Upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery is surgery performed to treat pathologies of either the upper gastrointestinal tract (small bowel), gall bladder, liver, pancreas or oesophagus. The upper gastrointestinal (GI) includes the oesophagus (the food pipe), the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) and stomach.
A doctor might recommend upper gastrointestinal (GI) surgery if a patient suffers from symptoms including bloating, abdominal pain, heart burn, swallowing difficulties and acid regurgitation. The condition is first evaluated using diagnostic techniques to find the underlying conditions.
Other diseases affecting the motility (ability to move) and the function of the oesophagus.
Symptoms can be caused by stomach tumours or oesophageal tumours. Depending on the location and the stage of the cancer, surgery might be needed for the treatment and management of the cancer.
Post upper GI surgery patients may need someone to help with heavier jobs such as food shopping gardening or vacuuming for a few weeks.
Some patients feel more confident staying with or having a relative or friend stay with them. Patients are often encouraged to do regular, daily exercise in order to stay active. This reduces the risk of blood clots forming in the legs.