MP EST. 2023 SURGICAL GLASGOW
Mr Maciej Pawlak · Consultant Robotic Surgeon · Glasgow, Scotland

Robotic Surgery.
Personal Care.

Specialist care for hernia, abdominal wall reconstruction and upper GI conditions at Ross Hall Hospital, Glasgow. Advanced robotic and minimally invasive techniques mean less pain, a faster recovery and better long-term results, with a treatment plan built precisely around you.

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Mr Maciej Pawlak, Consultant Robotic Surgeon in Glasgow
275+
Robotic procedures
and counting
30+
Peer-reviewed
publications
50+
International
presentations
2
EHS Guideline
co-lead roles
Mr Maciej Pawlak, consultant hernia surgeon, professional portrait
Mr Maciej Pawlak
MD · FRCS · FEBS-AWS · PhD
The Surgeon

A surgeon who combines world-class technical expertise with a deeply personal approach, because every patient deserves a treatment plan that is uniquely theirs.

Mr Pawlak trained at the Medical University of Gdańsk and advanced his expertise at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the Lichtenstein Amid Hernia Clinic at UCLA, and leading centres in Spain and Germany. He holds a PhD in Medicine and leads internationally recognised research in hernia and abdominal wall surgery.

As co-lead for two European Hernia Society guideline programmes and a member of the HerniaSurge international collaboration, Mr Pawlak is among the foremost authorities in his field globally. At Ross Hall Hospital, the only private hospital in Scotland offering routine robotic hernia surgery, he brings that expertise directly to his patients.

Consultant, Golden Jubilee University National Hospital
Honorary Senior Lecturer, University of Glasgow
Consultant Robotic Surgeon, Ross Hall Hospital Glasgow
Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons of England
European Board Certified in Abdominal Wall Surgery
JAG Certified in Diagnostic Upper GI Endoscopy
GMC Specialist Registration in General Surgery
EHS Advisory Board member since 2015
Book a Consultation Ross Hall Profile ↗
Find me on Ross Hall Hospital ↗ British Hernia Society ↗ HerniaU Teaching ↗ Instagram ↗ Doctify Patient Reviews ↗ LinkedIn ↗
Clinical Expertise

Conditions Treated

01
Inguinal Hernia
The most common hernia of all. A weakness in the groin wall allows tissue to push through, causing a bulge that may ache, drag or become painful on exertion. Treated with the latest robotic and laparoscopic TAPP techniques for faster recovery and excellent long-term results. Affects around 1 in 4 men during their lifetime.
02
Ventral Hernias
A bulge through the front abdominal wall, often at the umbilicus or along the midline. Repaired using minimally invasive or robotic techniques with mesh support for the most durable, comfortable results with minimal scarring.
03
Incisional Hernias
A hernia that develops at the site of a previous surgical wound, ranging from small and straightforward to large and highly complex. Mr Pawlak co-authored the EHS guidelines on incisional hernia, bringing the highest level of evidence directly to his patients.
04
Rectus Abdominis Diastasis
Separation of the abdominal muscles, most commonly after pregnancy. Causes visible bulging, core weakness and discomfort. Repaired robotically through tiny incisions, and often combined with abdominoplasty to restore both function and contour.
05
Post-Partum Abdominal Wall Insufficiency
A complex syndrome (PPAWIS) that can follow childbirth, involving abdominal wall weakness, diastasis recti and sometimes hernia formation. Mr Pawlak offers individualised, minimally invasive reconstruction tailored to each patient's needs and goals.
06
Gallbladder Disease
Gallstones (cholelithiasis), gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) and bile duct stones (choledocholithiasis). Treated by robotic or laparoscopic cholecystectomy, usually as a same-day procedure with a rapid return to normal life.
07
Hiatal Hernia
Where the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm, causing acid reflux, chest discomfort and swallowing difficulties. Repaired robotically for precise reconstruction with minimal recovery time. Ross Hall's first robotic hiatal hernia repair was performed by Mr Pawlak.
08
GORD (Acid Reflux)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease causing persistent heartburn, regurgitation and throat symptoms. When medication is insufficient, robotic anti-reflux surgery (fundoplication) offers a lasting solution with excellent outcomes and rapid recovery.
Mr Pawlak in theatre scrubs, Da Vinci robotic surgery specialist, Glasgow
The Da Vinci Surgical System

Robotic Surgery
at Ross Hall

Using the most advanced surgical technology available, Mr Pawlak delivers procedures that once required large open operations. Today they are carried out through incisions smaller than a fingertip. Ross Hall Hospital is currently the only private hospital in Scotland offering this level of robotic expertise on a routine basis.

Fully surgeon-controlled. The robot never operates on its own. Mr Pawlak guides every movement himself from a console in the same theatre.
3D HD visualisation. A magnified view far beyond what the human eye sees in open surgery, allowing great precision in delicate anatomy.
Wristed instruments. A greater range of movement than the human hand, making surgery possible in confined or anatomically difficult areas.
Faster recovery. Many patients go home the same day or the following morning, returning to normal life weeks sooner than after open surgery.
Complex made routine. Operations once considered too risky for keyhole surgery are now performed safely and consistently with robotic assistance.
Enquire About Robotic Surgery
Da Vinci robotic surgical arms operating through tiny incisions
Inside the Operating Theatre

The Da Vinci System
in Action

The robotic arms work through incisions smaller than a fingertip, guided with millimetre precision by Mr Pawlak from a console in the same theatre. The result is less pain, less scarring and a recovery measured in days rather than weeks.

For many patients told their hernia is too complex for keyhole surgery, robotic technology opens new possibilities, allowing safe and precise reconstruction that was simply not achievable before.

Pioneering Robotic Surgery in Scotland

Historic Milestones at Ross Hall Hospital

Robotic surgery team celebrating first rectus diastasis repair at Ross Hall
First in Scotland

Robotic Rectus Diastasis Repair at Ross Hall

The first robotic-assisted rectus abdominis diastasis repair performed at Ross Hall Hospital, and a landmark moment for minimally invasive surgery in Scotland. Particularly beneficial for patients following pregnancy, this procedure was achieved through tiny incisions with the Da Vinci system, resulting in outstanding recovery and cosmetic outcomes. Published on Ross Hall's social media as a milestone for Scottish private surgery.

View on Instagram ↗
Mr Pawlak and surgical team after first robotic hiatal hernia repair at Ross Hall
First in Scotland

Robotic Complex Hiatal Hernia Repair

The first robotic-assisted complex hiatal hernia repair performed at Ross Hall Hospital, and another milestone in bringing world-class robotic capability to Scotland. This technically demanding procedure benefits from the enhanced precision and visualisation of the Da Vinci system, offering patients a faster recovery with significantly reduced discomfort. Celebrated by the entire team.

View on Instagram ↗
Academic & Clinical Excellence

Qualifications & Achievements

30+
Publications
Peer-reviewed research in hernia surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, robotic techniques and surgical guidelines in leading international journals including Hernia, BJS and Annals of Surgery.
50+
Conference Presentations
Invited speaker and faculty at major international surgical congresses including EHS, ASGBI, IFSO, EAES and IHS, across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.
2
EHS Guideline Co-Lead
Co-leading two landmark European Hernia Society guideline programmes covering midline incisional and emergency ventral hernia. An internationally recognised authority in both fields.
PhD
Doctorate in Medicine
Doctoral research on abdominal wall biomechanics and implant forces, Medical University of Gdańsk, 2016. Informs modern hernia mesh selection and fixation techniques.
FRCS
Fellow, Royal College of Surgeons
Fellow Ad Eundem of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, one of the highest distinctions in British surgery. Awarded 2021.
FEBS
European Board Certified in AWS
Passed the European Board of Surgery Examination in Abdominal Wall Surgery, the highest European certification in the specialty. Awarded 2021.
Patient Education

Understanding Your Condition

Patient Talk
Understanding Hernia Surgery
A patient-focused talk covering what hernias are, when surgery is needed, and the range of treatment approaches available, including robotic and minimally invasive options, and what to expect at each stage.
Patient Talk
Treatment Options and Recovery
Clear guidance on surgical options, what to expect from robotic hernia surgery, recovery timelines, and how to prepare for the best possible outcome.
Filmed at Ross Hall
The Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System
Mr Pawlak introduces the Da Vinci system at Ross Hall Hospital, explaining how robotic surgery works and what it means for patients undergoing hernia and abdominal wall repair.
Filmed at Ross Hall
Robotic Surgery at Ross Hall Hospital
A closer look at robotic hernia surgery in practice at Ross Hall, Scotland's leading centre for robotic abdominal wall surgery, and what patients can expect before, during and after their procedure.

New patient education videos are added regularly. For more, visit the MP Surgical channel or follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Patient Information

Guides for Every Step of Your Care

Written by Mr Pawlak in plain English, these guides explain what to expect before, during and after your operation. Every guide can be read on your phone, printed, or saved as a PDF to keep. Select a stage below.

Getting fit for your hernia operationPrehabilitation: weight, diet, stopping smoking, diabetes, exercise and a countdown to your surgery date. Read › Coming into hospitalWhat to bring, fasting instructions and what happens when you arrive. In preparation
Inguinal herniaThe most common hernia. Why it happens, what it feels like and when repair is advised. In preparation Incisional and ventral herniaHernias in the front of the abdomen, including those after previous surgery. In preparation Rectus diastasisSeparation of the abdominal muscles, most often after pregnancy. In preparation Hiatal hernia and acid refluxWhen the stomach moves up through the diaphragm, and what can be done. In preparation
Robotic hernia repairHow the Da Vinci system is used, what the incisions look like and why it is chosen. In preparation Abdominal wall reconstructionLarger and more complex repairs, and what they involve. In preparation Gallbladder removalLaparoscopic and robotic cholecystectomy, usually as a day case. In preparation
Consent for hernia repairThe benefits, the risks, the alternatives and the questions worth asking. In preparation Mesh: the factsWhat mesh is, why it is used, and an honest account of the concerns. In preparation
The first two weeksPain relief, wound care, eating, driving and what is normal. In preparation Getting back to normalReturning to work, lifting, exercise and long-term care of your repair. In preparation
Patient Experience

What Patients Say

Independently Verified
Rated 5 out of 5 by verified patients

Every review on Doctify is left by a patient whose treatment has been independently confirmed. Reviews cannot be edited, selected or removed by the surgeon, so what you read is exactly what patients reported.

Read All Reviews ↗ Leave a Review
"The professionalism shown by all the staff was exemplary. The operation was more complex than expected but you took your time and executed everything with precision and accuracy. I remember asking how it went, and the answer was simple. 5/5. My family and I wanted to pass on our sincere thanks."
Patient feedback
Complex hernia surgery, Glasgow
"I would like to pass on thanks to Mr Pawlak and his team. The pre-op nurses were really lovely and made me feel at ease. The care throughout was exceptional. There was no one I could name as all of them worked really well, very caring and efficient. I am truly grateful for the professionalism I received."
Patient feedback
Surgical patient, Glasgow
★★★★★
"Excellent treatment and quality of life immensely improved. I have now almost forgotten I ever had the hernia, and recovery was very quick."
Robotic hernia repair patient
RAS r-TAPP/eTEP repair · Score: 10/10
★★★★★
"Absolute superb from check-in to discharge. Excellent team, no negatives whatsoever. A much better experience than my local health service."
Robotic incisional hernia patient
RAS r-TAPP incisional repair · Score: 10/10
★★★★★
"10 out of 10 experience. Every stage of the process was clearly explained, and recovery was much easier than I had expected."
Hernia repair patient
RAS r-TAPP epigastric hernia · Score: 10/10
★★★★★
"Amazed at the service here at Golden Jubilee. After being on a waiting list for many years, the service was top notch. Very grateful to Mr Pawlak for what he was able to achieve with my very large hernia."
Complex recurrent hernia patient
Open incisional hernia repair · Score: 10/10
★★★★★
"Absolutely fabulous. The care was fantastic. Care and attention was second to none from all the staff. Need to make more hospitals like the Jubilee."
Inguinal hernia patient
RAS LIH + Umbilical Hernia · Score: 10/10
Verified · Doctify
★★★★★
"I travelled from Ireland to Glasgow specifically to undergo robotic surgery with Mr Pawlak after carrying out extensive research, which led me to believe he was one of the leading specialists in Europe. Having now experienced his care and expertise firsthand, I can confidently say that proved to be absolutely correct."
Verified patient
Robotic hernia repair · 5/5 on Doctify
Verified · Doctify
★★★★★
"I was up and walking within 30 minutes of being in my room. My pain is very manageable and I was home the next day. I was terribly anxious about this surgery, so to be up, well and feeling myself so soon was a really pleasant surprise. Mr Pawlak was meticulous."
Verified patient
Complex abdominal hernia repair · 5/5 on Doctify
Verified · Doctify
★★★★★
"I had a hernia repair by robotic assisted laparoscopy. I had previously had a hernia repaired with open surgery, and this time was much less painful with a speedier recovery."
Verified patient
Robotic hernia repair · 5/5 on Doctify
275+
Robotic procedures
performed
5.0
Verified patient rating
on Doctify
Faster
recovery
Most patients report faster
return to normal activities
Same
day
Most robotic hernia patients
go home the same day
The MP Surgical Approach

Why Patients
Choose Mr Pawlak

"I believe every patient deserves to understand their options fully, and to have a treatment plan designed around their own circumstances rather than a protocol."

Individualised Treatment Planning
Every consultation begins with thorough assessment of your anatomy, lifestyle and goals. The most appropriate surgical approach is chosen for you, never applied from a standard template.
Robotic & Minimally Invasive First
Where clinically appropriate, Mr Pawlak always considers the least invasive option available, drawing on a practice at the forefront of robotic hernia and abdominal wall surgery in Scotland.
Evidence-Based, Guideline-Led
As co-author of international surgical guidelines, his practice reflects the highest levels of current evidence. Patients benefit directly from the latest research and best practice standards.
Full Continuity of Care
From first consultation through surgery and recovery, Mr Pawlak remains your surgeon throughout, with direct access, clear communication and personal follow-up at every stage.
Mr Maciej Pawlak discussing treatment with a patient
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. Some small, symptom-free hernias can safely be monitored. However, hernias do not heal on their own and many enlarge or become more uncomfortable over time. A specialist consultation establishes whether repair is advisable in your particular case.

Most patients go home the same day or the following morning and return to light activity within a few days. Many resume normal daily activities within two to three weeks. Complex abdominal wall reconstruction takes longer, and you will be given a recovery plan specific to your operation.

Robotic surgery offers greater precision, wristed instrument movement and magnified 3D vision, which is particularly valuable in complex, recurrent and abdominal wall reconstruction cases. It is not automatically the right choice for every patient, and the most suitable approach is decided together at consultation.

Yes. Recurrent and revision hernia surgery is a core part of this practice. Specialist assessment can establish why symptoms have persisted or returned and identify the most effective next step, including robotic options for cases that previously required open surgery.

No. The right technique depends on the hernia type, defect size, tissue quality, previous surgery and your own priorities. The advantages and disadvantages of mesh and tissue repair are discussed openly at consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Both are welcome. You can book directly through the Ross Hall Hospital online booking system or ask your GP to refer you. International patients are seen, and telemedicine consultations can be arranged for an initial assessment.

Private consultations and surgery take place at Ross Hall Hospital, 221 Crookston Road, Glasgow G52 3NQ. Ross Hall is currently the only private hospital in Scotland offering routine robotic hernia and abdominal wall surgery.

Yes. Robotic techniques are especially well suited to large and complex hernias, where precision and visualisation matter most. Mr Pawlak has performed over 275 robotic procedures, including some of the most technically demanding abdominal wall reconstructions carried out in Scotland.

Get in Touch

Ready to Take
the First Step?

Private consultations at Ross Hall Hospital, Glasgow. Self-referral and GP referral are both welcome. International patients and telemedicine consultations available.

Consulting Rooms
Ross Hall Hospital
Glasgow, G52 3NQ
Referrals & Access
GP referrals welcome
Self-referral accepted
Telemedicine consultations available
International patients welcome
Book at Ross Hall info@mpsurgical.co.uk
Send an Enquiry

For appointment bookings, please use the Ross Hall online booking link above. For general enquiries, research questions or referrals, use this form.

This form is for enquiries only. For urgent symptoms, please contact your GP or call 999. All information is handled in confidence.

Enquiry Received

Thank you for getting in touch. Mr Pawlak's team will respond to your enquiry within one to two working days. For appointments, please use the Ross Hall online booking system.