Is colonoscopy no-gap at Sydney Sleeve Surgery?

Yes. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures performed by Dr Florica are no-gap for eligible patients with appropriate private health insurance, meaning no out-of-pocket cost for the procedure itself.

General Surgery & Endoscopy Sydney | Cholecystectomy, Hernia, Colonoscopy

Q: How long does laparoscopic cholecystectomy take?

Laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) typically takes 45–90 minutes under general anaesthetic. Most patients go home the same day or stay one night in hospital.

Diagnostic & Therapeutic Endoscopy

Endoscopy Procedures

🔭

Gastroscopy (Upper Endoscopy / OGD)

A gastroscopy uses a thin, flexible camera (endoscope) passed through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. It is used to investigate symptoms such as reflux, heartburn, difficulty swallowing, nausea, upper abdominal pain, or to assess for ulcers and Barrett's oesophagus.

Procedure time: 15–30 min | Sedation: Yes | Same-day discharge: Yes

✓Diagnoses ulcers, gastritis, reflux disease
✓Investigates difficulty swallowing
✓Assesses Barrett's oesophagus
✓Can take biopsies during procedure

🔬

Colonoscopy No-Gap Available

A colonoscopy examines the full length of the large bowel (colon) using a flexible camera. It is the gold standard for bowel cancer screening, investigation of bowel symptoms, and removal of polyps before they become cancerous.

Procedure time: 30–60 min | Sedation: Yes | Same-day discharge: Yes

✓Bowel cancer screening
✓Polyp detection and removal
✓Investigates change in bowel habits
✓No-gap for eligible patients

💡 No-Gap Colonoscopy: Gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures performed by Dr Florica are available as no-gap procedures for patients with appropriate private health insurance cover — meaning no out-of-pocket cost for the procedure itself. No Informed Financial Consent (IFC) is required. Please contact our team to confirm your eligibility.

Laparoscopic General Surgery

Surgical Procedures

All surgical procedures are performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques — smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

🫀

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Surgical removal of the gallbladder — the most commonly performed abdominal surgery. Recommended for gallstones causing pain, infection, or complications. Dr Florica is a specialist in minimally invasive cholecystectomy, including complex and technically demanding cases.

Hospital stay: Day surgery or 1 night | Recovery: 1–2 weeks

✓Treats symptomatic gallstones
✓Resolves cholecystitis (gallbladder infection)
✓Medicare rebates available

🩹

Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic repair of inguinal (groin), femoral, umbilical, incisional, and hiatal hernias. Dr Florica performs advanced mesh-based repairs using the latest techniques, including totally extraperitoneal (TEP) and transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approaches for inguinal hernias.

Hospital stay: Day surgery or 1 night | Recovery: 1–4 weeks

✓Inguinal & femoral hernia
✓Umbilical & incisional hernia
✓Hiatal hernia (diaphragm)

🫁

Anti-Reflux Surgery

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (or partial fundoplication) is a surgical solution for chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) uncontrolled by medication. The top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to strengthen the anti-reflux valve.

Hospital stay: 2–3 nights | Recovery: 2–3 weeks

✓Treats chronic reflux & heartburn
✓Reduces medication dependency
✓Excellent long-term outcomes

🩺

Laparoscopic Appendicectomy

Removal of the appendix for acute or recurrent appendicitis. Laparoscopic appendicectomy is the standard of care — offering rapid recovery and minimal scarring compared to open surgery. Dr Florica performs both elective and emergency appendicectomies.

Hospital stay: 1–2 nights | Recovery: 1–2 weeks

✓Acute and recurrent appendicitis
✓Minimal scarring
✓Rapid recovery

🔵

Biliary & Complex GI Surgery

Dr Florica has advanced training in complex biliary surgery, including management of bile duct stones, cholecystoduodenal fistula, and intrahepatic gallbladder. He completed advanced biliary surgery training at IRCAD in Strasbourg, France — one of the world's leading surgical training centres.

Advanced IRCAD biliary training | 35+ years surgical experience

✓Complex gallbladder & bile duct cases
✓Biliary fistula management
✓ERCP coordination

🔭

Other Gastrointestinal Procedures

Dr Florica's broad expertise in gastrointestinal surgery encompasses a range of additional procedures not listed above. If you have been referred for or require a specific procedure, please contact our team to discuss whether Dr Florica is the appropriate surgeon.

Why Choose Dr Florica

Surgical Excellence in Gastrointestinal Surgery

With over 35 years of abdominal surgery experience and fellowship training at IRCAD — the world's premier minimally invasive surgery training centre — Dr Florica brings an exceptional level of skill and experience to every procedure.

✓FRACS — Fellow, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons
✓Advanced biliary surgery training — IRCAD, Strasbourg
✓35+ years of abdominal surgery expertise
✓Specialised in minimally invasive laparoscopic technique
✓Operating at accredited hospitals on Sydney's North Shore
✓Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care

Dr Oliver Florica FRACS — Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon Sydney

Common Questions

General Surgery & Endoscopy FAQ

Yes. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures performed by Dr Florica are available as no-gap procedures for patients with appropriate private health insurance — meaning no out-of-pocket cost for the procedure itself. No Informed Financial Consent (IFC) is required. Please contact our team to confirm eligibility before your procedure.

Laparoscopic gallbladder removal typically takes 45–90 minutes under general anaesthetic. Most patients go home the same day or stay one night in hospital. Recovery is generally 1–2 weeks.

Yes. A GP or specialist referral is required for gastroscopy and colonoscopy. This also enables Medicare rebates for the procedure. If you need guidance on obtaining a referral, please call our team on (02) 9980 6865.

Recovery after laparoscopic hernia repair is generally 1–2 weeks for light activities and desk work. Strenuous physical work and heavy lifting typically requires 4–6 weeks recovery. Dr Florica will provide specific guidance based on your procedure and occupation.

Colonoscopy requires bowel preparation — a specialised bowel cleansing solution taken the day before the procedure. A low-residue diet is usually followed for 1–2 days beforehand. Full preparation instructions will be provided when you book your procedure with our team.