Upper Gastrointestinal Medical Conditions

Hernia

A hernia is an abnormal protrusion of an internal body part into an area where it doesn’t belong. Hernia can be inherent (meaning born with) or acquired (usually after surgery). Common types of hernia are inguinal (inner groin), incisional (resulting from an incision), femoral (outer groin), umbilical (belly button), and hiatal (upper stomach).

Hiatus Hernia

When a part of the stomach pushes upward through the diaphragm a hiatal hernia occurs. Some may cause no symptoms at all, but when reflux occurs, it usually causes heartburn, a painful burning sensation in the chest.
If required, there are many options for surgical correction.

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upper gi surgery gallbladder and gallstones

Gallstones & Gallbladder Pain

Gallstones are formed when there is an imbalance between bile salts, lecithin and cholesterol. Gallstone related symptoms are typically located at the right upper abdomen. When the gallbladder becomes inflamed, the pain can become severe and continuous. Other symptoms may include, vomiting, nausea, upper abdominal pains, dyspepsia, food intolerance, fat intolerance, heartburn, bloating and flatulence.

If gallbladder surgery is required for gallbladder and gallstone removal, surgery is usually undertaken as a laparoscopic procedure (key-hole).

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A Multi-Disciplinary Team

Specialist surgeons, practice care co-ordinator, dieticians, clinical psychologist and peri-operative physicians

Reflux & Heartburn

Did you know that reflux symptoms are common? It is a chronic disease that occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (circular band of muscle) does not close properly and stomach contents refluxes into the oesophagus. When reflux occurs, it usually causes heartburn, a painful burning sensation in the chest (“indigestion”). Other symptoms include chronic cough, laryngitis, sinusitis, dental erosions, increased salivation and chest pain.

Learn more about reflux symptoms, reflux causes and reflux treatment.

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Stomach Cancer & Bowel Cancer

Stomach Cancer Symptoms: The stomach has a large reserve and cancer can often present without symptoms. Our specialist can make diagnosis based on gastroscopy and biopsies.

Once a diagnosis of gastric cancer is made, the second step is to undertake a “staging” process that essentially tells the surgeon its location, its severity and its extent or spread. The location of the cancer will determine the type of operation.

Stomach Cancer Surgery: There are various ways to remove a gastric cancer and a few techniques involved in the reconstruction.

Stomach Cancer: Learn what can be done