ABOUT
Dr Navendren Govender is an accomplished general surgeon who performs advanced laparoscopic IPOM, TAPP and TEP repair surgeries. Also an expert in non-surgical gastric balloon placement, Dr Govender helps patients meet their weight loss goals. Thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, appendectomy, cholecystectomy and laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication are Dr Govender’s additional surgical specialities.
Dr Navendren Govender obtained his medical degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and developed an interest in surgery and orthopaedics after he completed his community service at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital. Dr Govender is a Fellow at the College of Surgeons of South Africa and has a qualification in Laparoscopic Surgery from the University of Strasbourg in France. He runs his private practice at Alberlito Hospital in Ballito.
Services includes :
- Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a procedure performed to treat severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a common digestive condition that occurs when stomach content moves backwards into the oesophagus, resulting in heartburn and difficulty swallowing. It is generally recommended in cases where chronic GERD cannot be treated with medication or lifestyle changes, or other complications related to a hernia. - Redo Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication
This is done when people who have had a previous Nissen fundoplication have recurrent symptoms. Scopes and x-rays will be used as reassessment tools. This procedure will also be conducted laparoscopically by Dr Govender. Risks of bleeding and bowel injury are higher with this surgery and a patient will have a drain insitu and may need a mesh. - Anti-reflux surgery
Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication is performed to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach contents empty into the oesophagus. Food that's already digested and moves back into the oesophagus causes heartburn, breathing problems and dysphagia. Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication is a technique that only involves a few minor incisions in the patient's abdomen, close to the lower oesophageal sphincter. First, the surgeon removes traces of scar tissue that is found in the oesophagus. The fundus, which is the top region of the stomach, is attached to the oesophagus and secured in place. Recovery after the procedure takes time, and the patient has to stick to a diet of soft foods. - Advanced laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic surgery is not as invasive as open surgery. The surgeon only makes several small incisions and uses a tool known as a laparoscope to look inside the oesophagus, stomach or gallbladder. A camera at the base of the laparoscope sends pictures of the surgical area to a television screen in the operating room. Dr Govender performs advanced laparoscopic surgery to remove an infected gallbladder and appendix. Advanced laparoscopic surgery is also performed to repair hernias, treat peptic ulcers and stop gastrointestinal bleeding. - Surgical gastroenterology
Surgical gastroenterology is the treatment of digestive diseases. Acid reflux, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's and celiac disease, diverticulitis, Hiatal hernias, peptic ulcers, colon polyps and cancer are prevalent gastrointestinal illnesses. Screening for colon cancer is vital. Dr Govender carries out an endoscopy to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal illnesses. He inserts a surgical tube known as an endoscope through the throat into the stomach and duodenum. The camera at the base of the instrument sends images to a screen in the surgical room. Sometimes the surgeon uses a harmless gas to inflate the area for a better view. - Hernia surgery
A hernia occurs when a slice of tissue breaks through a gap in the muscular wall. A hernia is an apparent bulge that can be painful, especially when a person coughs or laughs. Chest pain, heartburn and dysphagia are common symptoms of a hiatal hernia. TAPP and TEP and IPOM are hernia repair surgeries that Dr Govender specialises in and performs. TAPP and TEP are general hernia repair surgeries. For TAPP, the surgeon cuts away the abdominal membrane lining and removes the hernia. He uses a surgical mesh and sutures to cover and seal the hernial opening. For TEP, Dr Govender inserts a balloon between the peritoneum and abdominal wall. He inflates the balloon to view the space adequately. As soon as the hernia is repaired, the surgeon closes and secures the opening with a mesh and sutures. - Thyroid and parathyroid surgery
The thyroid gland is a gland that secretes essential hormones and controls body temperature and weight. The thyroid sits at the stem of the neck and resembles the shape of a butterfly. Many things can happen with the thyroid gland. For instance, the thyroid can start to swell and cause pain. A thyroid gland can also become overactive or underactive and produce too much or too little thyroxine. In the case of thyroid cancer, a portion or all of the thyroid gland is removed. Parathyroid glands are four glands that are similar to the size of rice grains. The parathyroid glands secrete the parathyroid hormone known as PTH. PTH regulates blood calcium levels in the body. When there's too much PTH in the body, blood calcium levels increase. High levels of blood calcium are fatal. In the case of hyperparathyroidism, usually, only one gland is problematic, and if this is so, the surgeon will only have to remove one parathyroid gland. - Gallbladder and appendix
The gallbladder, an organ that rests below the liver, contains bile and assists with the absorption of vitamins. Gallstones that consist of cholesterol or the bilirubin pigment affect the gallbladder. A gallstone may also get caught in the bile duct and interrupt the flow of digestive fluid to the small intestine. When bile accumulates in the gallbladder, an infection can occur. An infected gallbladder is a severe condition that requires urgent medical care. An abscess (empyema) needs to be drained as a round of antibiotics won’t immediately treat the infection. Dr Navendren Govender carefully dissects the infected gallbladder through a small incision in the abdominal region. The appendix, a small pouch that rests at the tip of the large intestine stores beneficial bacteria and reboots the digestive system after an illness. Although the appendix is useful, experts label it a vestigial organ that's a remnant from the past. A person can live a healthy lifestyle even without an appendix. So, when the appendix becomes infected and is most likely to rupture, an appendectomy is necessary. The surgeon removes the infected appendix laparoscopically. - Gastric balloon
The non-surgical insertion of a gastric balloon is an effective weight loss procedure. Overweight and obese patients benefit from this procedure. Patients with a body mass index of 18-25 are likely candidates for gastric balloon surgery. Dr Govender inserts a silicone, Orbera gastric balloon into the patient’s stomach. A gastric balloon creates a full sensation and prevents additional indulgences. The surgeon slides an instrument known as a gastroscope into the stomach. The camera at the base of the gastroscope sends images of the stomach to a television monitor in the doctor's rooms. The surgeon uses these images to see where he can place the gastric balloon. Once the balloon is in place, it's filled with a saline solution until it's about the size of a grapefruit.
