About us

The Upper GI Surgical Unit performs general abdominal surgery and specialises in treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous diseases of the oesophagus, stomach, and small bowel.

We also perform weight loss surgery (or bariatric surgery).

Our team are experts in 'keyhole' (or laparoscopic) surgery and endoscopic techniques.

Our team is well supported by dietitians, pharmacists, psychologists, physiotherapists and our liaison nurse co-ordinator, who is also a key person in ensuring a smooth journey from referral to outpatient appointment to surgery.

Our services

We perform surgery for:

• Abdominal hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral)
• Achalasia
• Barrett Esophagus
• Gallstone disease
• Gastric cancer
• Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
• Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST)
• Hiatal hernia
• Oesophageal cancer
• Oesophageal diverticulum
• Small bowel tumours
• Weight loss surgery

Our clinics

We run the following clinics:

• Bariatiric Surgery Clinic
• Upper GI Clinic

Head of Unit

Mr Ahmad Aly

Related services

• Bowel surgery

  We perform emergency and elective surgery for people with bowel conditions.

• Cancer & wellness

  We provide comprehensive cancer services at the Austin Hospital, Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, and in the community.

• Endoscopy

  We use devices that have a camera on them to look inside your body without performing major surgery.

• Specialist Clinics

  Find our clinic locations. Make, change or cancel an appointment.

Referrals

For patients

You need a referral from your GP, specialist or health care provider to access this service.

For health professionals

Find out how to refer your patient.

For urgent referrals for cancers or suspected cancers of the oesophagus, stomach or small bowel, please contact the Upper GI and Endocrine Surgery Nurse Coordinator, so that management may begin urgently, as well as submitting an electronic referral for Upper GI Cancer.

Linda Watson
Upper GI Nurse Coordinator

Phone: 03 9496 3750

Email: Linda.Watson@austin.org.au

What you need to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid, walking frame

For your clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or Workcover claim number (if relevant)

For your day procedure

• Responsible adult carer to stay with you to hear instructions, help you and take you home
• Comfortable day clothes, such as a tracksuit

Our locations

You may have your surgery at the Austin Hospital or Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.

Check the information you have received to make sure you know which hospital to visit. If you are unsure, call your surgical liaison nurse or contact us on the numbers below.

Austin Hospital

The Surgery & Endoscopy Centre
Level 2, Austin Tower
145 Studley Road Heidelberg

Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital

The Surgery Centre
Level 2, Centaur Building
300 Waterdale Road Ivanhoe

View location map

Contact us

Upper GI Surgery

For clinic appointments

Contact Specialist Clinics

For enquiries about your surgery

Phone: 03 9496 3750

Email: surgicalbookingservices@austin.org.au

Open hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 4.30pm 

Postal address

Upper GI and Bariatric Surgery
Austin Health
PO Box 5555
Heidelberg Victoria 3084