Upper GI & hernia care

Fast access to trusted specialists for oesophagus, stomach, and hernia issues – helping you get clarity, comfort, and care without delay.

man explains problem with hernia

Free Booking Protection

If the specialist you book isn’t suitable for your needs, we’ll cover a rebooking to someone who is. See our T&Cs for more.

From reflux to hernias – expert care for your upper digestive system

Upper GI conditions affect the upper part of your digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach. Endoscopy (gastroscopy) is often the best way to see exactly what’s going on, helping identify issues like reflux, ulcers, or inflammation. Hernias can also develop in this area or lower down in the abdomen, and with many now treated privately, patients are choosing faster access and quicker recovery. Whether it’s heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or a noticeable bulge, early assessment helps you find clarity and relief sooner.


Common upper GI conditions we treat

Acid reflux (GORD)

When stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing burning and irritation.

Hiatus hernia

This is where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest cavity through the diaphragm – worsening conditions such as reflux and causing discomfort.

Oesophagitis & ulcers

Inflammation or sores (ulcers) in the lining of the oesophagus or stomach, often caused by acid reflux or infection.

Barrett’s oesophagus

A long-term change that occurs in the oesophagus lining due to prolonged exposure to stomach acid. It carries a small increased risk of oesophageal cancer, so regular monitoring (endoscopic surveillance) is recommended.

Oesophageal strictures

A narrowing of the oesophagus, due to scarring or inflammation, that causes difficulty swallowing.

Weight loss surgery

Weight loss (bariatric) surgery helps support long-term health by addressing obesity and its related conditions, such as  type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure and joint pain.


What our patients say about our specialists

I had a recent visit with James, he is one of the most knowledgeable, informative and compassionate consultants I have dealt with, he was thorough and explained everything in a language I could understand,, top guy

Patient of James Barnes

Wonderful care from the very start of care. Everything explained

Patient of Benjamin Tan

Richard is an excellent and highly competent surgeon, working to the highest standards; from the initial consultation he listened and took on board my concerns as well as how I wished to progress moving forward. He clearly explained the various options, which was reassuring. Overall, a first-rate experience end to end. He is a leading expert in his field and would recommend Richard to any patient for consultation or treatment in this area.

Patient of Richard Lovegrove

From my initial consultation through my operation and then final check up after surgery everything was first class

Patient of Chokkalingam Arun

Very clear and articulate and friendly manner

Patient of Stephen Ward

My visit was fantastic, I was seen quickly by my lovely consultant, Miss Field, who explained everything really clearly and was friendly, kind and professional. I’ve received excellent care.

Patient of Melanie Field

Excellent service, professor Ford clearly explained everything to my mother and gave good advice to solve problem.

Patient of Sam Ford

Was recommended Mr Adeyemo by the Upper GI nurse at Hereford County Hospital. Had my initial consultation with him on 30th September when he recommended gallbladder removal. Found him very calming and knowledgeable at my first appointment and knew I’d made the right choice by picking him for my procedure. Was then booked in for the operation on 27th October, when I woke I had minimal pain and absolutely no gas pains. Recovery was good and went back to see him just over 7 weeks after the op to be checked over where he was pleased with my recovery and was happy to answer any questions I had. Overall I would highly recommend Mr Adeyemo and also found his secretary Alison extremely helpful wherever I needed to contact her for help or advise.

Patient of Dayo Adeyemo

Professor ford literally saved my life

Patient of Sam Ford

Everything explained in detail

Patient of Sam Ford
Our specialists

Meet the experts

  • NC

    Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias

    Hepatobilliary, General Surgery

    MD, PhD, FRCS, FRCS (Glasg), FACS

    Available from 1/12/2026

    Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias is a Consultant Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and General Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham) and The Priory Hospital (Birmingham). He treats gallbladder disease, liver and bile duct problems and complex pancreatic conditions using open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques. He explains diagnoses and treatment choices clearly, aiming for safe surgery, coordinated care and strong long-term outcomes that feel reassuring and well supported.

    Specialises in 3 procedures

    • Gallbladder Surgery
    • Incisional Hernia Repair
    • Umbilical Hernia Repair
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Harborne Hospital
    4.93 • 10 Reviews
    22 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6165632
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • SW

    Mr Stephen Ward

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS

    Available from 1/13/2026

    Mr Stephen Ward is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham) and The Priory Hospital (Birmingham). He specialises in keyhole surgery for bowel cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, hernias and anal fistula disease. His practice offers clear explanations, modern techniques and carefully coordinated care so people feel informed, reassured and supported throughout treatment and follow up.

    Specialises in 5 procedures

    • Incisional Hernia Repair
    • Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
    • Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
    • Recurrent Incisional Hernia Repair
    See full profile
    The Harborne Hospital
    The Priory Hospital
    5.00 • 6 Reviews
    23 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6075264
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • JP

    Mr Jitesh Parmar

    General Surgery

    MBBS, MD, FRCS

    Available from 1/14/2026

    Mr Jitesh Parmar is a Consultant Laparoscopic, Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon providing private care at Spire Little Aston Hospital (Sutton Coldfield). He offers weight-loss surgery, anti-reflux procedures and keyhole gallbladder and hernia operations. His multidisciplinary approach is highly structured yet encouraging, supporting people before and after surgery with clear explanations, realistic expectations and long-term follow-up focused on sustainable health changes.

    Specialises in 5 procedures

    • Gallbladder Surgery
    • Umbilical Hernia Repair
    • Lipoma Removal
    • Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
    See full profile
    Spire Little Aston
    4.97 • 90 Reviews
    28 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 5199159
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • MF

    Miss Melanie Field

    General Surgery

    MBChB, MD, MMedEd

    Available from 1/16/2026

    Miss Melanie Field is a Consultant Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham) and The Priory Hospital (Birmingham). She specialises in complex parathyroid surgery and performs a high number of parathyroid operations each year, as well as surgery for kidney failure and transplant-related problems. Known for her clear, thorough explanations, she plans imaging and surgery closely with the wider team, so care feels safe and well-coordinated.

    The Priory Hospital
    4.97 • 13 Reviews
    24 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6048883
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • JB

    Mr James Barnes

    General Surgery

    BSc, MBChB, DPhil, FRCS

    Available from 1/22/2026

    Mr James Barnes is a Consultant General Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham) and The Priory Hospital (Birmingham). He specialises in renal transplantation, complex dialysis access and parathyroid surgery, carrying out many parathyroid operations each year. Patients value his honest advice and the way he plans surgery around their wider health and long-term goals.

    The Priory Hospital
    The Harborne Hospital
    4.97 • 11 Reviews
    19 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6160449
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • NS

    Professor Neil Sharma

    General Surgery, ENT

    MBChB PhD FRCS (ORL HNS)

    Available from 1/29/2026

    Professor Neil Sharma is a Consultant ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon providing private care at The Priory Hospital (Birmingham). He treats ear, nose and throat problems, thyroid and parathyroid disease and head and neck conditions including cancer. His practice includes laryngoscopy, neck lump assessment and thyroid surgery. Known for his calm, clear manner, he explains findings simply, so treatment feels informed, safe and personal.

    Specialises in 9 procedures

    • Grommet Insertion (Adult)
    • Grommet Removal (Adult)
    • Tonsillectomy (Adult)
    • Sinus Surgery (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery FESS)
    See full profile
    Birmingham
    The Priory Hospital
    5.00 • 1 Review
    24 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6049000
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • KW

    Mr Kasun Wanigasooriya

    General Surgery

    General Medical Council: 7071800
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • MC

    Ms Melissa Cunha

    General Surgery, Colorectal

    MD, PhD, FRCS

    Miss Melissa Cunha is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). She treats colorectal cancer, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and benign bowel problems using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. She also manages rectal bleeding and long-standing bowel changes. Known for her warm, clear manner, she explains tests and treatment options simply, so care feels safe and well supported.

    The Harborne Hospital
    The Priory Hospital
    26 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6038405
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    Free Booking Protection Included

Get treated and get better, fast

Clarity in care

Frequently Asked Questions