Dr Werapitiya is a General surgeon with a special interest in bariatric and anti reflux surgery.
He is well experienced in advanced laparoscopic surgery including laparoscopic cholecystectomies, hernia surgery and bowel surgery. Operations for Hernia, hydrocele, haemorrhoids, lumps and bumps, carpal tunnel syndrome, vasectomy is common in his practice.
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy service including direct access scopes is a major part of his work.
Message to the referring doctors
Dr Werapitiya is a specialist in Bariatric surgery. However, he recognizes the importance of
continuing general surgery in a regional center and continues to look after public and
private general surgical patients.
Gastroscopy and colonoscopy service in Bunbury is provided mostly by general surgeons. Dr
Werapitiya spends a significant amount of time offering gastroscopy and colonoscopy
services, both diagnostic and therapeutic. He provides open access endoscopic service for
suitable patients, and telehealth consultations are available for patients from remote areas.
There is no ERCP service available in Bunbury.
Laparoscopic repair of hiatus hernia and anti-reflux surgery is an area of special interest for
Dr Werapitiya. One of his research interests is the management of the difficult problem of
reflux after bariatric surgery.
Abdominal wall and abdominal cavity operations are bread and butter for a general
surgeon. Dr Werapitiya offers both laparoscopic and open repair of inguinal, umbilical,
epigastric and incisional herniae. Access to abdominal cavity with minimally invasive
approach has many advantages. He is an experienced, advanced laparoscopic surgeon who
deals with intraabdominal pathologies, be it laparoscopic biopsy of abdominal organs,
laparoscopic cholecystectomy or major laparoscopic bowel resections. In addition he deals
with lumps and bumps, carpal tunnel release, and emergency general surgery ect. He has
limited experience and hence does not provide breast surgery, endocrine surgery, hand
surgery, salivary gland surgery or cosmetic surgery service.
He recognizes his limitations and does not hesitate to seek a second opinion when
necessary. Following a patients first contact, he refers the patients to his colleagues both
locally and in the city, when he thinks the patient is best served by another specialist.
Dr Werapitiya considers taking care of your patient as a joint partnership, and feels easy
access to specialists is important. The COVID pandemic has taught us many lessons and
forced us to change the way we practice medicine. Please feel free to reach me (call or text
– 0438 967 237) for advice when the clinical situation demands. During this difficult time,
where health facilities are stretched in their capacity, direct communication also helps
minimise delays in service delivery.
