Dr Ashok Gunawardene

Overview

Dr Ashok Gunawardene is a Specialist General Surgeon with subspecialty focus on Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) and Bariatric Surgery. He provides comprehensive surgical care across Melbourne’s northern and western corridors, including Epping, Sunbury, Wallan, Point Cook, and Werribee.

As a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), an RACS Examiner, and an official Surgical Skills Instructor, Dr Gunawardene combines advanced clinical expertise with a deep commitment to surgical education and patient-focused care.

CLINICAL EXPERTISE & SPECIAL INTERESTS

Dr Gunawardene specialises in minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery, which is designed to support faster recovery times and minimise post-operative discomfort for patients. His practice focuses heavily on the following core pillars:

1. Gallstone Disease & Biliary Surgery
* Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (Keyhole Gallbladder Removal)
* Management of symptomatic gallstones, cholecystitis, and biliary colic

2. Hernia Repair (Laparoscopic & Open)
* Inguinal Hernia Surgery (Groin hernias)
* Femoral, Umbilical, Epigastric, and Incisional Hernias

3. Reflux Disease (GORD) & Upper GI Surgery
* Investigation of reflux, heartburn, and swallowing difficulties
* Diagnostic Gastroscopy (GESA Accredited)
* Anti-Reflux Surgery (Laparoscopic Fundoplication) and Hiatus Hernia Repair

4. Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery (Weight Loss Surgery)
* Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy
* Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass
* Revisional bariatric procedures supported by a multidisciplinary care team

5. Endoscopy & Direct Access Services
* Diagnostic Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy
* Direct Access Endoscopy pathways for streamlined, efficient patient care

Dr Gunawardene holds a PhD in Surgery, giving him an advanced academic and evidence-based understanding of complex digestive diseases. He maintains strict accreditation and active membership with the region’s peak surgical and gastroenterological bodies, reflecting his adherence to the highest professional standards:
* Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS)
* Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) – Fully Accredited for Upper and Lower Endoscopy
* Australia Aotearoa New Zealand Gastro-Oesophageal Surgical Association (AANZGOSA)
* Australia & New Zealand Metabolic & Obesity Surgery Society (ANZMOSS)

To ensure accessible specialist care for growing communities, Dr Gunawardene consults and operates across multiple primary locations in Melbourne’s North and West. Patients can be seen locally at the following established medical suites:

* Epping: Northern Private Hospital (Primary Operating & Consulting)
* Sunbury: Goonawarra Medical Centre & Goonawarra Day Hospital (Direct Access Endoscopy & Day Surgery)
* Wallan: Wallan Medical & Specialist Centre (Local Consulting)
* Point Cook: Boardwalk Specialist Centre (Local Consulting with co-located Allied Health)
* Werribee: St Vincent’s Private Hospital Werribee (Operating)

Dr Gunawardene is dedicated to minimising patient and GP anxiety by providing an efficient, transparent service. The practice prioritises short wait times (typically 1–2 weeks for consultations) and offers clear, upfront fee structures with no hidden costs. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring patients feel fully informed, comfortable, and supported from their initial consultation through to complete post-operative recovery.