Stomach surgery

A surgical solution for severe acid reflux. Anti-reflux (Nissen’s) fundoplication is a surgical procedure that aims to treat severe acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing discomfort and symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. During the surgery, the upper part of the stomach is wrapped around the lower end of the oesophagus (the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach). This wrapping creates a barrier that prevents stomach acid from flowing back up into the oesophagus, helping to reduce those uncomfortable symptoms. The surgery is often done using a laparoscopic technique, which means the surgeon makes small cuts instead of a large incision in your abdomen. This minimally invasive approach usually leads to quicker recovery times and less pain compared to traditional open surgery, where a larger cut is made. For individuals struggling with the discomfort of severe acid reflux, anti-reflux (Nissen’s) fundoplication can provide significant relief and improve overall quality of life.

Patients with severe or chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) that does not respond to medical therapy. Common indications include: Persistent acid reflux despite proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication. Hiatal hernia associated with reflux. Regurgitation, aspiration, or chronic cough from reflux. Barrett’s oesophagus with ongoing symptoms. Reflux-related asthma or laryngitis.

This is likely to vary with provider. Hospital stay: Typically 1–3 days. Initial recovery: Liquid diet for the first few days → gradual progression to soft foods. Temporary difficulty swallowing may occur for 1–2 weeks. Return to light activities: Within 2–3 weeks (laparoscopic), 4–6 weeks (open). Full recovery: Usually by 6 weeks. Most patients experience immediate relief from reflux symptoms after surgery.

Prevents acid reflux by reinforcing the lower oesophageal sphincter. Reduces or eliminates heartburn, regurgitation, and PPI dependence. Improves quality of life and protects oesophagus from chronic acid damage. Can repair associated hiatus hernia simultaneously.

Dysphagia (trouble swallowing) due to tight wrap — usually temporary. Gas-bloat syndrome — difficulty belching or vomiting → bloating and discomfort. Slippage or loosening of the wrap → recurrence of reflux. Infection, bleeding, or anaesthetic risks (as with any surgery). Nissen’s fundoplication is a type of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery that wraps the stomach’s upper part (fundus) around the oesophagus to strengthen the lower sphincter - offering excellent long-term relief from GORD but may cause bloating and swallowing difficulties if too tight. This is just an outline. Your specialist surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

A surgical solution for those struggling with weight loss. Gastric bypass surgery is a highly effective weight-loss procedure designed to help individuals achieve significant weight loss when traditional methods like diet and exercise have not succeeded. This surgery is especially beneficial for those with severe weight-related health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnoea. During the procedure, a skilled surgeon creates a small pouch in your stomach and connects it directly to your small intestine. This process reduces the size of your stomach, helping you eat less and feel full faster. Additionally, it alters the way your body absorbs calories and nutrients, further aiding weight loss. Gastric bypass surgery is typically performed laparoscopically, using small incisions and a camera for precision. This minimally invasive technique often results in a shorter recovery time, reduced scarring, and a lower risk of complications.

Patients who are overweight but who have not achieved significant weight loss through diet, exercise, or medication. Also considered for poorly controlled type 2 diabetes despite medical therapy.

This is likely to vary with provider. Hospital stay: Typically 2–4 days (laparoscopic approach preferred). Initial recovery: Gradual diet progression: clear liquids → pureed foods → soft solids over 4–6 weeks. Mild fatigue and discomfort common for 1–2 weeks. Return to light activities: 2–4 weeks. Full recovery: 6–8 weeks. Significant weight loss: usually seen over 12–18 months. Lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation (e.g., B12, iron, calcium, vitamin D) required.

Significant and sustained weight loss (typically 60–80% of excess body weight). Improvement or resolution of obesity-related conditions; Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea, dyslipidaemia. Reduced cardiovascular risk and improved quality of life. Hormonal effects (changes in gut hormones) promote satiety (feeling full) and better glucose control.

Surgical complications: bleeding, infection, leaks at the connection site. Nutritional deficiencies (iron, calcium, B12, folate, vitamin D). Dumping syndrome (nausea, diarrhoea, sweating after eating sugary foods). Bowel obstruction or strictures. Gallstones due to rapid weight loss. Psychological challenges - adjustment to rapid body changes and eating habits. Gastric bypass is one of the most effective bariatric surgeries for long-term weight loss and metabolic improvement - but it requires lifelong dietary adherence, supplementation, and follow-up to avoid nutritional complications. This is just an outline. Your specialist surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a type of surgery designed to help people who are struggling with weight loss improve their health. During the procedure, the surgeon removes about 75–80% of the stomach. What’s left is a narrow, banana-shaped "sleeve" that connects the food pipe (oesophagus) to the small intestine. This smaller stomach: Limits how much you can eat, so you feel full sooner. Changes certain hormones that control hunger, which often helps reduce appetite. Unlike some other weight loss surgeries, a sleeve gastrectomy doesn't involve rerouting the intestines or adding any foreign devices. It’s done using small cuts (keyhole surgery), and recovery is typically faster than with more complex procedures. Over time, many people lose a significant amount of weight and see improvements in conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. However, it's a serious procedure that requires lifelong changes in eating, lifestyle, and follow-up care.

Individuals who are overweight or obese who have not achieved significant or sustained weight loss through diet, exercise, or medications. Patients unsuitable for gastric bypass due to certain intestinal or nutritional concerns.

(May vary with provider). Hospital stay: Usually 2–3 days. Initial recovery: Pain, nausea, and fatigue for a few days. Gradual diet progression: clear liquids → pureed → soft → solid foods over 4–6 weeks. Return to light activities: 2–4 weeks. Full recovery: 6–8 weeks. Weight loss: Rapid during first 6 months; continues up to 12–18 months.

Significant and sustained weight loss (typically 50–70% of excess body weight). Improves or resolves obesity-related conditions (diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea). Restrictive-only procedure — reduces stomach size, no intestinal rerouting. Fewer nutritional deficiencies compared to gastric bypass. Improved mobility, self-esteem, and quality of life.

Bleeding or infection at staple line. Staple line leak (serious but rare). Nausea, vomiting, or reflux (GORD may worsen). Nutritional deficiencies (iron, B12, folate, vitamin D) if diet is unbalanced. Stricture (narrowing) or delayed gastric emptying. Weight regain if lifestyle changes are not maintained. Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive bariatric surgery that permanently removes ~75–80% of the stomach, creating a “sleeve” shape. It promotes early satiety and hormonal changes that aid long-term weight loss, offering a balance between effectiveness and safety compared to other bariatric procedures. This is just an outline. Your specialist surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.