Dr Kevin Chan

Total Upper GI Surgery, together with & Lexington Medical had the pleasure of hosting an evening with some of Brisbane’s best General Practitioners at . & facilitated education sessions on reflux disease, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery, which will assist GP’s in discussions with their patients. Thank you to our GP colleagues for a wonderful evening and look forward to the next event.

November 20-26th is Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) Awareness Week.

Many people experience acid reflux from time to time. However, when acid reflux happens repeatedly, it can cause GORD. Constant backwash of stomach acid can cause the lining of the oesophagus to change to Barrett’s Oesophagus – which is a precursor to oesophageal cancer.

An awesome couple of days in Sydney thanks to Lexington Medical. Great to catch up with Dr Craig Taylor again, thanks for hosting!

And that’s a wrap! What a great week at the RACS ASC 2022 in Brisbane

It was an honour to convene the Upper GI section of the conference. We had great presentations from ANZ and international guests.

Highlight of the week was definitely the Upper GI / Bariatric dinner at where it was great to catch up with interstate friends and colleagues in person for the first time since the pandemic.

Looking forward to next year’s ASC in Adelaide!

I am honoured to be invited to be a convenor at this years’ Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Annual Scientific Congress

The RACS is the largest annual multi-disciplinary surgical meeting held in Australasia. Over the next four days I’m looking forward to hearing updates from experts and colleagues locally and around the globe on surgical advances in their respective specialties.

Dr Kevin Chan updated their address.

⭕️

Did you know 800 million people around the world are living with obesity? 🌎

Together we advocate for change and tackle the rising levels of childhood and adult obesity, reduce the stigma faced by people living with obesity, and improve systems that contribute to obesity around the world. Now is the time to call for more respect, better care, bold policies and real action.

For more information, visit www.worldobesityday.org

St Vincent’s Priority gives GPs and patients the ability to view available specialist appointment times online, in real-time, and make instant bookings with Dr Kevin. A referral letter can also be sent securely to the practice during the booking process.

Visit www.StVincentsPriority.com.au and click on “Book Now”, or via www.TotalUpperGISurgery.com.au

Please note changes to hospital visitation rules from today.

If you have any questions, please contact our rooms for information and advice on (07) 3350 2533.

In line with further advice from Queensland Health, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside will close to visitors from Tuesday 29 June and will remain closed to visitors until further notice.

These changes in hospital visitation rules are in response to the recently announced cases in Brisbane.

We understand this may cause some disappointment, but the safety of our patients, hospital staff and community is our highest priority.

Only hospital staff, doctors, patients and persons with medical appointments will be allowed access to the hospital at this point in time.

Please stay informed and visit the hospital website for more information: www.svphn.org.au

Masks are back and required to be worn by all staff and hospital visitors.

Dr Kevin is still consulting and operating, but please note the visitor restrictions in place.

If you have any questions, please contact our rooms for further information or advice on (07) 3350 2533.

In line with advice from Queensland Health, face masks have been reintroduced at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside today.

This means if you are planning a visit to the hospital, then you will need to wear a face mask at all times for the duration of your visit.

It’s also important to note, you cannot visit the hospital, if:
🚫 You are unwell
🚫 You have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or asked to quarantine
🚫 You have returned from overseas in the last 14 days (excluding safe travel zone countries)
🚫 You have had contact with a person with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
🚫 You have visited a COVID-19 hotspot in the last 14 days or since the hotspot was declared (whichever is shorter)
🚫 You have visited an interstate exposure venue in the last 14 days unless an exemption has been granted for an end of life visit
🚫 You have been in an interstate area of concern in the last 14 days or since the identified start date (whichever is shorter), unless you have received a negative COVID-19 test since entering Queensland
🚫 You have been tested for COVID-19 and are waiting to receive the results (except for tests due to surveillance testing obligations)
🚫 You have COVID-19 symptoms of fever (37.5 degrees or more), cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, runny nose, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting or fatigue

You can find more information about the hospital visitation rules and visiting hours here: www.svphn.org.au/important-information-about-novel-coronavirus-covid-19

Please always check the hospital website for the latest hospital visitation rules and visiting hours, before leaving home.

We appreciate your support and cooperation 🙏

Have you ever wondered how we divide tissue during surgery? These clever stapling devices have been designed to do exactly that.

Surgical staplers are specially designed to compress and seal tissue with staggered rows of surgical staples. The staples come in different sizes to account for the differences in tissue thickness. These devices are equipped with a cutting blade that can then divide the stapled tissue creating two clean and sealed surgical edges.

The staplers used in gastrointestinal surgery are made of titanium which creates less of a reaction with the immune system. They stay inside the body indefinitely after a surgical procedure.

Titanium is not affected by the magnetic field of MRI and be safely used with MRI scanners. Metal detectors detect the magnetic field that a metal produces and titanium, being non-ferrous has an extremely low magnetic field and as such, will not set off the airport metal detectors.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Easter long weekend 🐣🐰

Please note our consulting rooms will be closed from 5pm Thursday 1st April until 9am Tuesday 6th April.

If you are an existing patient, and you have an urgent query please call our answering service on 07 3833 4359.

If you are a new patient, please email [email protected] and we will be in contact with you once we reopen.

Here’s an update about changes to hospital visitation rules at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside.

Dr Kevin is still consulting and operating, but please note the visitor restrictions in place.

If you have any questions, please contact our rooms for further information or advice on (07) 3350 2533.

We have introduced changes to hospital visitation rules at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside. These changes were effective from 12pm Saturday 13 March and will remain in place until further notice.

Visitors are restricted to St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside. All non-essential visits are not permitted at this time.

This change in hospital visitation rules is in line with advice from Queensland Health and is a safeguard to help protect the safety of patients, hospital staff and doctors.

If your loved one is a patient at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside, we encourage you to stay connected and communicate with them via telephone or electronic device.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and proactively respond to any new developments.

We thank you for your support and understanding at this time.

Please stay informed and visit the hospital website for more information: www.svphn.org.au

Happy International Women’s Day! A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

Today is World Obesity Day.

Obesity is a disease that affects more people than most of us realise, and we need the support of everybody to change this.

Together we can create a healthier future and happier, longer lives for everybody.

www.worldobesityday.org

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is common after a sleeve gastrectomy and has been reported in up to 20% of patients (1 in 5 people). There are many reasons why this can occur but the main reason is due to the increased pressure in the “sleeved” stomach which leads to gastric contents being pushed back upwards. Surgery can also lead to the development of a hiatus hernia due to disruption of the attachments of the oesophagus to the diaphragm which further increases the risk of reflux.

This patient previously underwent a sleeve gastrectomy. She had mild pre-existing reflux symptoms which worsened after surgery. Endoscopy showed a 4cm hiatus hernia and a CT scan showed herniation of the top part of her stomach (with staples) in the chest.

She underwent revisional surgery to reduce the stomach into the abdomen and the hiatus hernia was repaired. Her sleeve gastrectomy was converted to a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass with complete resolution of her reflux symptoms at early follow-up.

Make an appointment with Dr Kevin by calling (07) 3350 2533 or clicking on the Contact button in the bio.

*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.

Our Springfield consulting rooms are up and running! Dr Kevin is looking forward to treating patients of the Greater Springfield region. New patient referrals for upper GI, bariatric or general surgery are welcome.

Make an appointment with Dr Kevin by calling (07) 3350 2533 or clicking on the Contact button in the bio.

Effective today, St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside will open to visitors in line with Queensland Health advice.

From Friday 22 January, up to four (4) visitors may see a patient in hospital at any one time, for any length of time, within visiting hours.

Visiting hours are from 10:00am – 7:00pm seven days a week.

We hope this comes as welcomed news to our patients and their loved ones.

Anyone visiting the hospital will need to complete the visitor screening process. This involves completing an online form and passing a temperature check. We recommend visitors arrive earlier than planned to allow time to complete this process.

We recommend you always check the hospital website for the latest information prior to leaving home as well: www.svphn.org.au

Happy New Year! Here’s to a happy, healthy and safe 2021.

Wishing everyone a safe and Merry Christmas🎄

Our consulting rooms are closed until 4th January 2021.

If you have an urgent query and you are an exisiting patient, please call our answering service on 07 3833 4359.

If you are a new patient, please email [email protected] and we will be in contact with you in the new year.

For any emergencies, please contact your local emergency department or GP.

Take a 2 minute silence as part of Remembrance Day to remember those who lost their lives in conflict.

Springfield Rooms - Coming Soon in October 2020

We will soon be expanding our consulting rooms to the Greater Springfield Specialist Suites, Springfield. More information to come!

Today is "R U OK?” day and it's a day that carries much more meaning this year than in previous years. It’s a reminder to start a conversation that could change or save a life today, tomorrow and any day it’s needed.

Learn what to say after “R U OK?” so you can keep the conversation going when someone says they are not OK. Visit www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Other resources for help:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Mensline ‪1300 789 978‬
Kids Helpline ‪1800 551 800‬
beyondblue ‪1300 224 636‬

What’s a Hiatus Hernia?

A hiatus hernia is where part or all of the stomach migrates from its normal position in the abdominal cavity, into the chest.

Symptoms that people complain of include:
• Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
• GORD / regurgitation
• Breathing problems
• Gastrointestinal bleeding

Occasionally, patients can present where the stomach has twisted or folded on itself (gastric volvulus) and this is a surgical emergency. This patient presented with a gastric volvulus. Her stomach had folded on itself and she required a nasogastric tube to decompress her stomach. She then proceeded to a laparoscopic (keyhole) hiatus hernia repair. At the time of surgery, 60% of her stomach had migrated up into her chest. This was reduced into the abdomen, the hernia was closed and a fundoplication was performed. She was discharged home on day 2 tolerating a soft diet.

Make an appointment with Dr Kevin by calling (07) 3350 2533 or clicking on the Contact button in the bio.

*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.⁠ @ Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

This week is National Diabetes Week (12-18 July). Early detection of diabetes could save your life. Did you know that obesity accounts for 80-85% of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes? The Australian Diabetes Society endorses bariatric (weight loss) surgery as a treatment option for individuals with diabetes.

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective weight loss intervention in individuals with obesity. Not all individuals are suitable for weight loss surgery, especially if they have multiple and advanced complications.

If you are considering bariatric surgery, discuss with your GP and make an appointment with Dr Kevin by calling (07) 3350 2533 or clicking on the Contact button in the bio. @ Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Sleeve gastrectomy is a commonly performed weight loss operation. It is highly effective for weight loss but there are unfortunately some side effects that can occur in the long term. Eg:

• Reflux / Regurgitation
• Weight regain
• Difficulty swallowing
• Vomiting / Nausea
• Gallstones
• Malnutrition
• Incisional hernia

If you have questions regarding obesity surgery or if you have problems related to your sleeve gastrectomy, make an appointment with Dr Kevin by calling (07) 3350 2533 or clicking on the Contact button in the bio.

*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.⁠ @ Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Did you know...
• Men on average live 5 years less than women
• Men are more likely to die from heart disease and diabetes at earlier age
• 95% of men don’t eat sufficient serves of fruit and vegetables
• Almost 60% of men don’t engage in sufficient physical activity
• Almost 70% of men are overweight or obese
• Almost 50% of men have had a mental health condition
• 60% of men don’t discuss their health and lifestyle issues with their doctor

**Remember to look after your mental and physical health.**

Periodic health assessments should include:
🩺 Height and weight checks
🩺 Vision, hearing and dental exams
🩺 Blood tests for diabetes, thyroid disease, liver problems and anaemia�🩺 Screening for coronary heart disease

Gallstones (cholelithiasis) form in the gallbladder when there is an imbalance cholesterol, bilirubin, calcium and bile salts in the bile. It is a common condition which can lead to a variety of medical problems.

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, burping, diarrhoea, indigestion and dark urine. When there is inflammation or infection in the gallbladder (acute cholecystitis), you may experience intense pain, fevers, chills and a loss of appetite.

Gallstones can also lead to pancreatitis and obstruction of the bile duct. People who experience symptoms from their gallstones usually require surgery.

If you have problems related to gallstones or if you have questions regarding gall bladder surgery, make an appointment with Dr Kevin by calling (07) 3350 2533 or clicking on the Contact button in the bio.

*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.⁠
@ Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

June is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month. Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world. Around 17,000 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer each year. Bowel cancer claims the lives of 103 Australians every week.

One of the risk factors associated with bowel cancer is obesity. People who are obese are more likely (~30%) to develop bowel cancer than normal-weight people.

To help prevent bowel cancer as well as other cancers linked to obesity:

🍎Eat a healthy high-fibre diet
🍎Engage in regular physical activity
🍎Reduce consumption of red and processed meat
🍎Quit smoking
🍎Maintain a healthy body weight
🍎Drink alcohol in moderation
🍎Know your family history @ Brisbane, Queensland, Australia