Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

Understanding Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery

At Picaso Hospital, upper gastrointestinal surgery is one of the specialties that is part of our Gastrointestinal & Liver Centre. “Upper gastrointestinal” refers to the upper half of the digestive tract, ranging from the mouth down to the small intestine. When surgical intervention is required for these organs, our upper gastrointestinal surgeon will step into the operating theatre.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Upper GI Conditions

As we specialise in cancer treatments, treating cancer affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract is the main focus of this specialty here at Picaso Hospital. Some of the cancer types that fall under this category include gastric (stomach) cancer and oesophageal cancer. Together with surgery, other forms of cancer therapy may also be prescribed depending on the stage and nature of the cancer.

You may also face other symptoms or conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. These include:

• Abdominal pain/epigastric pain
• Indigestion/dyspepsia
• Reflux symptoms/acid regurgitation/regurgitation of food
• Inability to swallow/dysphagia
• Heartburn
• Nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Belching
• Melena
• Chest discomfort or pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Unexplained anemia
• Vomiting blood (hematemesis)

Treatment Options for Upper GI Conditions

Treatments may include taking medication, ranging from antacids to antibiotics as well as lifestyle changes. Other surgical procedures may also be required depending on the condition.

Services we provide at Picaso Hospital that fall under upper gastrointestinal surgery include:

• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
• Laparoscopic oesophagectomy
• Laparoscopic fundoplication
• Laparoscopic Heller's cardiomyotomy
• Bile duct cancer surgery
• Gastrojejunostomy
• Hernia surgery
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment
• Bariatric surgery and treatment