Dr Stapleton specializes in Surgery for liver tumours, gallstone diseases, biliary tumours, pancreatic diseases, neuroendocrine tumours, gastrointestinal diseases and colorectal diseases.
Upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy is done to investigate gastrointestinal symptoms, to screen for colorectal polyps and cancers and to follow up patients previously treated for gastrointestinal cancers and other diseases
Dr Stapleton has extensive experience in advanced Laparoscopic Surgery and does a significant proportion of gastrointestinal, hepatic and pancreatic operations laparoscopically, when appropriate. He also does surgery for adrenal tumours laparoscopically
Treatment for Colorectal Cancer and hepatic metastases from Colorectal Cancer is planned within a multidisciplinary group of specialists (surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists) that meets regularly at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital.
Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (GEPNETS) are a particular interest of Dr Stapleton. These are relatively rare tumours, for which optimal treatment includes several options involving several different specialities, so again, management strategies are planned within a multidisciplinary group that meets regularly.
Surgery for pancreatic diseases, particularly pancreatic tumours and also chronic pancreatitis is another area of Dr Stapleton's interest and expertise.
Gallstone disease is very common and surgery for symptoms and complications of gallstones makes up a significant part of his work
Complications of hepatic cysts, primary tumours of the liver and bile ducts, liver abscesses and acute pancreatitis are other diseases that Dr Stapleton manages
Dr Stapleton is a member of the executive committee of the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association of South Africa (HPBASA) and recently served for two years as president of HPBASA.