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
Doctor tan and team, were very helpfull and caring, mr tan helped me throghout my operation before and after with care and compasson, he put you at ease,and answered all my questions, couldnt of wished for a better doctor to look after me. Thank you mr tan and team for all your help ,
— Patient of Benjamin TanI recently under went a Right Hemicolectomy performed by Mr pantelemonitis & his team. I received the most excellent care, I can't praise them enough for the care & consideration I was shown, before, during & post op. Everything has been explained carefully & in a very caring manner. I would say to any one about to go through the same procedure that you are in excellent hands with Mr pantelemonitis & his team. I was in no pain following my operation, & i feel my recovery has gone extremely well, I attribute this to the care I have received, which helped to put me at ease.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisI had an inguinal hernia repair on my left side. My appointment came through quickly considering, on the day the whole team were excellent, from booking in to pre-op, operating information and anaesthetics, to postop and information, overall an excellent experience. Thank you so much, my recovery was as predicted and I am virtually back to where I was before the hernia thank you very much. All in all this producer was quite amazing really excellent!
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisDescribe the procedure really well and what outcomes they might be. Really professional can't fault one bit.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaMr Kasun Wanigasoorya has consistently been compassionate and professional. When diagnosed with bowel cancer, he was very clear with how I would be treated. After my operation, he personally came to see me at least once a day during my 9 days in hospital. He was always reassuring and encouraging. I believe I was very lucky to have Mr Kasun Wanigasooriya as my surgeon.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaMy recent visit was post surgery,Mr Panteleimonitis discussed with me how operation had gone and was pleased with the outcome.However he suggested that due to the difficulty of the operation i would benefit from a further course of chemotherapy.At no time did i feel under any pressure to proceed and was happy enough to go with the information and facts provided.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisMr Wanigasooriya visited several times during my operation, both before for my assessments and many times afterwards to check up my condition and recovery. His manner was always extremely genial, very knowledgeable and patient, working very hard at all times to put me at my ease. I do believe my operations early success and ongoing conclusion is directly the result of his skills and methodology.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaExcellent service from Doctor and he is always friendly and helpful.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisThis DR is one of the best I’ve ever had treat me I’m glad he was is my DR
— Patient of Benjamin TanThere are some people you meet in life who you will never forget, and Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis is one of those people. From the very beginning, he treated me with such kindness, compassion and respect. Going through cancer and major surgery was one of the most frightening and difficult experiences of my life, but I always felt that I was in the safest possible hands with him. Mr Panteleimonitis is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, but what meant just as much to me was the human side of the care he gave me. He spoke to me with kindness, listened to me, reassured me and made me feel that I mattered as a person, not simply as a patient. My surgery was major and complex, and I will never forget what he did for me. When you are the person lying in that hospital bed, frightened and putting your life into somebody else’s hands, that level of skill, care and compassion means more than words can really express. He treated me fantastically throughout my care and gave me confidence during a time when I felt incredibly vulnerable. To me, Mr Panteleimonitis is a true hero. I will always be grateful for his skill, dedication, compassion and for the care he showed me and my family during such a difficult chapter of my life. Thank you simply does not feel enough, but I will carry an enormous amount of gratitude for him for the rest of my life. I could not recommend Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis more highly.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisDoctor tan and team, were very helpfull and caring, mr tan helped me throghout my operation before and after with care and compasson, he put you at ease,and answered all my questions, couldnt of wished for a better doctor to look after me. Thank you mr tan and team for all your help ,
— Patient of Benjamin TanI recently under went a Right Hemicolectomy performed by Mr pantelemonitis & his team. I received the most excellent care, I can't praise them enough for the care & consideration I was shown, before, during & post op. Everything has been explained carefully & in a very caring manner. I would say to any one about to go through the same procedure that you are in excellent hands with Mr pantelemonitis & his team. I was in no pain following my operation, & i feel my recovery has gone extremely well, I attribute this to the care I have received, which helped to put me at ease.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisI had an inguinal hernia repair on my left side. My appointment came through quickly considering, on the day the whole team were excellent, from booking in to pre-op, operating information and anaesthetics, to postop and information, overall an excellent experience. Thank you so much, my recovery was as predicted and I am virtually back to where I was before the hernia thank you very much. All in all this producer was quite amazing really excellent!
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisDescribe the procedure really well and what outcomes they might be. Really professional can't fault one bit.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaMr Kasun Wanigasoorya has consistently been compassionate and professional. When diagnosed with bowel cancer, he was very clear with how I would be treated. After my operation, he personally came to see me at least once a day during my 9 days in hospital. He was always reassuring and encouraging. I believe I was very lucky to have Mr Kasun Wanigasooriya as my surgeon.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaMy recent visit was post surgery,Mr Panteleimonitis discussed with me how operation had gone and was pleased with the outcome.However he suggested that due to the difficulty of the operation i would benefit from a further course of chemotherapy.At no time did i feel under any pressure to proceed and was happy enough to go with the information and facts provided.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisMr Wanigasooriya visited several times during my operation, both before for my assessments and many times afterwards to check up my condition and recovery. His manner was always extremely genial, very knowledgeable and patient, working very hard at all times to put me at my ease. I do believe my operations early success and ongoing conclusion is directly the result of his skills and methodology.
— Patient of Kasun WanigasooriyaExcellent service from Doctor and he is always friendly and helpful.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisThis DR is one of the best I’ve ever had treat me I’m glad he was is my DR
— Patient of Benjamin TanThere are some people you meet in life who you will never forget, and Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis is one of those people. From the very beginning, he treated me with such kindness, compassion and respect. Going through cancer and major surgery was one of the most frightening and difficult experiences of my life, but I always felt that I was in the safest possible hands with him. Mr Panteleimonitis is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, but what meant just as much to me was the human side of the care he gave me. He spoke to me with kindness, listened to me, reassured me and made me feel that I mattered as a person, not simply as a patient. My surgery was major and complex, and I will never forget what he did for me. When you are the person lying in that hospital bed, frightened and putting your life into somebody else’s hands, that level of skill, care and compassion means more than words can really express. He treated me fantastically throughout my care and gave me confidence during a time when I felt incredibly vulnerable. To me, Mr Panteleimonitis is a true hero. I will always be grateful for his skill, dedication, compassion and for the care he showed me and my family during such a difficult chapter of my life. Thank you simply does not feel enough, but I will carry an enormous amount of gratitude for him for the rest of my life. I could not recommend Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis more highly.
— Patient of Sofoklis PanteleimonitisMeet the experts
- SP
Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis
Colorectal, General Surgery
MBChB, BSc, MRes, MD, FRCS
Available from 20/10/2026Mr 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 Hospital4.98 • 33 Reviews18 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 7013734Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - MF
Miss Melanie Field
General Surgery
MBChB, MD, MMedEd
Available from 16/10/2026Miss 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 • 29 Reviews24 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6048883Book 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 16/10/2026Mr 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 - KW
Mr Kasun Wanigasooriya
General Surgery, Colorectal
MBChB, PGcert, MBA, PhD, FRCS
Available from 09/10/2026Mr 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 • 15 Reviews16 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 7071800Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SA
Ms Sarah Addison
Colorectal, General Surgery
MB ChB ,FRCSEd (Gen Surg)
Available from 09/10/2026Miss Sarah Addison is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon providing private care at The Priory Hospital (Birmingham) and The Harborne Hospital (Birmingham). She treats bowel symptoms, benign colorectal conditions and hernias, using laparoscopic techniques where suitable. By explaining investigations and options in straightforward language, she helps people feel safe, informed and involved in planning treatment that fits their needs.
Specialises in 12 procedures
- Banding of Haemorrhoids
- Colonoscopy
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy
- HALO - Haemorrhoidal Artery Ligation Operation
BirminghamThe Priory HospitalThe Harborne Hospital5.00 • 12 Reviews30 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 4291798Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - NS
Professor Neil Sharma
General Surgery, ENT
MBChB PhD FRCS (ORL HNS)
Available from 22/10/2026Professor 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 13/10/2026Miss 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