistula Tract (LIFT), a technique designed to treat fistulas effectively with minimal impact on sphincter function. My goal is to deliver tailored care that addresses the complexity of each case while ensuring optimal recovery and outcomes.

Useful links:

  1. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/surgery/injection-or-banding-of-haemorrhoids

  2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/haemorrhoidectomy

Venous Access Ports (Infusaports) Insertion

For patients requiring long-term intravenous access, such as for chemotherapy, I am often asked to insert central venous access ports (Infusaports). These devices are placed with precision to ensure both comfort and reliability for ongoing treatments.

Useful links:

  1. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/your-implanted-port