If you live with ongoing gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms such as persistent heartburn, abdominal pain or bloating, you may already know how important it is to get answers quickly.
Many people, however, face long waiting lists and uncertainty when trying to access investigations or surgery through the NHS. This is one reason why more people are considering private care to take control of their health and avoid delays. But what are the differences between NHS and private GI surgery, and how do you know which option might be best for you?
NHS vs private GI surgery: what’s the difference?
If you need upper GI surgery on the NHS, your journey will usually begin with a GP referral to a hospital specialist. From there, you may have some tests before being added to a waiting list for surgery. While the NHS provides safe, high-quality care, the process can feel slow and outside your control.
Long waits are common, and it isn’t always possible to choose your consultant or the timing of your surgery. This can feel stressful when you’re already coping with daily discomfort.
Private GI surgery works a little differently. When you choose to see a private surgeon, you can book directly and avoid delays. This means your investigations and treatment can begin much sooner, helping you find relief from your symptoms without unnecessary delay.
Private care also offers more choice – from selecting your hospital and surgeon to agreeing on a treatment plan that’s shaped around your individual needs.
The benefits of private healthcare for GI surgery
Private care is about more than shorter waiting times. It’s also about feeling supported, listened to and cared for at every stage of your journey.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of private GI healthcare.
Faster access to treatment
One of the biggest private healthcare benefits is speed – you can often see a consultant within days rather than months. NHS waiting times for planned surgery have risen significantly in recent years, with many patients waiting over a year for some procedures. For someone living with daily discomfort, this can feel like a long and uncertain road to recovery.
With private surgery, consultations are usually available within days and, if needed, surgery can be arranged within weeks. This means you can get answers more quickly, avoid long delays and begin your recovery sooner.
Personalised and continuous care
In the NHS, you may see different doctors and specialists at different points in your journey. By contrast, private care usually gives you direct access to the same consultant throughout your treatment.
This continuity means you have more time to talk through your symptoms, understand your options and feel confident about your treatment plan. Care is tailored to you, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Advanced surgical options
Private surgery can also give you access to the latest techniques.
Mr Achal Khanna, a leading private surgeon in Milton Keynes, offers advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery and robot-assisted surgery.
These modern approaches can reduce pain, shorten recovery times and minimise scarring compared to traditional open surgery. While some of these treatments are available on the NHS, they’re not offered in every hospital or may only be available for certain cases.
Greater choice and control
Another benefit of private healthcare is having more choice. You can select your consultant, your hospital and the timing of your surgery. This flexibility makes it easier to fit your treatment around your life and gives you reassurance that you’re in the best possible hands.
Follow-up care is also arranged at times convenient for you, helping you feel supported throughout your journey.
When NHS care might still be right
The NHS continues to provide excellent, life-saving treatment, especially in emergencies. If you suddenly develop severe abdominal pain or other new or worsening symptoms, the NHS will be there to give you urgent care when you need it most.
This is especially true in the case of a strangulated hernia, a serious GI complication where part of the bowel becomes trapped and loses its blood supply. It causes sudden, severe pain and always needs emergency treatment.
For planned care, though, private surgery offers something different. It isn’t about replacing the NHS, but about giving you more choice and peace of mind. Many patients value being able to see a consultant quickly, choose their hospital and access modern surgical options, which can make the whole experience feel more in their control.
In this way, private care works alongside the NHS, offering reassurance and timely support when you’re living with ongoing GI symptoms.
Book a consultation with Mr Achal Khanna
If you’re considering private GI surgery, choosing an experienced specialist can make all the difference. As a trusted private surgeon in Milton Keynes, Mr Khanna provides expert care for gallstones, hernia and acid reflux.
Using advanced minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic GI surgery and robot-assisted surgery, he focuses on reducing pain, speeding up recovery and ensuring safe, lasting results. His approach is compassionate and personal, giving you the time and support you need to feel confident in your treatment.
Book your consultation with Mr Achal Khanna today and take control of your health with expert, tailored care.