Pancreatic

In the case of chronic pancreatitis, Dr Govender may recommend an endoscopic procedure in which a narrow tube (known as an endoscope) is guided down your throat. The endoscope allows Dr Govender to remove pancreatic stones, as well as improve flow and repair any leaks. In some cases, however, surgery is necessary in order to remove part of the pancreas, or to unblock the pancreatic duct. 

Adrenal

Laparoscopic removal of the adrenal glands may be recommended in the case of increased hormone production, most often caused by a tumour. During the procedure, small incisions are made, through which one or both of the adrenal glands are removed. When one gland is removed, the procedure is known as a unilateral adrenalectomy. When two adrenal glands are removed, it is known as a bilateral adrenalectomy.

During the procedure, the adrenal glands are removed from the surrounding tissue and blood vessels before the blood vessels are tied to prevent bleeding. The adrenal glands are then removed through very small incisions in the body.  

Nephrectomy

A nephrectomy is a procedure in which the kidney is removed. The procedure is often recommended in cases of kidney cancer, although it may also be performed for the treatment of kidney diseases and injuries. During a partial nephrectomy, only the damaged or diseased area of the kidney is removed. During a radical nephrectomy, however, the entire kidney including the ureter, adrenal gland, and surrounding fatty tissue is removed. In some cases, both kidneys may need to be removed in a procedure known as a bilateral nephrectomy.

Dr Govender performs the nephrectomy procedure with the use of laparoscopic techniques. During the surgery, he will insert a laparoscope through tiny incisions in the abdomen. This allows him to view the inside of the abdominal cavity and remove the kidney through tiny incisions.