Specialist Surgeon · da Vinci Certified · Johannesburg

Precision in surgery, clarity in care.

Laparoscopic, endocrine, hernia and vascular access surgery at the Johannesburg Surgical Hospital, delivered with over fifteen years of specialist experience.

Portrait of Dr Pieter Marais, specialist surgeon

A patient-centred philosophy

Dr Pieter Marais — known to patients and colleagues as Dr Marais or Dr P Marais — is a specialist surgeon (MBChB, FCS(SA), HPCSA Pr. No. 0433438) at Johannesburg Surgical Hospital. Surgery is often a moment of vulnerability; this practice is built on clinical excellence and clear communication — every patient understands what is being done, why, and what recovery honestly looks like.

Surgical specialties: robotic (da Vinci) surgery, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, endocrine surgery (thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal), hernia surgery (inguinal, ventral, incisional, umbilical), gallbladder surgery, bariatric and metabolic surgery, dialysis vascular access (AV fistula creation), and emergency general surgery. Techniques: certified da Vinci robotic console surgeon, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, TEP and TAPP hernia repair, robotic hernia repair, hemithyroidectomy and total thyroidectomy, focused parathyroidectomy, laparoscopic adrenalectomy, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, gastric balloon, radiocephalic, brachiocephalic and brachiobasilic fistula creation, Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic appendicectomy.

Surgical expertise

Fourteen disciplines & procedures

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01

Laparoscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive keyhole surgery — smaller incisions, faster recovery.

02

Inguinal Hernia Repair

Groin hernia repair — laparoscopic (TEP/TAPP) and open techniques.

03

Ventral & Incisional Hernia Repair

Repair of umbilical, epigastric and post-surgical hernias.

04

Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy)

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones and biliary disease.

05

Thyroid Surgery (Thyroidectomy)

Hemi- and total thyroidectomy for nodules, goitre and cancer.

06

Parathyroid Surgery (Parathyroidectomy)

Focused parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism.

07

Adrenal Surgery (Laparoscopic Adrenalectomy)

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for functional and non-functional tumours.

08

Bariatric Surgery (Sleeve Gastrectomy & Gastric Balloon)

Sleeve gastrectomy and gastric balloon for weight and metabolic disease.

09

Dialysis Fistula & Vascular Access

Arteriovenous fistula creation and revision for haemodialysis.

10

General Surgical Emergencies

Appendicitis, bowel obstruction, incarcerated hernia and acute abdomen.

11

Anti-Reflux Surgery (Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication)

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for severe reflux (GORD).

12

Hiatal Hernia Repair

Laparoscopic repair of sliding and paraoesophageal hiatal hernias.

13

Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy

Diagnostic and therapeutic upper and lower GI endoscopy.

14

Robotic Surgery (da Vinci)

Certified da Vinci robotic surgeon — wristed instruments and 3D HD vision for the most precise minimally invasive surgery.

15

Colorectal Surgery (Colectomy, Hemicolectomy, Sigmoidectomy, Proctocolectomy)

Robotic and laparoscopic colon and rectal resection for diverticular disease, IBD and colorectal cancer.

16

Rectopexy & Sacrocolpopexy (Pelvic Floor Repair)

Robotic and laparoscopic repair of rectal prolapse and vaginal vault prolapse.

17

Haemorrhoids & Piles Treatment

Assessment and treatment of piles (haemorrhoids) — banding, injection and surgical options.

Modern operating theatre at Johannesburg Surgical Hospital

Why patients choose this practice

  • Specialist training

    Fellowship-level laparoscopic training at IRCAD (France and Belgium) and certified da Vinci robotic surgeon, with a focused practice in endocrine, hernia and minimally invasive surgery.

  • Fifteen years in practice

    Consistent operative volume across the disciplines listed here — not a general list padded to look impressive.

  • Honest conversations

    A consultation includes what surgery can and can't do for you, realistic risks, and the recovery timeline as it actually is.

  • One point of contact

    Directly reachable through the practice for the length of your care, including post-operative recovery.

Practice location

The consulting rooms sit within Johannesburg Surgical Hospital — a dedicated private surgical facility with modern theatres and a full complement of surgical support services on site.

Consulting rooms

Johannesburg Surgical Hospital
Randburg

Office hours

Mon – Fri, 08:00 – 17:00
Emergency: 24/7 via hospital switchboard

Contact the practice →
Patient experiences

What patients say about the practice

I was referred to Dr Marais through friends. I have been struggling with reflux for a while. When I went to see Dr, he immediately told me with his no-nonsense approach that he thinks I will benefit from the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication op. He neverthele

Augusta

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

I lived with extreme reflux and heart burn since I was a teenager. I had my first hernia repair when I was 25, I had another hernia repair at the age of 34 and again at age 39. Many nights I woke up choking on reflux. I am a foundation phase teacher. When I be

Petro

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass

I had the privilege of being treated by Dr Pieter Marais, an exceptional specialist surgeon.

Anonymous

Hysterectomy

Frequently asked

Questions patients ask before booking

Where does Dr Marais consult?
Dr Marais consults from Room 21 at Johannesburg Surgical Hospital, 219 Beyers Naudé Dr, Northcliff, Randburg, Johannesburg. Weekday office hours Mon – Fri, 08:00 – 17:00.
What procedures does Dr Marais perform?
Robotic (da Vinci) surgery, laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, hernia repair (inguinal, ventral, incisional, hiatal), gallbladder removal, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, adrenal surgery, bariatric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy and gastric balloon), anti-reflux surgery (Nissen fundoplication), dialysis fistula creation, gastroscopy and colonoscopy, and emergency general surgery.
Does Dr Marais perform robotic surgery?
Yes — Dr Marais is a certified da Vinci console surgeon on the Intuitive Surgical robotic platform. Robotic surgery is offered primarily for complex hernia repair (inguinal, ventral, incisional and hiatal) and selected upper-GI and adrenal cases, where wristed instruments and 3D vision genuinely change what's possible.
Does Dr Marais accept medical aid?
Yes. The practice bills most South African medical aids and provides written quotes and pre-authorisation motivation before scheduled surgery.
How do I book a consultation?
Contact the practice on +27 11 014 0414 or +27 62 415 6612, email jsh.drmarais@gmail.com, or complete the enquiry form on the contact page. New patients typically hear back within one working day.
What training does Dr Marais have?
MBChB, FCS(SA) with fellowship-level training at IRCAD in France and Belgium — two of the world's leading centres for minimally invasive surgery — and da Vinci certified robotic surgeon. HPCSA practice number 0433438.
Does Dr Marais handle emergencies?
Yes — Dr Marais is on call for acute surgical presentations at Johannesburg Surgical Hospital. Emergency access is 24/7 via the hospital switchboard.