Anti-reflux/Oesophageal Surgery

• Gastroscopy – Video inspection of the oesophagus, stomach and duodenum.
  Usually diagnostic but can be therapeutic with endoscopic excision of polyps, dilation of stricture etc.
• Laparoscopic Hiatal Hernia Repair – Indicated in patients where a significant portion of the stomach has herniated into the chest and is causing obstructive symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing, early satiety, pain and vomiting or shortness of breath.
  The procedure is done laparoscopically with a 2-3 day post-operative stay.
  Full recovery in 4 weeks.
• Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication (Anti-Reflux surgery) – Performed for patients with reflux (GORD) disease not controlled with gold standard medical treatment.
  Surgery performed via a laparoscopic approach in hospital from 2-3 days and full recovery in 4 weeks.
• Laparoscopic Heller Myotomy – Surgical division of the lower oesophageal sphincter in patients with achalasia (cardiospasm).
  Done laparoscopically and 2-3 days in hospital stay.
• Radical Oesophago-gastrectomy – Removal of the oesophagus for cancer. Careful staging (gastroscopy, CT abdomen & chest, PET scan and laparoscopy) of patients.
  Treatment is stage dependent and broadly falls into palliative or curative.
  Patients are discussed in a multi-disciplinary cancer meeting to tailor optimal management. Often pre-operative chemotherapy and radiation are offered.
  Surgery is via abdomen and chest.