If you’ve been struggling with ongoing tummy problems that aren’t responding to treatment, or your GP has mentioned seeing a surgeon, it can be hard to know what this means for you. Many digestive conditions start with a visit to your family doctor. Still, for some people, a referral to a general surgeon experienced in obesity and upper gastrointestinal surgery, such as Dr Alex Craven.
Let’s examine when tummy problems might benefit from surgical assessment, what to expect from the process, and how to discuss referral options with your GP.
What is an Upper GI Surgeon?
An upper gastrointestinal surgeon is trained to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, and nearby organs. They often see patients with:
- Cancers of the Stomach or oesophagus
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent digestive symptoms
- Chronic or severe acid reflux (GORD)
- Hiatal hernias
- Abdominal wall hernias
- Gallbladder problems
- Weight-related digestive issues
Not everyone who sees a surgeon needs an operation — in many cases, the consultation is to confirm a diagnosis, discuss options, and offer expert guidance.
Don’t Ignore Dysphagia: New or Worsening Swallowing Problems Should Not Be Ignored..
Difficult Swallowing (Dysphagia) or Painful Swallowing (Odynophagia) are important problems that should not be ignored. There is a wide range of causes that can relate to narrowing in the oesophagus or stomach, problems with the way the oesophagus moves, or anatomical problems like hiatus hernias.
While most of these are benign, some important and treatable causes that should prompt a visit to an Upper Gastrointestinal surgeon include cancers, strictures (narrowings), hiatus hernia, and Achalasia (a disease where the bottom of the oesophagus fails to properly relax and let food through).
In particular, a swallowing problem that is getting worse over time (called progressive dysphagia) warrants an urgent appointment with an Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon to rule out a dangerous cause.
Acid Reflux (GORD): When First-Line Treatment May Not Be Sufficient
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus, commonly causing heartburn, regurgitation, or a sour taste in the mouth. While lifestyle modifications and medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are effective for many patients, some individuals continue to experience symptoms.
An assessment might be considered if you:
- Have symptoms that persist despite appropriate medical treatment
- Experience side effects from reflux medications
- Develop reflux-related complications such as oesophageal inflammation or swallowing difficulties
- Have concerns about long-term medication use
Various treatment approaches exist, and a specialist can discuss which options might suit your circumstances.
Hernias: Understanding When Assessment May Be Needed
Hernias occur when part of an organ protrudes through a weakness in the muscle wall. Hiatal hernias, where part of the stomach moves up into the chest cavity, can cause digestive symptoms including reflux, chest discomfort, and swallowing difficulties.
While not all hernias require immediate intervention, most cases (especially those causing symptoms) should be assessed by a surgeon. Many will grow over time if not treated, potentially increasing the size of an operation later. If a hernia does not need repair, monitoring symptoms and regularly following up with your GP is important. If symptoms become frequent or significantly impact your daily life, your doctor may suggest a specialist consultation to evaluate whether treatment is appropriate.
Gallbladder Conditions: Beyond Symptom Management
Gallbladder problems, particularly gallstones, can cause significant upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back or shoulder. These episodes often occur after consuming fatty foods and can substantially affect quality of life.
Some gallstones cause no symptoms (such as those found accidentally on a scan for another reason) and may not need surgery.
However, any gallstones that are very large or causing pain should prompt a visit to an Upper Gastrointestinal surgeon, as removal of the gallbladder may be required as the best form of treatment. When gallbladder conditions cause ongoing problems, various treatment options may be available, and specialist assessment can help determine the most appropriate approach.
Gallbladder polyps may also require a specialist opinion, especially if they are growing or are 1 centimetre or more in size.
What to Expect from a Consultation
Meeting with an upper GI surgeon doesn’t automatically mean surgery. It’s an opportunity to:
- Discuss your health history and symptoms in detail
- Review previous test results and understand what they mean
- Understand your options — both surgical and non-surgical
- Ask questions in a supportive, collaborative setting
Dr Alex Craven takes a thoughtful and collaborative approach, guiding you through what might be appropriate for your situation. He works closely with your GP to help ensure continuity of care and explores all conservative treatment options before considering surgery.
Discussing Referral Options with Your GP
If you’re experiencing ongoing digestive symptoms that persist despite treatment, significantly affect your daily activities, or cause ongoing concern, speak to your doctor about whether a referral might be appropriate.
You might consider asking questions such as:
- “Could these symptoms benefit from specialist assessment?”
- “What signs should I watch for that might suggest I need further investigation?”
- “What treatment options haven’t we explored yet?”
Taking Steps Forward with Your Digestive Health
Your digestive health plays a crucial role in your overall well-being, and persistent symptoms shouldn’t be something you simply have to live with. If current treatments aren’t providing the relief you need, exploring additional options may significantly improve your quality of life.
Early surgical assessment can sometimes open doors to treatment approaches you hadn’t considered and may help prevent minor issues from becoming more complex problems down the line.
If you believe a surgical consultation might benefit your situation, have an open conversation with your GP about referring you to Dr Alex Craven for a thorough assessment and personalised care plan.
Important Disclaimer: This article provides general health information only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or qualified healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, seek immediate medical attention or contact emergency services.