General Surgery

Torbay Hospital
Lowes Bridge
Torquay TQ2 7AA

Tel: 0300 456 8000 (local rate) or 01803 614567

Services

General Surgery and Urology provide Inpatient and Outpatient care for emergencies and routine cases. There is a dedicated Day Surgery Unit. Specialist options are available for breast disease, vascular surgery, upper gastro-intestinal disease, colorectal problems and urological disease.

Emergency Service

Emergencies will be admitted through the Surgical Receiving Unit and will be assessed and investigated as appropriate. After initial investigation, sometimes you may be sent home on appropriate treatment, otherwise you will be admitted for treatment or observation.

Outpatient Service

Outpatient services are provided at Torbay Hospital and at a number of peripheral clinics.

Specialist Support

The following support is available: Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Social Work, Breast Care, Stoma Therapy, Cancer Support Team.

Colorectal Surgery

The unit has a particular interest in colorectal disease encompassing functional, inflammatory and malignant disease. Specialised operative techniques for rectal cancer, Crohns Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, anal sphincter, prolapse and pelvic floor problems are provided. Fast-track rectal bleeding clinics with immediate flexible sigmoidoscopy and treatment are available at Torbay. A further major activity is provision of endoscopic services, both colonoscopy and gastroscopy. The unit also has interests in laparoscopic surgery, including cholecystectomy and inguinal hernia repair. We Have regular clinics at Paignton and Teignmouth Hospitals.

Upper GI Surgery

The unit provides outpatient consultation, endoscopic examinations and the full range of gastro-intestinal surgery, both open and laparoscopically, particularly cholecystectomy, apart from specialist hepatic procedures.

Vascular Service

A specialist Vascular Service is provided under the direction of the General Surgeons with a special interest. The service has access to specialist investigative and invasive radiological services at the District General Hospital. The vascular service includes:

• Operative Inpatient work. A comprehensive range of aortic operations including aorto bi-femoral and aortic aneurysm grafting.
• The full range of peripheral vascular work.
• In addition to operative inpatient work, the service provides non-operative inpatient work comprising investigative procedures and assessment for peripheral vascular disease.

Plastic Surgery

A service is provided in South Devon by visiting consultants from Exeter and Plymouth. The management of this specialty falls under the Head & Neck clinical directorate (with Oral & Facial Surgery and ENT) rather than General Surgery.