Procedures & Services
Dr Bidwell offers a broad range of general surgical, endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures at Wangaratta Private Hospital, Northeast Health Wangaratta and Benalla Hospital.
Important Financial Information
All hospital procedures are no-gap for privately insured patients. A small out-of-pocket fee applies for consultations and any procedures performed in the rooms — comparable to a standard GP consultation fee. This will be discussed with you at the time of your appointment.
If you are unsure whether your concern falls within Dr Bidwell's areas of practice, contact the clinic and the team will be happy to help.
Breast Surgery
Dr Bidwell's background in breast cancer research informs his approach to breast surgery. He manages both benign breast conditions and breast cancer surgery.
Available Procedures
Breast Cancer Surgery
Surgical management of breast cancer, including wide local excision (lumpectomy), mastectomy and axillary lymph node procedures. Dr Bidwell works with your oncology team to ensure your surgical care is coordinated with any additional treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Benign Breast Surgery
Diagnosis and surgical management of benign breast conditions including breast lumps, cysts, fibroadenomas, duct-related conditions and breast pain. Includes excision biopsy where required.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
A procedure to assess whether breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, performed at the time of cancer surgery.
Colorectal Surgery
Dr Bidwell is trained in minimally invasive colorectal surgery, including laparoscopic approaches.
Available Procedures
Bowel Cancer Surgery
Surgical removal of colorectal cancers using minimally invasive techniques where appropriate, including laparoscopic approach.
Laparoscopic Bowel Resection
Minimally invasive removal of a section of bowel for cancer, diverticular disease or other bowel conditions.
Surgery for Anal Conditions
Surgical management of haemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas and other anorectal conditions.
Diverticular Disease Surgery
Surgical management of complicated diverticular disease including abscess, perforation or recurrent episodes.
Endoscopy
Dr Bidwell performs diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, including colonoscopy and gastroscopy. You may be referred directly for a procedure without an initial consultation in some cases.
Available Procedures
Colonoscopy
Examination of the large bowel (colon and rectum) using a flexible camera. Used to investigate symptoms such as rectal bleeding, changes in bowel habit, abdominal pain and abnormal findings on imaging. Also used for bowel cancer screening and surveillance of polyps.
Gastroscopy
Examination of the oesophagus, stomach and upper small bowel. Used to investigate symptoms such as reflux, difficulty swallowing, nausea, upper abdominal pain and unexplained anaemia.
Polypectomy
Removal of polyps discovered during colonoscopy. Performed at the time of the procedure where possible.
Hernia Surgery
Dr Bidwell has advanced training in hernia repair, including complex and recurrent hernias and minimally invasive techniques.
Available Procedures
Inguinal Hernia Repair
Repair of groin hernias using open or laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques. Approach is tailored to the patient and the nature of the hernia.
Umbilical & Ventral Hernia Repair
Repair of hernias at the navel or through the abdominal wall, including incisional hernias following previous surgery.
Complex & Recurrent Hernia Repair
Management of hernias that have recurred after previous repair or that are particularly large or complex. Dr Bidwell has specific fellowship training in advanced hernia repair techniques.
Hiatus Hernia Surgery
Surgical management of hiatus hernias causing significant reflux or other symptoms, typically performed laparoscopically.
Skin Cancer Surgery
Dr Bidwell performs surgical removal of skin cancers including on the face, head and neck, with experience in reconstructive techniques including flap and graft surgery.
Available Procedures
Melanoma Surgery
Wide local excision of melanoma with appropriate margins. Sentinel lymph node biopsy where indicated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) & Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Excision
Surgical removal of non-melanoma skin cancers with clear margins. Suitable for lesions on the body, limbs, face and head.
Flap & Graft Reconstruction
Reconstructive surgery following skin cancer excision in areas where primary closure is not possible or appropriate, including local flap and skin graft techniques.
Complex Excisions
Removal of larger, deeper or anatomically challenging skin cancers, including lesions on the scalp, ears and face.
Gallbladder and General Surgery
Available Procedures
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Gallbladder Removal)
Minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder for gallstones, gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) or other gallbladder conditions. Typically performed as a day procedure or with a short hospital stay.
Appendicectomy
Laparoscopic removal of the appendix for appendicitis.
Thyroid & Parathyroid Surgery
Available Procedures
Thyroidectomy
Partial or total surgical removal of the thyroid gland for thyroid cancer, goitre, hyperthyroidism or suspicious nodules.
Parathyroidectomy
Surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands for hyperparathyroidism or parathyroid tumours.
Hand Surgery
Available Procedures
Carpal Tunnel Release
Surgical release of the carpal tunnel ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Performed under local anaesthetic in most cases.
Dupuytren's Contracture Surgery
Surgical correction of Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition that causes the fingers to bend toward the palm due to thickening of the tissue beneath the skin of the hand.
Chemotherapy Port Insertion & Removal
Available Procedures
Chemotherapy Port Insertion
Surgical insertion of a subcutaneous port (port-a-cath) to allow repeated intravenous access for chemotherapy administration, typically performed as a short procedure under sedation or general anaesthetic.
Chemotherapy Port Removal
Surgical removal of a chemotherapy port once treatment is complete.
Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery
Dr Bidwell is trained in robotic-assisted surgery and has experience with advanced surgical techniques. Robotic surgery is not currently performed as part of his practice; however, he applies his expertise in minimally invasive and contemporary surgical approaches to achieve the best outcomes for his patients.
Note: Minimally invasive approaches are available for many of the procedures listed on this page. Dr Bidwell will discuss the most appropriate technique for your situation at your consultation.