Upper GI & hernia care
Fast access to trusted specialists for oesophagus, stomach, and hernia issues – helping you get clarity, comfort, and care without delay.
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.
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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
Really professional - as you’d expect. Made me feel at ease and was reassuring and that I wasn’t wasting mine or his time.
— Patient of Stephen WardMr Richardson whilst being completely professional, had a lovely bedside manner & explained everything in a way which was easy to understand. I felt assured that I would be in safe hands with him, & would he happy to recommend him to my friends & family.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonI met with Mr Wanigasooriya after my sergery on the 19 th of May firstly lwould like to thank him and his great team for what you did for me you all did a great job thank you all.Today Kasun examind me and said l was doing good he is a very nice man easy to talk tol had got a few question to ask he explaned everything and made shore i understood l was really happey
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaFriendly, slick and clear - as to diagnosis and next steps
— Patient of Simon RadleyHad a great visit mr kasun and his team are absolutely brilliant
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaGreat process throughout
— Patient of Sam FordI was diagnosed with stage 3 locally advanced rectal cancer in November 2025. I remember stepping in to Dr Panteleimontitis office with my Daughter and the 1st words he spoke to me was “you are not going to die” and from that day I knew I was in the best hands. Dr Panteleimonitis and the rest of the team came up with a plan and from that day my care has been exceptional. After having a heart problem after my 1st chemotherapy there was a change of plan and I had a 5 day course of radiotherapy which would be followed by surgery. I had a fantastic response to the radiotherapy. Dr Panteleimonitis sent me for pre operative physiotherapy which would help with my recovery. The day of surgery arrived and Dr Panteleimonitis came to see me and explained again what was going to happen in surgery, he is just so good at making you feel like your in safe hands. I had a full hysterectomy, and a high anterior reaction with a hipec wash. Surgery was 10 hours and I spent 4 days in hospital before I returned home. I believe I was out of hospital so quickly due to my pre physiotherapy. I went to see Dr Panteleimonitis for my results on the 12th of August, and I am pleased to say I am cancer free. I will be forever grateful to Dr Panteleimonitis for his care, professionalism and how well my surgery went. He has saved my life and for that I am so thankful. What an amazing man he is and a credit to our incredible NHS.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisMr Kasun Wanigasooriya is an excellent surgeon who shows warmth, sympathy and patience to his patients. On my most recent visit which took place at the George Eliot Hospital all the staff were very friendly and helpful. Mr Wanigasooriya showed his usual friendliness and gave a detailed revue of the surgical treatment I have received and what I should expect in the forthcoming healing process. I would like to wish him the continuing successful career that he rightfully deserves.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaThank you Simon . I appreciate your Guidance and professional skills.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMr Kasoon operated on my bowel last December and this colonoscopy was to check on the status of a polyp that had been proving an issue. Luckily for me it has disappeared. Mr Kasoon is very kind, a good communicator and a real professional and I appreciate his handiwork - he probably saved my life.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaReally professional - as you’d expect. Made me feel at ease and was reassuring and that I wasn’t wasting mine or his time.
— Patient of Stephen WardMr Richardson whilst being completely professional, had a lovely bedside manner & explained everything in a way which was easy to understand. I felt assured that I would be in safe hands with him, & would he happy to recommend him to my friends & family.
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonI met with Mr Wanigasooriya after my sergery on the 19 th of May firstly lwould like to thank him and his great team for what you did for me you all did a great job thank you all.Today Kasun examind me and said l was doing good he is a very nice man easy to talk tol had got a few question to ask he explaned everything and made shore i understood l was really happey
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaFriendly, slick and clear - as to diagnosis and next steps
— Patient of Simon RadleyHad a great visit mr kasun and his team are absolutely brilliant
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaGreat process throughout
— Patient of Sam FordI was diagnosed with stage 3 locally advanced rectal cancer in November 2025. I remember stepping in to Dr Panteleimontitis office with my Daughter and the 1st words he spoke to me was “you are not going to die” and from that day I knew I was in the best hands. Dr Panteleimonitis and the rest of the team came up with a plan and from that day my care has been exceptional. After having a heart problem after my 1st chemotherapy there was a change of plan and I had a 5 day course of radiotherapy which would be followed by surgery. I had a fantastic response to the radiotherapy. Dr Panteleimonitis sent me for pre operative physiotherapy which would help with my recovery. The day of surgery arrived and Dr Panteleimonitis came to see me and explained again what was going to happen in surgery, he is just so good at making you feel like your in safe hands. I had a full hysterectomy, and a high anterior reaction with a hipec wash. Surgery was 10 hours and I spent 4 days in hospital before I returned home. I believe I was out of hospital so quickly due to my pre physiotherapy. I went to see Dr Panteleimonitis for my results on the 12th of August, and I am pleased to say I am cancer free. I will be forever grateful to Dr Panteleimonitis for his care, professionalism and how well my surgery went. He has saved my life and for that I am so thankful. What an amazing man he is and a credit to our incredible NHS.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisMr Kasun Wanigasooriya is an excellent surgeon who shows warmth, sympathy and patience to his patients. On my most recent visit which took place at the George Eliot Hospital all the staff were very friendly and helpful. Mr Wanigasooriya showed his usual friendliness and gave a detailed revue of the surgical treatment I have received and what I should expect in the forthcoming healing process. I would like to wish him the continuing successful career that he rightfully deserves.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaThank you Simon . I appreciate your Guidance and professional skills.
— Patient of Simon RadleyMr Kasoon operated on my bowel last December and this colonoscopy was to check on the status of a polyp that had been proving an issue. Luckily for me it has disappeared. Mr Kasoon is very kind, a good communicator and a real professional and I appreciate his handiwork - he probably saved my life.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaMeet the experts
- MF
Miss Melanie Field
General Surgery
MBChB, MD, MMedEd
Available from 04/09/2026Miss 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.
BirminghamThe Priory Hospital4.99 • 27 Reviews24 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6048883Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SP
Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis
Colorectal, General Surgery
MBChB, BSc, MRes, MD, FRCS
Available from 01/09/2026Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis is a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon providing private care at Spire Little Aston Hospital (Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham). He specialises in advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgery for colon and rectal cancer, benign colorectal conditions and complex hernias. He offers precise, evidence-based treatment, explaining options clearly and supporting patients with personalised, patient-centred care throughout their surgical journey.
Sutton Coldfield & BirminghamSpire Little AstonThe Harborne Hospital4.97 • 26 Reviews18 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 7013734Book AppointmentFree 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.
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Harborne Hospital4.98 • 19 Reviews19 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6160449Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SW
Mr Stephen Ward
Colorectal, General Surgery
BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS
Available from 04/09/2026Mr 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
BirminghamThe Harborne HospitalThe Priory Hospital5.00 • 17 Reviews23 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6075264Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - NC
Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias
Hepatobilliary, General Surgery
MD, PhD, FRCS, FRCS (Glasg), FACS
Available from 14/09/2026Mr 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
BirminghamThe Harborne Hospital4.96 • 15 Reviews22 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6165632Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - KW
Mr Kasun Wanigasooriya
General Surgery, Colorectal
MBChB, PGcert, MBA, PhD, FRCS
Available from 04/09/2026Mr Kasun Wanigasooriya is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Meriden Hospital (Coventry). He specialises in colorectal cancer and minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery, offering expert assessment and treatment for bowel cancer, polyps, haemorrhoids and hernias. He is known for clear communication and a patient-centred approach, helping people feel informed and supported throughout investigation and treatment.
Specialises in 5 procedures
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Open Inguinal Hernia Repair
- Incisional Hernia Repair
- Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair
CoventryThe Meriden Hospital5.00 • 11 Reviews16 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 7071800Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - NS
Professor Neil Sharma
General Surgery, ENT
MBChB PhD FRCS (ORL HNS)
Available from 08/10/2026Professor 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)
BirminghamThe Priory Hospital5.00 • 3 Reviews24 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6049000Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - MC
Ms Melissa Cunha
General Surgery, Colorectal
MD, PhD, FRCS
Available from 08/09/2026Miss 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.
BirminghamThe Harborne HospitalThe Priory Hospital5.00 • 2 Reviews26 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6038405Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included