Andrew Bowker: Laparoscopic Surgeon

As a result of his keen interest in laparoscopic surgery as it became available to general surgeons, Andrew Bowker has accrued much experience in this field. In fact, although he is trained as a general surgeon, his specific interest in laparoscopic surgery means he no longer carries out many general surgical procedures.

He has the largest hernia series in Australasia and has spoken on his laparoscopic operations at local and international conferences. Early work with cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gall bladder) led him on to the use of laparoscopy in his work with herniorrhaphy (surgical repair of hernias) and fundoplication (surgical treatment of acid reflux).

Andrew has worked as the Surgical Tutor Specialist at Auckland Hospital and in public and private surgical practice in North Queensland, Australia. Since 1993, he has run a full-time private practice in Auckland. He has trained many New Zealand surgeons through courses aligned to his practice.

Andrew Bowker's qualifications and training

• MBCHB (Otago)
• FRCS (Edinburgh)
• FRACS
• Basic General Surgical Training, United Kingdom
• Advanced General Surgical Training, Auckland

A Clinic Specialising in Hernia Repair

Laparoscopy Auckland's surgeons, Andrew Bowker and John Dunn, are acknowledged for their pioneering work in this country with laparoscopic surgery. They have created New Zealand’s only surgical unit that focuses primarily on laparoscopic surgery. More recently, Associate Professor Jonathan Koea has also joined the team.

The purpose-built facility was designed as a short-stay laparoscopic surgical hospital, with overnight accommodation available. It was opened in March 2001 by the then Governor General Dame Sylvia Cartwright.