Dr Todor Pavlov
Specialist General Surgeon
Compassionate, evidence-based surgical care with clear communication from consultation to recovery.
Excellence
Why Choose Dr Pavlov
Clear explanations, modern techniques, and attentive follow-up from consultation to recovery, so you can feel informed and supported at every step.
About Dr Pavlov
Dr Pavlov was born in Bulgaria, where he completed his MBChB. After visiting friends in South Africa, he fell in love with the country and chose to pursue his surgical training here.
He completed his Specialist General Surgery training at UKZN.
He then worked as a Specialist Surgeon for 18 years in the Government System at Hospitals such as:
- Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital
- King Edward VII Hospital
- Greys Hospital
- Addington Hospital
- Edendale Hospital
- Northdale Hospital
- Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital
He went on to Private Practise in 2008 and has been working for the past 18 years.
He operates in:
- Life Hilton – Hospital
- St Annes – Pietermaritzburg
- Mediclinic – Pietermaritzburg
- Midlands Medical Centre
Qualifications:
MBChB (VAR)
FCS(SA) – Fellowship College of Surgeons
Procedures
Surgical Expertise You Can Trust
Each procedure performed with precision and care.
Abdominal & Gastrointestinal Surgery
Expertise in gallbladder removal, appendectomies, and complex bowel resections.
Hernia Repair
Advanced techniques for inguinal, umbilical, and incisional hernias, prioritising long-term wall stability and minimal recurrence.
Surgical Oncology
Precision-focused removal of tumors, including breast, colon, and skin cancers (Melanoma/Sarcoma).
Endocrine Surgery
Specialised care for thyroid and parathyroid disorders.
Soft Tissue & Trauma
Management of complex wounds, cysts, and acute surgical emergencies.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Using the most advanced and modern techniques, to ensure the least invasive and best recovery-driven approach is taken.
Procedures
Gastroscopy & Colonoscopy In the Rooms
Dr Pavlov is performing Gastroscopies and Colonoscopies in his rooms
Why would this benefit you?
If the gastroscopy or colonoscopy is done in a hospital theatre, you may be charged multiple co-payments, as well as an additional hospital day-ward fee.
Having these procedures done in Dr Pavlov’s rooms can significantly reduce costs and means they can often be scheduled sooner, without having to wait for limited hospital theatre availability.
What Patients Have To Say About Dr Pavlov
Results That Speak For Themselves Across Decades Of Practice
Top 3
Best General Surgeon in Hilton, Pietermaritzburg, Howick and Midlands.
35+
Years of surgical and consultation experience.
98%
Patient satisfaction rating.
Dr Pavlov Is A Designated Service Provider (DSP)
What is a Designated Service Provider (DSP)?
A Designated Service Provider (DSP) is a doctor, hospital, pharmacy, or other healthcare provider that your medical scheme has appointed or contracted with to treat members.
Why does this matter for you?
Your medical aid scheme is more likely to cover treatment in FULL, according to its rules. Hence, you are less likely to face out-of-pocket shortfalls.
Dr Pavlov is a DSP for the following medical aid schemes:
- Discovery – All Classic Options
- Key Care – All Options
- Polmed – All Options
- Nedbank
What Is GAP Cover?
Gap cover is a health insurance policy (not a medical scheme) that helps pay some of the shortfalls between what your medical aid pays and what private doctors or specialists charge, especially for in-hospital care and surgery.
It is designed to complement medical aid, not replace it.
Medical schemes often pay benefits according to their tariffs and rules, while specialists may charge more than the scheme rate. The difference can become an out-of-pocket cost for you.
Depending on the plan, gap cover may assist with things like:
- Specialist shortfalls for in-hospital procedures (when the specialist charges above what the scheme pays).
- Certain co-payments (the fixed amounts some schemes require you to pay) .
- It is not medical aid, so it generally won’t cover your normal day-to-day GP visits, medicine, dentistry, optometry, etc.
- It has limits and conditions (including annual limits that are regulated and adjusted over time).
If you are planning surgery or a hospital admission, gap cover can help protect you from unexpected bills that might come from specialist charges or co-payments, so you can focus on recovery rather than costs.
My experience with Dr Pavlov has been truly excellent from the very beginning. He was kind, attentive and genuinely caring, which immediately put me at ease. He always took time to listen and explained things clearly, and I felt supported throughout my care. Since my last operation, my health has improved greatly, and I have not had any further issues I am very grateful for his care, and I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr Pavlov to others.
Ms Maphanga