General Surgery

Although Dr Forsyth has a special interest in breast surgery, she is a trained General Surgeon who performs hernia, skin, and soft tissue surgery. She also regularly carries out emergency general surgery operations when she is on call at Prince of Wales Hospital.

Hernia Surgery

Dr Forsyth offers surgical repair of symptomatic inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias.

Hernia surgery is generally performed under a general anaesthetic. Some patients go home the day of surgery, but more commonly you would stay overnight. This depends on the site and size of your hernia. Usually a mesh is used as part of the hernia repair as this strengthens the abdominal wall and reduces the risk of the hernia recurring.

Post operative care

  • Dr Forsyth’s anaesthetist will advise you on what pain relief you will take after the surgery.

  • Some forms of pain medication can constipate you so you will be prescribed a laxative to take to avoid constipation, which can increase your risk of the hernia recurring.

  • You must avoid all heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for 6 weeks after your surgery. This is to minimise the risk of your hernia recurring, which is more likely in this early period after your surgery.

  • Your dressing will be waterproof which means you can shower after the surgery. You should avoid soaking in a bath or swimming until you see Dr Forsyth at your post op appointment. She will give you further advice at this appointment depending on how your wound is healing.  

Skin Lesions

Dr Forsyth offers excision of benign and malignant skin lesions under both local and general anaesthetic. She carries out excisions in the rooms under local anaesthetic in the appropriate setting.

Advice on dressings, activity, and returning to work after the surgery will depend on the site and size of the excision. Dr Forsyth will discuss this with you during your consultation.

Soft Tissue Lesions

Dr Forsyth offers excision of benign soft tissue tumours such as lipomas, and epidermoid / sebaceous cysts. These operations can be performed under local or general anaesthetic depending on the site and size of the mass. Advice on dressings, activity, and returning to work after the surgery is individualised. Dr Forsyth will discuss this with you during your consultation.