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

Very good. Only a short delay in being seen. Many thanks.

Patient of Neil Sharma

Mr Richardson was very professional and extremely knowledgeable. He took me through the whole process with great care. I could not have asked for better.

Patient of Jonathan Richardson

Dr. Runau’s treatment, care, and support throughout the entire process were exceptional. Communication was clear and reassuring, everything was handled efficiently, and I always felt well informed and supported. Most importantly, the treatment worked. A truly great experience and a fantastic doctor. I would highly recommend Dr. Runau.

Patient of Franscois Runau

Experienced, kind and Professional ….. wishing Jonathan all the success always that he so deserves

Patient of Jonathan Richardson

Mr Richardson is very professional. Everything was clearly explained in a kind, compassionate, reassuring manner. I did not feel rushed and all questions were fully answered in an easy to understand language.

Patient of Jonathan Richardson

Mr Richardson is always polite..he explains everything well and although very professional makes you feel at ease..lovely man would highly recommend

Patient of Jonathan Richardson

Ms Addison was very pleasant and understanding to my problems as well as extra knowledgeable. She was very confident that she could help me and had several suggestions and options to deal with these issues. She also advised me that I could request to see her if I had any further concerns which was very reassuring. I would highly recommend her.

Patient of Sarah Addison

Mr Barnes is very patient and kind. He has a calm and caring bedside manner and has always put me at ease during consultations and pre/post-surgery. I have had the utmost trust in him throughout the kidney transplant process. I feel very fortunate to have had Mr Barnes as my surgeon as everything has gone so smoothly for me.

Patient of James Barnes

Was made to feel at ease at once. Left feeling positive at the next step explained by Ms Addison.

Patient of Sarah Addison

EXTREMELY happy with my surgery, how Nuffield and Dr Arun looked after me from first consultation, fast turnaround for surgery, pre and post surgery care and outpatient follow up. Highly recommended! Ben H

Patient of Chokkalingam Arun
Our specialists

Meet the experts

  • MF

    Miss Melanie Field

    General Surgery

    MBChB, MD, MMedEd

    Available from 06/02/2026

    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
    4.98 • 14 Reviews
    24 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6048883
    Book Appointment
    Free Booking Protection Included
  • SW

    Mr Stephen Ward

    Colorectal, General Surgery

    BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS

    Available from 06/02/2026

    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 • 8 Reviews
    23 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6075264
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • NC

    Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias

    Hepatobilliary, General Surgery

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

    Available from 09/02/2026

    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
    4.94 • 12 Reviews
    22 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6165632
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • JP

    Mr Jitesh Parmar

    General Surgery

    MBBS, MD, FRCS

    Available from 11/02/2026

    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 • 91 Reviews
    28 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 5199159
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • NS

    Professor Neil Sharma

    General Surgery, ENT

    MBChB PhD FRCS (ORL HNS)

    Available from 12/02/2026

    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 • 2 Reviews
    24 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6049000
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • JB

    Mr James Barnes

    General Surgery

    BSc, MBChB, DPhil, FRCS

    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 • 12 Reviews
    19 Years Experience
    General Medical Council: 6160449
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    Free Booking Protection Included
  • KW

    Mr Kasun Wanigasooriya

    General Surgery

    General Medical Council: 7071800
    Book Appointment
    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
    5.00 • 1 Review
    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