UPPER GI TREATMENTS

Antireflux surgery (also known as fundoplication) is the standard surgical method of treating gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Reflux disease is the result of acid refluxing from the stomach back up into the oesophagus. This causes inflammation and pain (heartburn). Normally, there is a barrier to acid reflux. Part of this barrier is the lowermost muscle of the oesophagus (called the lower oesophageal sphincter).

Most of the time, this muscle is contracted, which closes off the oesophagus from the stomach. In patients with reflux disease, the sphincter does not function normally. The muscle is either weak or relaxes inappropriately. Fundoplication is a surgical technique that strengthens the barrier to acid reflux when the sphincter does not function normally

Read More about Anti-Reflux Surgery here.

A gastroscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is used to look inside the oesophagus (gullet), stomach and first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It’s also sometimes referred to as an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

The endoscope has a light and a camera at one end. The camera sends images of the inside of your oesophagus, stomach and duodenum to a monitor.

Read More About the process of a Gastroscopy here.

If surgery is recommended, you’ll usually have keyhole surgery to remove your gallbladder. This is known as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 3 or 4 small cuts are made in your abdomen. Your abdomen is temporarily inflated using carbon dioxide gas. This is harmless and makes it easier for the surgeon to see your organs.

A laparoscope (a long, thin telescope with a tiny light and video camera at the end) is inserted through one of the cuts in your abdomen. This allows your surgeon to view the operation on a video monitor. They’ll remove your gallbladder using special surgical instruments.

If gallstones are found, they may be removed during keyhole surgery. If the operation can’t be done this way, or an unexpected complication occurs, it may have to be converted to open surgery.

Read More About Gallbladder and Gallstone removal here.

A hernia repair can be carried out as either open surgery or laparoscopic (or keyhole) surgery. The hospital will send you instructions about when you need to stop eating and drinking before the operation.

The operation usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete and you’ll usually be able to go home on the same day. Some people stay in hospital overnight if they have other medical problems or live on their own.

Read More About the Hernia Repair Surgery here.

Heller’s myotomy is a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) surgical procedure used to treat achalasia. Achalasia is a disorder of the esophagus that makes it hard for foods and liquids to pass into the stomach.

The Heller myotomy is essentially an esophagomyotomy, the cutting the esophageal sphincter muscle, performed laparoscopically. The operation’s success rate is very high and usually permanent. A small number of patients may need addtional treatment.

Read More About the Heller’s Myotomy procedure here.

Therapeutic endoscopy is the medical term for an endoscopic procedure during which treatment is carried out via the endoscope.

Both Mr Hollowood and Mr Wilkerson regularly adopt this approach in dilatation of benign oesophageal strictures as well as gastric polypectomy.

Read More About Endoscopic therapy here.