Upper GI Surgery

What is Upper GI Surgery?

Upper GI (Gastrointestinal) surgery is a specialised surgical field that focuses on conditions of the upper part of the digestive system. This includes the oesophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and small intestine. Our upper GI surgeons are experts in treating a wide range of conditions, from cancers to complex benign diseases, using advanced surgical techniques.

Your Journey with an Upper GI Surgeon - What to Expect

At Beacon Hospital, our Upper GI surgeons play a crucial role in guiding patients through complex digestive conditions from early diagnosis to long-term recovery. Whether you are dealing with cancer, severe reflux, or other upper gastrointestinal disorders, our team is committed to delivering personalised, expert care every step of the way.

Diagnosis

Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation to accurately diagnose conditions affecting the upper digestive tract. Diagnostic tests may include Upper GI endoscopy, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, MRI, CT scans, or barium studies.

Treatment Planning

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your Upper GI surgeon will develop an individualised surgical plan tailored to your condition, overall health, and treatment goals to ensure the most effective and appropriate approach.

Surgical Intervention

Depending on condition, your procedure may involve minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques or traditional open surgery. Our team is experienced in performing a wide range of procedures to treat cancer, benign growths, metabolic conditions, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Pre- and Post-Operative Care

Your care doesn't end in the operating theatre. From pre-surgery preparation to post-operative recovery and long-term follow-up, we provide comprehensive support to ensure a smooth recovery and restore your upper gastrointestinal function to its optimal level.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

You’re not alone in this journey. Your care is backed by a team of experts across various disciplines including gastroenterology, oncology, and radiology to provide comprehensive, personalised care at every stage from diagnosis to recovery.

Common Conditions Treated by an Upper GI Surgeon

Upper GI surgeons manage a wide range of conditions affecting the oesophagus, stomach, and upper abdominal organs. These include both cancerous and non-cancerous disorders that may require surgical intervention.

Upper GI Cancers:
- Stomach (Gastric) Cancer
- Oesophageal Cancer, Liver, Pancreatic & Bile Duct Cancers
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST)
- Benign Tumours.
Reflux & Oesophageal Disorders:
- Includes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Barrett’s Oesophagus
- Oesophageal Strictures
- Achalasia & Dysphagia

Hernias & Structural Conditions
- Hiatal Hernia
- Diaphragmatic Hernia
- Stomach Protrusion into the Chest
Gallbladder & Peptic Conditions:
- Hiatal Hernia, Diaphragmatic Hernia
- Stomach Protrusion into the Chest
Metabolic & Weight-Related Surgery:
- Bariatric Surgery
- Anti-Reflux Procedures (i.e. Fundoplication)

Types of Upper GI Surgery

Advancements in surgical technology have transformed thoracic surgery, enabling safer, more precise, and less invasive procedures with quicker recovery times.

At Beacon Hospital, our thoracic surgeons are highly skilled in the most advanced techniques and personalise each surgical approach based on the patient’s specific condition from minimally invasive procedures to complex open operations.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Laparoscopy

Performed through small incisions using a camera (laparoscope) and specialised instruments, this approach offers faster recovery and reduced post-operative discomfort.

Common Procedures:

Nissen Fundoplication – Anti-reflux surgery for GERD, where the top of the stomach is wrapped around the lower oesophagus to prevent acid reflux.
Hiatal Hernia Repair – Laparoscopic correction of simple or complex hernias.
Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) – Often done laparoscopically for gallstones or inflammation.

Open Surgery

Laparotomy

Involves a single larger incision to access the abdominal organs directly. This is typically required for large tumours or complex procedures.

Common Procedures:

Gastrectomy – Partial or total removal of the stomach, often for stomach cancer.
Oesophagectomy – Surgical removal of part or all of the oesophagus, typically for oesophageal cancer.
Small Bowel Resection – Removal of diseased or obstructed portions of the small intestine, including for GIST or tumours.

When Should You See an Upper GI Surgeon?

You might be referred to an Upper GI surgeon by a doctor or a gastroenterologist if you have a condition that may require surgery. Consider a consultation if you have:

A diagnosed cancer of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, or pancreas.
Severe or persistent symptoms like difficulty swallowing, chronic heartburn, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or jaundice.
An abnormal finding on an endoscopy, CT scan, or ultrasound that requires surgical evaluation.
Complications from gallstones or peptic ulcers.

At Beacon Hospital, our specialists offer comprehensive upper GI surgery and treatment tailored to each patient's needs. A thorough consultation will help determine which surgery is the most suitable option for your condition. Through a multidisciplinary approach and advanced surgical techniques, we aim to deliver expert care focused on achieving the best possible outcome for your health and well-being.

Our Specialists

Dr Lau Peng Choong

Consultant General & Upper GI Surgeon

Bahasa Melayu, Cantonese, English, Hokkien, Mandarin

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Dr Pok Eng Hong

Consultant General & Upper GI Surgeon

Bahasa Melayu, Cantonese, English, Hakka, Mandarin

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