Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
Dr Bui provides surgery for a range of Upper GI medical conditions including:
Abdominal hernias (Inguinal, Umbilical, Ventral)
Abdominal hernia repair is a surgical procedure performed to address various types of hernias, including inguinal, umbilical, and ventral hernias. These hernias occur when organs or tissues protrude through weakened areas in the abdominal wall. The primary goal of the surgery is to repair the weakened area and restore the integrity of the abdominal wall. This can be achieved through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy. During the procedure, the herniated tissue is returned to its proper position, and the weakened area is reinforced with sutures or a mesh patch. The specific approach depends on the location and size of the hernia. Risks associated with abdominal hernia repair surgery include infection, bleeding, hernia recurrence, and discomfort during the recovery period. Following the surgery, patients are advised to adhere to post-operative instructions and gradually resume normal activities as recommended by their healthcare provider.
Achalasia
Achalasia surgery is a surgical procedure performed to treat achalasia, a condition that affects the esophagus and impairs its ability to move food into the stomach properly. The goal of the surgery is to relieve the obstruction and improve the movement of food through the esophagus. There are different surgical approaches available, including laparoscopic Heller myotomy and peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). During Heller myotomy, the muscles at the lower esophageal sphincter are cut to allow easier passage of food. POEM involves creating an incision in the esophagus from within, allowing access to the muscles and enabling their division. These procedures aim to improve swallowing and reduce symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, regurgitation, and chest pain. As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including bleeding, infection, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Recovery after achalasia surgery typically involves a period of dietary adjustments and follow-up care to monitor the patient's progress.
Barrett Esophagus
Barrett's esophagus surgery is a surgical procedure performed to address Barrett's esophagus, a condition in which the lining of the esophagus undergoes changes due to chronic acid reflux. The goal of the surgery is to remove or treat the abnormal tissue in the esophagus to reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Surgical options for Barrett's esophagus may include endoscopic techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA). EMR involves removing abnormal tissue layers using specialized tools, while RFA uses heat energy to destroy the abnormal cells. These procedures aim to eliminate or reduce the presence of Barrett's esophagus and promote the regeneration of healthy tissue. Risks associated with Barrett's esophagus surgery include bleeding, infection, perforation of the esophagus, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Recovery typically involves a period of follow-up care to monitor the healing process and manage symptoms. Regular surveillance is often recommended after surgery to monitor the progression of the condition and detect any potential recurrence.
Gallstone disease
Gallstone disease treatment involves addressing the presence of gallstones, which are hardened deposits in the gallbladder. The primary treatment option is usually gallbladder removal surgery, known as cholecystectomy. This can be performed either through traditional open surgery or minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic cholecystectomy, small incisions are made, and a camera-guided instrument is used to remove the gallbladder. Another treatment option is medication to dissolve gallstones, although it is less common. Gallstone disease treatment aims to alleviate symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, and bloating, and prevent complications such as gallbladder inflammation or blockage of the bile ducts.
Gastric cancer
Gastric cancer treatment involves various approaches depending on the stage and extent of the cancer. Surgical removal of the tumor is often the primary treatment option for localized gastric cancer. This may involve partial or total removal of the stomach, as well as removal of nearby lymph nodes. In advanced cases, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy may be used in addition to surgery to shrink the tumor or relieve symptoms. Treatment plans are personalized based on the individual's condition and may involve a multidisciplinary approach involving oncologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
Anti-reflux surgery, also known as fundoplication, is a procedure used to treat gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). It involves repairing a hiatus hernia and creating a stomach wrap around the lower oesophagus to prevent reflux. GORD is a condition where stomach contents, including acid, rise up into the oesophagus. Symptoms of GORD include heartburn, regurgitation of food, sore throat, and cough. Diagnostic tests for GORD include gastroscopy, barium swallow, oesophageal manometry, and pH monitoring. Anti-reflux surgery may be recommended if medication and lifestyle changes are ineffective or if there are complications. The surgery is performed laparoscopically, and potential risks and complications include bleeding, infection, perforation, swallowing difficulties, and gas-bloat syndrome.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST)
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour (GIST) treatment involves addressing a specific type of tumor that originates in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, most commonly in the stomach or small intestine. Treatment options for GISTs may include surgery to remove the tumor, along with adjacent tissues or organs if necessary. Targeted therapy with medications such as imatinib may be used to shrink the tumor or control its growth. In some cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be considered. Treatment decisions are made based on the size, location, and characteristics of the tumor, as well as the individual's overall health and preferences.
Hiatal hernia
Hiatus hernia repair is a surgical procedure performed to address the widening of the hiatal opening in the diaphragm, allowing part of the stomach to protrude into the chest cavity. Hiatus hernia is associated with conditions like acid reflux and heartburn. The surgery is typically conducted laparoscopically, using small incisions. The procedure involves repositioning the stomach into the abdomen, closing or tightening the hiatal opening, and creating a partial stomach wrap called fundoplication to restore the valve effect that prevents reflux. Potential risks and complications include internal bleeding, infection, perforation of the stomach or oesophagus, swallowing difficulties, and gas-bloat syndrome.
Oesophageal cancer
Oesophageal cancer treatment depends on the stage and type of cancer. Surgical options include removing a portion or the entire esophagus, as well as nearby lymph nodes. This may be done through open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or destroy remaining cancer cells. In some cases, when surgery is not feasible, treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy may be used as primary or palliative approaches. The treatment plan is tailored to the individual's specific situation, and a multidisciplinary team of specialists is involved in the decision-making process.
Oesophageal diverticulum
Oesophageal diverticulum treatment aims to address the presence of diverticula, which are pouch-like protrusions that can develop in the esophagus. Treatment options for oesophageal diverticula depend on the size, location, and symptoms associated with the diverticulum. In some cases, conservative measures such as dietary modifications and lifestyle changes may be sufficient to alleviate symptoms. However, if the diverticulum is large, causing swallowing difficulties or other complications, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgery typically involves removing the diverticulum and repairing the weakened area of the esophageal wall. The specific surgical approach may vary based on the characteristics of the diverticulum and the individual's overall health.
Small bowel tumours
Small bowel tumour treatment involves addressing tumours that arise in the small intestine. Treatment options depend on the type, size, location, and stage of the tumour. Surgical removal of the tumour is often the primary treatment approach, which may involve removing a portion or the entire affected segment of the small intestine. In some cases, adjacent lymph nodes may also be removed. Additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be considered depending on the characteristics of the tumour and the individual's overall health. The treatment plan is personalized and determined by a multidisciplinary team of specialists, taking into account the specific characteristics of the tumour and the individual's overall condition.
