Dr. Maré du Plessis' Health Blog

Thyroid Health Questions & Answers

Mar 31, 2026 | Blog, Questions & Answers, Thyroid

Dr Maré du Plessis answers the most common questions asked about Thyroid Health. What are the most common thyroid problems? Thyroid conditions are broadly divided into functional and structural problems. Functional disorders include hyperthyroidism (overactive...

Colon Cancer Awareness Month | CCFM Interview with Dr Maré du Plessis

Mar 15, 2026 | Awareness, Blog, Colon Cancer, Colonoscopy

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month - an important reminder that early detection saves lives. In a recent interview on CCFM, Dr Maré du Plessis, specialist general surgeon at Mediclinic Milnerton, shared why colonoscopy remains the gold standard for detecting...

Intestinal or Bowel Obstruction FAQ Guide

Jan 20, 2026 | Blog, Bowel Obstruction, Intestinal Obstruction

A bowel or intestinal obstruction is a potentially serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. We asked Dr Maré du Plessis to answer some of the most common questions patients have about this condition. What is an intestinal obstruction? An intestinal...

Haemorrhoid Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

Sep 15, 2025 | Blog, Haemorrhoids

Piles, or haemorrhoids, are swollen veins in the rectum that supply the anal canal (anus) with blood. Dr Du Plessis appeared on SABC’s Expresso show recently, helping to explain everything you need to know about piles, or haemorrhoids, and how to treat this condition....

Hernia Questions & Answers

Jul 24, 2025 | Blog, Hernia, Questions & Answers

What is a hernia? A hernia happens when an organ or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot or tear in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue in the abdomen. The most common type is the inguinal hernia. It appears as a bulge in the groin or scrotum when part of...

Anal Fistula Questions & Answers

Jul 20, 2025 | Anal Fistula, Blog, Questions & Answers

Dr Maré Du Plessis diagnoses and treats anal fistula for which there are a range of anal fistula procedures and operations, most commonly a fistulectomy. What is an anal fistula? An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the end of the bowel and the skin...

Dr Du Plessis chatted to Channel Africa about colonoscopy and gastroscopy and the differences between the two

Apr 30, 2025 | Blog, Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy

Both gastroscopy and colonoscopy are endoscopic procedures for diagnosing and treating various gastrointestinal conditions. Gastroscopy is less common than colonoscopy, and it is usually done for specific indications like reflux or dyspepsia. Colonoscopy is more...

Introducing Dr. Maré Du Plessis’s Colonoscopy Suite

Mar 14, 2025 | Blog, Colonoscopy

We have made the experience comfortable, convenient and private. We perform the procedure in our colonoscopy suite, so you avoid hospital admission. This offers a personalised approach. Learn how we make this life-saving screening easier. Colonoscopy: A Worthwhile,...

Early Screening for Colorectal Cancer

Jan 24, 2025 | Blog, Colon Cancer, Colonoscopy

Dr Du Plessis recently appeared on Annette Havenga's Radio Overberg lifestyle show, where they discussed what a colonoscopy is, and he explained how and why it is performed, as well as the importance of early colorectal cancer screenings for those with a family...

Curious about your health and want to learn more?

Nov 27, 2024 | Blog, Health Awareness, Social Media

Follow Dr Du Plessis on Facebook and Instagram for easy-to-understand insights into topics like laparoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopy. Not sure what these procedures are or why they’re important? Don’t worry—we’ll break it down in simple terms, answer...