Upper Gastro-Intestinal (GI)

Upper GI Surgery at the County Hospital is provided by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists and specialist nurses.

Assessment, investigation and treatment are provided for benign Upper GI surgical and benign hepatobiliary conditions.  Assessment and investigation is provided for malignant conditions with onward referral via the County Hospital’s Upper GI Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) that co-ordinates the pre-operative management of Upper GI and Hepatobiliary malignancies prior to onward referral to the regional resectional centres.

The Upper GI Service offer cholecystectomy, bile duct surgery and anti-reflux / hiatus hernia repair surgery. Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery is well developed.  Enhanced recovery is provided by a dedicated team of doctors, physiotherapists, dieticians, specialist and ward nurses and support staff.

Upper GI surgical inpatients are admitted to Frome ward and Primrose Unit (elective).  The Day Case Unit accommodates day surgery patients.

Outline of the department

The department consists of three consultant surgeons, a specialist surgeon and a specialist nurse. Administrative support is provided by three medical secretaries.

The wider general surgery department is supported by ten Registrar grade surgeons three advanced clinical practitioners (ACP), three physicians associates and twelve foundation year one doctors.

Links with other departments

There is a close working relationship with the oesophago-gastric cancer resection unit based at Gloucester Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Liver Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

The endoscopy unit is JAG accredited.