Aspiring Bariatrics

Dr Mark Smith is a Consultant General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon with specialist training and experience in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery of the abdomen and abdominal wall.

Dr Smith uses the latest laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat conditions including hernias, gallstones, reflux and weight loss surgery for severe obesity.

Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions, cameras, and long instruments to perform operations that used to require more invasive open surgery. This allows faster recovery with less pain and smaller scars. Laparoscopic techniques are the standard of care for gallbladder surgery, however their application to the treatment of gastrooesophageal reflux can mean sufferers no longer require daily medications and have dramatically improved quality of life.

Laparoscopic repair of groin and other abdominal wall hernias allows faster recovery, less pain and quicker return to work and normal activities compared to traditional open surgery.

Bariatric or weight loss surgery is used to help people who have struggled with their weight over many years to achieve permanent weight loss and signifi cant health improvements.

Dr Smith completed medical school and General Surgical training in New Zealand.

Following this he undertook further specialty training in laparoscopic and upper gastrointestinal surgery in Auckland; Edinburgh, Scotland; and Portland, USA.

He also completed a Master of Medical Science Degree in evidence based medicine.

Dr Smith worked as a specialist laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeon at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Oregon, USA from 2009 to 2011, before choosing to return to Southland to work and raise his family.

In 2018, Dr Smith relocated from Invercargill to Dunedin Hospital to join the regional team treating cancers of the stomach and oesophagus. He continues to provide the bariatric surgery service for Otago and Southland and operates at Mercy Hospital, Dunedin Hospital and Southland Hospital.

He travels to Invercargill and Queenstown for clinics every four weeks and is an affiliated provider with the Southern Cross Health Society for hernia surgery, gallbladder surgery, gastroscopy, and colonoscopy.

Dr Smith is the proud father of two adventurous girls and enjoys cycling, skiing, and surfing in his spare time.