Upper
Gastrointestinal

Digestion is an important part of the body’s function and it can be frustrating when ailments and conditions disrupt this. Tyneside Surgical Services treats most upper gastrointestinal conditions.

Upper gastrointestinal surgery is a set of surgical procedures that focuses on some of the organs that are responsible for digestion and absorbing nutrients. This includes the small bowel as well as the gall bladder and the stomach. This does not include other parts of the gastrointestinal tract such as the colon, anus and rectum. See our Colorectal page for more information.

Upper gastrointestinal conditions that are treated with surgery are ulcers, gall stones, hernia, inflammatory bowel disease, and cysts.

Common upper gastrointestinal surgeries that we perform are:

• Gall bladder removal (cholecystectomy) – The removal of the gall gladder through laparoscopic or open surgery due to painful gallstones
• Hernia repair – Surgical procedure to correct hernia (which is when an organ pushes through the cavity wall of tissue and muscle where the organ is normally located)
• Fundoplication – Fundoplication is a surgical procedure used to treat gastroesophageal reflux and hiatus hernia

Technology has progressed and some procedures can be performed laparoscopically. This is less invasive and decreases recovery time for the patient. It also improves outcomes of surgery by minimising the risk of infection.

Surgical procedures are performed to alleviate pain, improve function of the gastrointestinal system and minimise further complications from disease.

Contact us on: 0191 737 1089