General surgeons in Darwin
A general surgeon is a doctor who performs operations on the abdomen and other areas, such as the skin, breast and thyroid. They treat hernias, gallbladder problems and some cancers. Many use keyhole surgery and some also do colonoscopy and gastroscopy.
Soonest appointments in Darwin
Public hospital surgery waits
Half of public patients waited longer than this for planned surgery, counted from being added to the public waiting list (after seeing a specialist) to the operation, 2024–25. Private specialists can often see you sooner; ask them about surgery timing and costs.
| Procedure | Darwin | Northern Territory | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gallbladder removal | 42 days | 42 days | 48 days |
| Inguinal hernia repair | 43 days | 43 days | 2 months |
Source: AIHW MyHospitals, CC BY 3.0.
Common reasons to see a general surgeon
- Hernias
- Gallstones and gallbladder pain
- Appendicitis
- Lumps under the skin
- Breast lumps
- Haemorrhoids and anal problems
- Bowel conditions needing surgery
- Thyroid surgery
What happens at the first appointment
- The surgeon asks about your symptoms and general health
- They examine the area of concern
- They review scans or arrange new ones, such as an ultrasound or CT
- They explain whether surgery is needed and the type of operation
- If you go ahead, they talk about risks, recovery, hospital and costs
Do I need a referral?
You need a referral, usually from your GP, to claim a Medicare rebate when you see a general surgeon. Bring any recent scan reports so the surgeon can plan with you at the first visit.
Questions to ask
- Do I need an operation, and what happens if I wait?
- Will it be keyhole or open surgery?
- How long will I be in hospital and off work?
- What will the total cost be, including the anaesthetist and hospital?
Common questions
Do I need a referral to see a general surgeon?
Yes, to claim a Medicare rebate you need a referral, usually from your GP. A recent ultrasound or scan report is helpful to include.
Is hernia surgery always needed?
Not always. Small hernias without symptoms may be watched. A surgeon will discuss the risks of waiting versus repairing it.
When is abdominal pain an emergency?
Go to an emergency department for severe or worsening abdominal pain, pain with fever or vomiting, or a hernia that becomes painful, hard and cannot be pushed back in.
General surgery in other cities
General information only, not medical advice. Everyone's situation is different, so check with your GP or the provider. In an emergency call 000.