Associate professor Gabby Vasica and Dr Charlotte Kwik reveal how state-of-the-art laparoscopic surgery techniques enhance patient outcomes at Northern Beaches Hospital.
Northern Beaches Hospital continues to lead the way in general and colorectal surgery, offering cutting-edge procedures to transform patient care. Renowned for their minimally invasive approach, the hospital’s surgical team is utilising advanced technology to ensure quicker recovery times, reduced complications, and improved outcomes for patients.
Dr Charlotte Kwik – Battling Bowel Cancer on the Beaches
Bowel cancer, the fourth most diagnosed cancer in Australia, is a major focus for Dr Charlotte Kwik. With one in 20 Australians expected to develop this disease by age 85, early screening is crucial.
Known as the ‘silent disease’, by the time symptoms appear bowel cancer may have progressed to a more advanced stage, and while the average age at diagnosis is 69, it’s on the rise in younger people.
“Bowel cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making screening essential,” Dr. Kwik notes. The government’s recent decision to lower the bowel screening age from 50 to 45 is a significant step forward.
“Unfortunately, I do see cases within this younger age group. Some of these cases are due to GPs staying current with screening guidelines and encouraging their patients to undergo testing.
“As a result, these patients had positive immunochemical faecal occult blood tests and subsequently attended a colonoscopy.
Bowel cancer is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in Australia
“I recommend that everyone over the age of 45 undergo faecal occult blood tests. If you have any concerning symptoms or a family history of bowel issues, it’s crucial to discuss these with your healthcare provider. When diagnosed at an earlier stage, the outcomes are significantly better.”
Dr Kwik also has clinical and research interests in minimally invasive surgical management of both benign and malignant colorectal conditions including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, endometriosis and pelvic floor disorders.
She is particularly sought after by local females in their 30s and 40s, including those presenting with haemorrhoids, fistulas, bleeding and pain.
“A lot of patients come in and mention they’ve had a ‘little bit of bleeding’ and downplay it, but bleeding should be taken seriously and specialist opinion sought for consideration of further investigation,” she adds. You don’t want to overlook the possibility of colorectal cancer.
“The most common procedures I perform are colonoscopies,” says Dr Kwik. “As a minimally invasive colorectal surgeon specializing in laparoscopic techniques, I also carry out local excision procedures for early-stage rectal cancer.”
Dr Kwik also engages in ongoing education and mentorship, contributing to the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand’s training program. Her commitment to both clinical excellence and education underscores Northern Beaches Hospital’s reputation for exceptional care in general and colorectal surgery.
Northern Beaches Hospital’s dedicated team of specialists, supported by the latest medical technologies, continues to make significant strides in the field, solidifying its reputation as a leading hospital for general and colorectal surgery.
Dr Charlotte Kwik, Specialises in Colorectal, General and Laparoscopic Surgery
A/Prof Gabby Vasica Expert in General Surgery
Associate Professor Gabby Vasica is a consultant in General, Laparoscopic, and Breast Surgery at Northern Beaches Hospital with a strong interest in Emergency and Laparoscopic Surgery. Her expertise spans a broad range of procedures, from gallbladder surgery, hernia surgery, bowel resections, benign and malignant breast procedures, skin lesions such as cysts, lipomas, skin cancers, endoscopic procedures such as gastroscopies and colonoscopies and many others.
She tells North Shore Living. “Remaining a general surgeon is unusual in the metropolitan setting, but a deliberate choice as I really enjoy the emergency aspect of general surgery. It is a pleasure to be part of a dynamic team that is capable of handling quite complex patients.”
With a specific interest in hernia repair, particularly due to the active lifestyle of Northern Beaches residents, A/Prof Vasica addresses both new and recurrent hernias.
“Hernias, especially in the groin, are quite common and can escalate into emergencies if left untreated,” she explains. A/Prof Vasica also specialises in complex, multifocal abdominal wall hernias that can occur after multiple surgeries or massive weight loss where there may have been a loss of abdominal wall domain or structure.
These surgeries are essentially an abdominal wall reconstruction, which are complex surgeries. She repairs them both laparoscopically and via open surgery, “Complex abdominal wall reconstructive surgery is a growing and evolving area in surgical care,” she says.
“Many patients have lived with large and cumbersome hernias restricting their activities for many years and have not been aware that there may be repair options.
“These procedures involve care from many teams, including intensive care, surgical geriatricians, physicians and rehabilitation specialists and eventually physiotherapists and dieticians.”
Whilst complex, these surgeries are nevertheless very rewarding in that they have a significant impact on improving patients’ quality of life.
“There is enormous personal and professional satisfaction in seeing patients who previously hobbled into our rooms in pain or with distorted and mis-shaped abdomens wearing a new T-shirt and walking unencumbered with a new lease on life,” adds A/Prof Vasica.
As Deputy Chair of the Australasian Board of General Surgery of RACS and recently completing seven years as Chair of the NSW/ACT Training Board of General Surgery, she is also responsible for all the surgical trainees in NSW, including at Northern Beaches Hospital.
Associate Professor Gabby Vasica, is a consultant in General, Laparoscopic, and Breast Surgery
