Dr Penelope De Lacavalerie – Colorectal and General Surgeon

Dr. De Lacavalerie is a specialist Colorectal and General Surgeon. She has a particular interest in advanced surgical techniques such as laparoscopic (keyhole) transanal and robotic surgery for conditions of the bowel including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, endometriosis and diverticular disease. She also manages other benign anorectal and pelvic floor conditions such as rectal prolapse, anal fissure/fistula, haemorrhoids and functional conditions such as obstructive defecation and faecal incontinence. Her clinical practice includes general and acute surgical conditions such as hernia operations, gallstones and endoscopic procedures (gastroscopy and colonoscopies).

She started her surgical training in London, completing the Intercollegiate Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of England. Penelope then relocated to Australia and undertook her specialist general surgical training at Bankstown Hospital, Sydney. She subsequently achieved the Fellowship in General Surgery with the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Following to this, she pursued a Surgeon Scientist career undertaking further studies for a higher degree at the University of New South Wales – Sydney. She is currently writing her Doctor in Philosophy (PhD) dissertation at The Garvan Institute of Medical Research. Dr. De Lacavalerie subsequently pursued post- Fellowship training with the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSSANZ), receiving further 2 years specialization in advanced colorectal skills in Sydney. Her Colorectal training included Robotic surgery.

Dr. De Lacavalerie is passionate about providing holistic care for all her patients and in particular to women with endometriosis and functional problems of the pelvic floor. She collaborates with Gynaecology specialists on a regular basis at Nepean Private Hospital. She is a fully certified specialist in gastroscopy and colonoscopy and she also has experience in performing trans rectal ultrasounds, anal manometry and pudendal nerve latency in the management of anorectal and pelvic floor conditions. Dr. De Lacavalerie has always been involved in teaching and research. She is a Conjoint Lecturer at the University of New South Wales and regular tutor and mentor at Nepean Clinical School - University of Sydney. Her past research collaborations in prediction of response to chemo radiotherapy in rectal cancer have led to the prestigious NHMRC Clinical postgraduate Scholarship.