Achalasia
Achalasia is a benign condition of the oesophagus that causes difficulty swallowing.
It is caused by a problem with the nerves supplying the muscles of the oesophagus. This leads to failure of relaxation of the lower end of the oesophagus when swallowing. This prevents the normal passage of food through the lower oesophagus and causes symptoms of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) or heartburn symptoms, similar to reflux. The symptoms usually progress slowly with time and have often been present for years before the sufferer decides to see a doctor for it.
Treatment aims at improving swallowing by decreasing the pressure in the lower oesophageal sphincter. This can be achieved by injection of a chemical to relax the muscle, by stretching the muscle fibres (dilation) or by cutting the muscle fibres (myotomy) through either keyhole surgery or a procedure known as Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM).
None of these treatments fix the underlying problem with the nerves, but aim to improve the symptoms which are bothering the patient.
Treatment,
tailored to you
Dr Gillespie specialises in the following procedures
Gallbladder surgery
Removal of the gallbladder- otherwise known as cholecystectomy- is almost always done via a laparoscopic, or keyhole, approach. This is usually performed electively either as day surgery or with a one-night stay in hospital.
Abdominal Wall Hernia Repair
There are many different types of abdominal wall hernia- but this can include umbilical (naval) and incisional hernias.
They are always repaired under a general anaesthetic.
Gastrectomy
A gastrectomy is performed for the surgical management of gastric (stomach) cancer. It involves the removal of the tumour with the stomach itself ensuring that the entire cancer is removed, along with removal of the lymph nodes that would typically be the first place that cancer would spread.
Fundoplication (Anti Reflux Surgery)
A fundoplication is a surgical procedure performed for people with proven gastro-oesophageal reflux that cannot be managed with medication alone. It is also performed as part of a hiatus hernia repair. It is usually performed laparoscopically.
Hiatus Hernia Repair
Most hiatus hernia surgery is performed laparoscopically (keyhole surgery) and involves returning the stomach to the abdominal cavity and then repairing the hernia itself.
Inguinal (groin) hernia repair
This is generally done via a laparoscopic (keyhole) approach under a general anaesthetic. There may be some circumstances where an open approach is preferable and Dr Gillespie will discuss the details specific to you when consenting for surgery.
Endoscopy (Gastroscopy/Colonoscopy)
Endoscopy is performed under either a sedation or general anaesthetic. It is a day procedure that occurs in hospital.
Oesophagectomy
An oesophagectomy is performed to remove a tumour of the oesophagus or the junction between the oesophagus and stomach, along with the lymph nodes to which this cancer tends to spread first.
Weight Loss Surgery
First of all, congratulations on making the first step towards a real lifestyle change. We know that most people will have already explored many options before enquiring about weight loss surgery.
Often, people are sick of the cycle of weight loss followed by weight regain. And many people will find that after working hard to lose weight, they can even put more back on. This process can be so disheartening. While weight loss surgery is by no means an "easy" way out, it can help break this cycle and empower you with the tools to have long lasting weight loss.
But more important than the number on the scales, bariatric surgery can help with obesity related complications and allow you to live a life without compromise.