Our Procedures
What Is a General Surgeon?
A general surgeon is a medical specialist trained to diagnose, manage, and surgically treat a broad range of diseases affecting many parts of the body. Despite the name, the field demands highly specialised skills in operative care, peri-operative management, and critical decision-making.
General surgery focuses primarily on the abdominal organs, the digestive tract, the endocrine system, soft tissues, skin, and hernias. Both elective and emergency surgery fall within the scope of practice, and the general surgeon manages all phases of care, from pre-operative assessment through to post-operative follow-up. Dr Pretorius offers comprehensive general surgical care, covering the full scope of modern general surgery.
Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy in Rooms
Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy are available directly in rooms at Pretoria East Hospital, with no hospital admission required. These procedures allow for direct assessment of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract and can be combined with biopsy or minor therapeutic intervention at the time of examination. This in-room service makes diagnostic endoscopy more accessible and less disruptive for patients across the Pretoria area.
Minimally Invasive Haemorrhoid Clinic
A dedicated minimally invasive haemorrhoid clinic is available for patients experiencing haemorrhoidal symptoms. Treatment is carried out using the latest techniques, with the aim of reducing discomfort and recovery time. Each patient is carefully assessed, with management tailored to the nature and severity of their condition.
Procedures we offer
Head & Neck Surgery
Surgical management of the thyroid, parathyroid, and neck structures, including both benign and malignant conditions.
Common Conditions
- Thyroid nodules
- Goitre
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid cancer
- Parathyroid adenoma
- Lymphadenopathy
- Neck cysts (thyroglossal, branchial)
- Abscesses
Common Operations
- Thyroidectomy (partial or total)
- Parathyroidectomy
- Excision of neck masses
- Lymph node biopsy
- Drainage of abscesses
Upper Gastrointestinal (Upper GI) Surgery
Surgery of the oesophagus, stomach, gallbladder, liver, and pancreas. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones and gallbladder disease is one of the most commonly performed procedures.
Common Conditions
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Hiatal hernia
- Oesophageal cancer
- Gastric ulcers
- Gastric cancer
- Gallstones (cholelithiasis)
- Cholecystitis
- Pancreatitis (surgical cases)
- Pancreatic tumours
- Liver cysts and tumours
Common Operations
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
- Fundoplication (anti-reflux surgery)
- Gastrectomy (partial or total)
- Oesophagectomy
- Feeding tube insertion (PEG)
Lower Gastrointestinal (Lower GI) Surgery
Management of conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus, from colorectal cancer to anorectal disease. Both emergency and elective procedures are performed.
Common Conditions
- Appendicitis
- Colorectal cancer
- Diverticular disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (surgical cases)
- Intestinal obstruction
- Perforated bowel
- Haemorrhoids
- Anal fissures
- Fistula-in-ano
- Rectal prolapse
Common Operations
- Appendectomy
- Colectomy
- Colostomy or ileostomy creation
- Haemorrhoidectomy
- Fistulotomy or seton placement
- Lateral internal sphincterotomy
- Bowel resection
- Adhesiolysis
- Repair of bowel perforation
Hernia Surgery
Dr Pretorius has a particular interest in hernia surgery, offering both open and laparoscopic repair for the full range of hernia types. Complex abdominal wall reconstruction is available for large or recurrent cases.
Common Conditions
- Inguinal hernia
- Femoral hernia
- Umbilical hernia
- Incisional hernia
- Epigastric hernia
- Hiatal hernia
Common Operations
- Open hernia repair
- Laparoscopic hernia repair
- Mesh hernioplasty
- Complex abdominal wall reconstruction
Endocrine Surgery
Surgical treatment of hormone-producing glands, including the thyroid, parathyroid, and adrenal glands. These conditions are often identified through routine blood tests or imaging and require careful surgical and medical coordination.
Common Conditions
- Thyroid nodules
- Thyroid cancer
- Hyperthyroidism
- Goitre
- Parathyroid adenoma
- Adrenal pathology and tumours
Common Operations
- Thyroidectomy
- Parathyroidectomy
- Adrenalectomy
Breast Surgery
Breast surgery is a core component of general surgery. The practice manages both benign and malignant breast conditions, with a focus on accurate diagnosis, clear communication, and appropriate surgical intervention.
Common Conditions
Benign Breast Conditions
- Fibroadenoma
- Breast cysts
- Fibrocystic breast disease
- Mastitis
- Breast abscess
- Duct ectasia
- Gynaecomastia (in males)
- Fat necrosis
Malignant Conditions
- Breast cancer (invasive and non-invasive types)
- Paget disease of the breast
- Locally advanced breast tumours
Common Operations
Diagnostic Procedures
- Core needle biopsy
- Excisional biopsy
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
Breast-Conserving Surgery
- Lumpectomy (wide local excision)
- Segmental mastectomy
Major Breast Operations
- Simple mastectomy
- Modified radical mastectomy
Lymph Node Procedures
- Sentinel node biopsy
- Axillary lymph node dissection
Procedures for Benign Disease
- Fibroadenoma excision
- Abscess drainage
- Duct excision
Vascular Surgery
Long-term venous access procedures for patients undergoing chemotherapy or haemodialysis are coordinated with the referring oncologist, haematologist, or nephrologist.
Common Operations
- Chemoport insertion
- Haemodialysis line insertions
Common General Surgical Procedures
In addition to the above categories, a range of general surgical procedures is routinely performed.
Emergency Procedures
- Exploratory laparotomy
- Trauma surgery
- Abscess drainage
- Control of bleeding
Soft Tissue Procedures
- Skin lesion excision
- Lipoma removal
- Cyst removal
- Debridement of wounds
Diagnostic Procedures
- Biopsies (breast, lymph node, soft tissue)
- Endoscopy
Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Laparoscopic surgeries
- Diagnostic laparoscopy
To discuss any of the above or to arrange a consultation with Dr Pretorius, General Surgeon in Moreleta Park, please contact the practice.
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