If you’ve been dealing with persistent upper abdominal symptoms such as discomfort after eating or bloating, you may be wondering whether it’s time to speak to a specialist. While many digestive issues can be managed without surgery, some conditions may need further investigation or treatment from an upper gastrointestinal (GI) expert.
Mr Achal Khanna, the only upper GI surgeon based in Milton Keynes, offers advanced, minimally invasive treatments for a wide range of upper GI issues. This article explores what upper GI surgery involves, the conditions it treats and when you should see a specialist.
What is upper GI surgery?
Upper GI surgery includes procedures that treat the upper digestive system – the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, duodenum (the first part of the small intestine), gallbladder, bile ducts and nearby organs.
Treatments may include routine procedures such as an endoscopy, to more complex operations, including:
- Gallbladder removal surgery
- Hernia repair
- Treatment for ulcers or tumours
Mr Khanna specialises in using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic surgery (keyhole) and robot-assisted surgery. These techniques are designed to help you recover faster, with less scarring and better long-term results.
Common conditions treated by upper GI surgery
Lots of different conditions can be treated by upper GI surgery. However, surgery is normally only recommended if other less invasive treatments haven’t worked first.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common conditions that can be treated through upper GI surgery.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a chronic (long-term) form of acid reflux.
GORD occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn, chest discomfort. If left untreated, the condition can even damage the lining of the oesophagus.
Lifestyle changes and medication are often the first steps in managing GORD. However, if symptoms persist, surgery may be needed.
Surgical options for acid reflux may include:
- Fundoplication – this involves wrapping the top of your stomach around the lower part of your oesophagus to help stop acid from flowing back up
- LINX device – a small ring of magnetic beads is placed around the lower oesophagus to keep it closed and prevent reflux, while still allowing food to pass through
Hiatus hernia
A hiatus hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm (the thin, dome-shaped muscle that sits below your lungs and heart). This can contribute to reflux symptoms and may lead to pain, bloating and difficulty swallowing.
Small hiatus hernias may not need treatment, but large hernias or hernias causing symptoms often need surgical repair. Laparoscopic surgery or robot-assisted surgery can reduce recovery time and discomfort.
Abdominal wall hernias
These hernias appear when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the abdominal muscle wall. They may cause a visible lump, discomfort or serious complications if left untreated, like strangulation, which cuts off the blood supply to tissues.
Keyhole surgery is often used to fix the muscle wall and reduce the risk of future problems.
Peptic ulcers and gastritis
Gastritis happens when the lining of your stomach becomes inflamed, often due to factors like stress, infection or certain medications. If left untreated, this irritation can sometimes lead to peptic ulcers – painful sores that form in the lining of the stomach or small intestine.
Most cases can be managed with medication, but surgery may be needed if there’s significant bleeding, a tear (known as a perforation) or if the ulcer doesn’t heal over time.
Tumours and lesions of the stomach or oesophagus
Early-stage cancers or abnormal areas seen during tests (known as lesions) may be removed surgically to prevent them from developing into something more serious.
In some cases, non-cancerous growths called polyps might also need to be removed, especially if they contain abnormal cells that could potentially turn into cancer in the future.
Gastric polyps
These are small growths on the stomach lining. Many are benign, but some may show early signs of abnormal cell changes.
Polyps can often be removed during an investigative test of the upper digestive system (a gastroscopy).
Gallbladder disease and gallstones
Gallstones are small stones that form in the gallbladder and can cause pain, indigestion, nausea or infection. If your gallstones start causing symptoms, your specialist may recommend removing the gallbladder with a procedure called a cholecystectomy.
When to seek a specialist or consider surgery
Speaking to a GI specialist can help you get the right treatment early and avoid possible complications down the line.
You should consider booking a consultation with an upper GI specialist if you experience:
- Ongoing acid reflux or heartburn that does not improve with medication
- Difficulty swallowing or chest discomfort during eating
- Unexplained weight loss or signs of internal bleeding (such as black stools)
- Persistent upper abdominal pain, especially after eating
- Symptoms related to gallstones, including pain in the right upper abdomen, nausea or jaundice
- A noticeable lump in the abdominal area that may be a hernia
- A diagnosis of gastric polyps, which may need to be removed
- You’ve developed Barrett’s oesophagus (a condition where the lining of the oesophagus changes due to long-term acid reflux), which requires close monitoring
Early assessment gives you the best chance of managing symptoms effectively and preventing more serious issues from developing.
What to expect during a consultation
When you meet with a private GI surgeon, you’ll be given the time to talk through your symptoms, concerns and medical history in detail. If needed, tests such as endoscopy, scans or blood tests may be recommended to help understand what’s causing your symptoms.
Once everything has been assessed and you’ve received a diagnosis, your consultant will explain your options clearly – whether that’s simple lifestyle changes, medicines or surgery – and help you decide what’s right for you.
How Mr Achal Khanna can help
Mr Khanna uses modern techniques, such as keyhole surgery, to perform many procedures. This approach typically leads to a faster recovery and less pain after surgery.
Some of the treatments available include:
- Upper GI endoscopy (gastroscopy) – used to investigate symptoms affecting the oesophagus, stomach or duodenum
- Laparoscopic gallbladder removal – used to treat gallstones and gallbladder infections
- Laparoscopic hernia repair – keyhole surgery for repairing abdominal wall hernias
- Anti-reflux procedures – techniques such as fundoplication to manage persistent gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
- Surgical management of gastric polyps, lesions or ulcers – removal of abnormal tissue for diagnosis or to prevent complications
Whether you need a simple investigation or a more advanced procedure, Mr Khanna offers expert care tailored to your condition, with a focus on comfort, safety and long-term results.
Book a consultation with Mr Achal Khanna
If you’ve been living with ongoing digestive symptoms, discomfort or have been diagnosed with an upper GI condition, now could be the right time to speak to a specialist.
Booking a consultation with Mr Achal Khanna offers more than just answers. You’ll receive expert care, a clear plan tailored to your needs and the reassurance that you’re in experienced, compassionate hands – whether you need a simple investigation or more advanced treatment.
Contact us today for personalised, comprehensive upper GI support and care.