Beyond the Scalpel: Local Surgical Care That Puts Patients First

IN a quiet consulting room in the local medical clinic, a conversation often begins with a patient describing their pain, discomfort, health challenges, or fears about a diagnosis. Across the desk, Douraid Abbas listens, not just as a surgeon, but as someone who understands the courage it takes to ask for help.

“I see people who are not just facing physical illness, but the emotional toll of waiting, worrying, and not knowing,” he said.

“It’s my job to guide them through it with skill and with care.”

At WestVic Surgical, patients are now benefiting from local and faster access to essential procedures such as colonoscopy and gastroscopy, skin cancer excisions, hernia repair, and even complex operations like thyroid or weight loss surgery.

The results? Fewer delays, earlier diagnoses, less travel, aiming for quicker returns to normal life.

“Many of our patients come in anxious,” said the clinic team, “often having waited weeks or months elsewhere.

“But once they realise they can be seen, treated, and followed up close to home, the relief is palpable. We’re part of this community, and our local presence ensures we are here to support patients in their healing journey locally.”

Minimally invasive options, such as laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery for gallbladder and hernia repairs, mean shorter hospital stays and less disruption to daily life.

For those with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms, endoscopy procedures offer not only answers but peace of mind — often within days, not months.

Australia’s high incidence of skin cancers like melanoma, BCC, and SCC demands expert care which is also offered by Mr Abbas with his precise surgical incisions and treatment of the person as a whole- not just the condition.

“Surgery can be a turning point,” Mr Abbas says. “It’s not just about what we remove, but how we help people feel safe, understood, and empowered.”

This means taking the time to listen, reducing anxiety through clear communication, and working closely with patients to support their overall resilience and recovery.

In a country where two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer by age 70, and bowel cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death, access to early diagnosis and skilled intervention isn’t just ideal — it’s urgent.

Mr Abbas is a local General, Endoscopic and Bariatric Surgeon servicing regional Victoria, consulting in Ballarat, Bendigo, Bacchus March, Caroline Springs, Melton, Werribee and Whyndham.

Call (03) 4706 1785 or email [email protected].

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