The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) removes the head of the pancreas, part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the end of the bile duct. It is the main surgery for tumours in this area and needs a high-volume specialist team. Typical hospital stay: 10 to 14 days Time to plan in India: 3 to 4 weeks Who needs it?* Pancreatic head cancer * Tumours of the bile duct, ampulla or duodenum * Selected benign pancreatic conditions How it's done1. CT, MRI and endosco

Colonoscopy examines the entire large bowel with a flexible camera. It detects polyps, inflammation and cancer, and polyps can often be removed during the same test. Typical hospital stay: None (day care) Time to plan in India: 2 to 3 days Who needs it?* Blood in stools or change in bowel habits * Colon cancer screening, especially over 45 or with family history * Unexplained anaemia or abdominal pain How it's done1. Bowel preparation with a laxative solution the day before 2

Hernia repair fixes a weakness in the abdominal wall where tissue pushes through, usually by keyhole surgery with a mesh. It treats inguinal, umbilical, incisional and other hernias. Typical hospital stay: 1 to 2 days Time to plan in India: 5 to 7 days Who needs it?* A visible or painful bulge in the groin or abdomen * Hernias that are growing or causing discomfort * Recurrent hernias How it's done1. General or spinal anaesthesia 2. Laparoscopic or open repair 3. A mesh reinf