Christchurch General Surgery | Dr Richard Flint & Dr Steven Kelly

About Us

Clinical excellence. Genuine care.

"Our commitment to each patient is thorough preparation, clear communication, and the highest standard of surgical care."

Dr Flint and Dr Kelly are among New Zealand's most experienced Upper GI and General surgeons. Both hold FRACS from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and completed fellowships at some of the world's most renowned surgical institutions.

Their practice is built on clinical rigour and a shared belief that every patient deserves to be well-informed and well-supported. Both surgeons are known for their professional approach, attention to detail, and the care they take with each individual case.

Patient-Centred Care

Both surgeons take time to listen carefully and ensure every patient is fully informed before, during and after surgery.

Internationally Trained

Fellowship training at Harvard, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Addenbrooke's Cambridge, and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Rigorous & Transparent

Comprehensive pre-operative preparation, clear answers, and thorough follow-up care at every stage.

Combined between both surgeons

40⁺

Years' Experience

10,000⁺

Laparoscopic Procedures

5,000⁺

Bariatric Procedures

2

FRACS Certified Surgeons

Consulting Rooms: 146 Leinster Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8014
Operating at: Christchurch Hospital · St George's · Southern Cross
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Phone: 03 375 4949 | EDI: cwlssurg

Our Surgeons

Two specialists. One shared standard of care.

Complementary expertise across Upper GI, General and Bariatric Surgery — with fellowship training at world-leading institutions and a shared dedication to clinical excellence.

With over 20 years of experience and fellowship training at Brigham and Women's Hospital (Harvard) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Richard Flint brings the highest level of surgical expertise to Christchurch. He is known for his methodical approach, thorough pre-operative preparation, and clear communication. Direct referrals are accepted via the website.

MBChB, University of Auckland, 1996
PhD — Acute Pancreatitis & Intestinal Ischaemia, University of Auckland, 2007
FRACS, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, 2007
Fellow, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, 2007
Fellow, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, 2008
Consultant General & Upper GI Surgeon, Christchurch Hospital, since 2009
Louis Barnett Prize in Surgery, 2004 · Young Investigator of the Year, SRSA, 2004
Member: Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, ANZMOSS

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With over 20 years of experience and subspecialty training across Addenbrooke's Hospital Cambridge, Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and Musgrove Park Hospital, Steven Kelly has performed over 3,000 bariatric and 10,000+ laparoscopic procedures. He is known for his approachable manner and commitment to excellent outcomes. Direct referrals are accepted via the website.

MBChB, University of Otago, 1997
FRACS, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, 2006
Subspecialty training — Addenbrooke's (Cambridge), Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, Musgrove Park (Taunton)
Over 3,000 bariatric procedures performed
Over 10,000 laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures performed
Consultant Surgeon, Christchurch Public, St George's & Southern Cross Hospitals
Member: ANZMOSS, IFSO, AANZGOSA, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

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Areas of Expertise

Comprehensive surgical expertise, close to home.

Both surgeons specialise in Upper GI and General Surgery using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. Bariatric surgery is provided through Christchurch Weight Loss Surgery.

Upper GI Surgery

Specialist surgery of the oesophagus, stomach and related structures using minimally invasive techniques.

Anti-reflux & fundoplication surgery
Hiatal & massive hiatal hernia repair
Oesophageal cancer surgery (Dr Kelly)
Sarcoma surgery (Dr Flint)
Achalasia — Heller myotomy
Motility disorder investigation
Laparoscopic splenectomy

General Surgery

A comprehensive minimally invasive service for common surgical conditions, with rapid recovery and excellent outcomes.

Gallbladder & bile duct disease
Hernia repair (all types)
Colonoscopy & gastroscopy
Haemorrhoids & anal fissure
Pilonidal disease
Abdominal investigation & diagnosis

Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss surgery through a dedicated multidisciplinary programme. Full details at cwls.co.nz.

Sleeve gastrectomy
One anastomosis gastric bypass
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Revision bariatric surgery

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Upper GI Surgery

Expert care for the oesophagus & stomach.

Both surgeons use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques wherever possible — shorter stays, faster recovery, excellent results.

Anti-Reflux & Hiatal Hernia Surgery

GORD causes heartburn and regurgitation when stomach acid moves into the oesophagus. When lifestyle changes and medication no longer control symptoms, surgery offers an effective, lasting solution. Performed laparoscopically with a 1–2 night hospital stay.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (full wrap)
Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (partial wrap)
Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair
Laparoscopic massive hiatal hernia repair
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for reflux with obesity (BMI >35)

Pre-operative assessment: Preoperative testing typically includes gastroscopy; oesophageal pH testing and manometry arranged when clinically indicated.

What to expect

"My priority is clear answers and thorough preparation — going into surgery with as few unknowns as possible."

Hospital stay: 1–2 nights
Return to work: approximately 2 weeks
Technique: laparoscopic (keyhole)

Both surgeons perform anti-reflux surgery at St George's and Southern Cross Hospital, Christchurch.

Cancer & Sarcoma Surgery

Dr Steven Kelly specialises in the minimally invasive treatment of oesophageal and gastric cancers, working within a comprehensive multidisciplinary team. Dr Richard Flint specialises in sarcoma surgery, drawing on his fellowship training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — one of the world's foremost cancer institutions.

Laparoscopic and thoracoscopic oesophagectomy (Dr Kelly)
Laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer (Dr Kelly)
Sarcoma surgery (Dr Flint — Memorial Sloan Kettering trained)
Multidisciplinary team: Radiologist, Pathologist, Gastroenterologist
Medical Oncology & Radiation Oncology co-management

Dr Kelly — Oesophageal & Gastric Cancer

Dr Kelly developed his oesophageal and gastric cancer expertise through subspecialty training at Addenbrooke's Hospital Cambridge and Edinburgh Royal Infirmary — two of the UK's leading upper GI cancer centres.

Early referral is encouraged. Please ask your GP to refer directly, or contact us directly via the website. A multidisciplinary cancer board reviews all complex cases.

Motility & Swallowing Disorders

Problems with swallowing, regurgitation of undigested food, or unexplained chest pain may indicate an oesophageal motility disorder. Careful investigation is essential before any treatment decision.

Oesophageal high-resolution manometry
Oesophageal catheter pH testing
BRAVO capsule (72-hour acid recording, catheter-free)
Gastric emptying scintigraphy
Gastroscopy for investigation and diagnosis
Achalasia: Laparoscopic Heller myotomy
Gastroparesis management
Superior Mesenteric Artery syndrome

Investigate first

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of good treatment. Our surgeons use the full range of oesophageal function tests before any surgical decision is made.

Achalasia is treated with laparoscopic Heller myotomy — a precise keyhole procedure that divides the lower oesophageal sphincter to restore normal swallowing, with excellent long-term results.

Other Upper GI & Splenic Conditions

Beyond reflux and swallowing disorders, both surgeons manage a broad range of upper abdominal conditions — from splenic disease to complex diagnostic presentations.

Laparoscopic splenectomy (splenic disorders)
Gastroscopy for investigation and diagnosis
Iron deficiency anaemia investigation
Dysphagia (food swallowing difficulties) assessment
Unexplained abdominal pain workup
Unexplained weight loss investigation
Rectal bleeding assessment

Direct referrals welcome

Both Dr Flint and Dr Kelly accept direct referrals from patients via the website. Contact us at info@cgsurgery.co.nz or call 03 375 4949.

Both surgeons operate privately at St George's Hospital and Southern Cross Hospital, and in the public system at Christchurch Hospital.

General Surgery

Minimally invasive solutions for common conditions.

Both surgeons offer a comprehensive general surgery service. The focus is always on laparoscopic techniques for faster recovery, shorter hospital stays, and better results.

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Gallbladder & Bile Duct