GENERAL SURGERY

General Surgery

James is a Queensland trained and FRACS qualified General Surgeon. He is an experienced laparoscopic surgeon and he has a keen interest a wide variety of general surgical conditions. James regularly attends conferences and clinical immersions to ensure his practice and procedural skills are in line with current methodology.

Common conditions that he sees include: gallstones, hernias, skin cancers, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and hiatus hernias.

Hernia Surgery, including inguinal / femoral / umbilical / epigastric / incisional / ventral
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy – for the treatment of gallstones
Skin cancer surgery
Endoscopy
Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
Anit-reflux surgery for the treatment of GORD
Hiatal hernia repair
Gastric surgery for cancer (eg adenocarcinoma, GISTs)
Oesophageal myotome for the treatment of achalasia

In order to receive a Medicare rebate for your consultation, you will require a referral from your General Practitioner or Specialist.

Our friendly and modern consulting suites are located on the ground floor of SCUPH. We aim to provide a warm and welcoming environment to help you fell at ease during your appointment and throughout your care.

During your consultation with James he will consider your medical condition as well as your individual circumstances in recommending a treatment plan. He will discuss surgical and non-operative options, as well as detailing the benefits and risks of surgery. If any further investigations such as blood tests, ultrasounds or CT scans are required before surgery, we can assist by providing a referral.

Our friendly team can be contacted on 07 5408 8721 to assist you with any queries you may have or to assist in scheduling an appointment to meet with James.

Your first visit

During your initial consultation, Dr Askew will examine the area of concern and ask a number of questions and review any X-rays or other test results that you have.

Next Dr Askew will give you his opinion and recommendations. In some cases, you will be reassured and no further investigation or treatment will be required. In other cases, there will be some tests, and in others, the next step will be a biopsy, an operation, or other treatment. You will have the opportunity to ask questions to be sure you understand your treatment plan.

If an operation is needed, Dr Askew will explain the specific procedure, help you understand what it involves, and explain the risks and benefits. Please feel free to ask as many questions as you like. You will also be given a specific breakdown of any out of pocket costs involved by our helpful staff.

On your first visit please remember to bring the following

Medical Information:

Referral Letter (GP, Doctor or Physio)
X Rays, MRI or CT scans
Medical and Family History
Copies of Pathology Reports
List of current medications
Allergies to pharmaceuticals or other
Relevant Journal, Exercise or Travel Plans

Personal Information:

Completed Patient Information Form (emailed to you after booking your initial consultation)
Medicare card, DVA card, pension card
Private Hospital Insurance details
If work related – your worker’s compensation claim number, case manager’s details, copy of acceptance of claim.

Further Information on some General Surgical Procedures: