Dr Yi-Tzu (Linda) Lin
Upper GI / General / Bariatric Surgeon
Our Services
Dr Linda Lin is a fully qualified Upper GI, Bariatric, and General surgeon with a special interest in minimally invasive surgery. Dr Lin offers comprehensive surgical servies on the Central Coast.
Upper GI Surgery
Cancer Surgery
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Oesophageal and stomach cancer
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Small bowel cancers
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GISTs (gastrointestinal stromal tumours)
Oesophageal and Stomach Cancer
Treatments and management of oesophageal and stomach cancer vary depending on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the location of the tumour and individual health conditions.
You may need these tests, such as
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Endoscopy
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CT scan
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PET scan
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Staging laparoscopy
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Endoscopic ultrasound
With above information, Dr Lin will have a thorough discussion with you and decide what treatment will be best for you. Your case will be also discussed at a multidisciplinary meeting with oncologists (chemotherapy doctors), radiation oncologists (radiotherapy doctors), pathologists, and radiologists.
Some people with cancer will have only one treatment. But most people will have a combination of treatments, such as surgery with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Surgery for Oesophageal and Stomach Cancer
Dr Lin is experienced in minimally invasive surgery (also known as keyhole or laparoscopic surgery) in order to ensure her patients have a faster recovery. Surgical approaches will be guided by the cancer factor and the underlying medical conditions of the individual.
Anti-reflux Surgery
When acid from inside your stomach flows backward into your oesophagus and throat, it’s called acid reflux. When acid creeps into places it doesn’t belong, you’re bound to feel it. There are some tests that may be arranged before the surgery, including
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24hr pH study (a procedure that assesses acid reflux in the oesophagus over a 24-hour period)
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Oesophageal manometry (a pressure study)
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Barium swallow
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Endoscopy
Management of reflux includes lifestyle changes, medications, and surgery. Reflux can be effectively treated by laparoscopic fundoplication if needed. Dr Lin will discuss the management options with you.
Hiatus Hernia Surgery
A hiatal hernia happens when the top of your stomach bulges through an opening in your diaphragm. Some patients may need a endoscopy, CT scan or barium swallow to assess hiatus hernia as well as respiratory or cardiac investigations before the operation.
Dr Lin is experienced in laparoscopic hiatus hernia with fundoplication as well as revision surgery for recurrent hiatus hernia. Dr Lin will thoroughly evaluate the nature of your hernia and associated symptoms to help determine the best long-term treatment approach for you.
Surgery for Achalasia
Achalasia a rare disorder in which your oesophagus is unable to move food and liquids down into your stomach and require expertise for both diagnosis and treatment.
Tests that may be required:
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Endoscopy
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Barium swallow
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24hr pH study (a procedure that assesses acid reflux in the oesophagus over a 24-hour period)
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Oesophageal manometry (a pressure study)
Several treatments are available for achalasia including
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non-surgical options - balloon dilation, medications, and botulinum toxin injection
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surgical option - laparoscopic Heller's myotomy
Dr Lin will discuss these options so you both can decide the best treatment for you based on the severity of your condition and your preferences.
Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss or Metabolic Surgery)
Bariatric surgery involves making changes to your digestive system with the goal to help you lose weight and manage medical conditions related to obesity, such as diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Types of Procedures
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Sleeve gastrectomy
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One anastomosis or "mini" gastric bypass
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Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
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Revision surgery
The underlying mechanisms of these procedures include decreasing food intake by reducing the size of the stomach, and/or limiting the number of calories being absorbed by the body.
During the consultation, Dr Lin will assess your situation and discuss the best option with you to reach your goals. Dr Lin and the team (dietitian and psychologist) will guide you through every step of the process and will work closely with your GP. We are committed to helping you through this journey to living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
General Surgery
Gallbladder Disease
Dr Lin performs surgery to remove gallbladder and stone in the bile duct.
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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery)
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Laparoscopic or open bile duct exploration to remove the stone in the bile duct
Hernia surgery
Dr Lin performs laparoscopic and open surgery for hernia depending on individual factors. In most cases, a mesh will be placed to reduce the risk of recurrence. Dr Lin will advise you which technique would be most suitable through the course of your consultations together.
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Groin (inguinal) hernia
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Umbilical hernia
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Incisional hernia
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Abdominal wall hernia
Upper Endoscopy, Advanced Endoscopy, Colonoscopy
Dr Lin performs upper endoscopy and colonoscopy for investigation of indigestion, heartburn, bleeding, positive stool test (FOBT) and other GI symptoms. Dr Lin also performs interventional endoscopy including stenting of oesophagus, dilation of the oesophagus and stomach.
