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
Very good. Only a short delay in being seen. Many thanks.
— Patient of Neil SharmaMr 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 RichardsonDr. 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 RunauExperienced, kind and Professional ….. wishing Jonathan all the success always that he so deserves
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonMr 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 RichardsonMr 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 RichardsonMs 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 AddisonMr 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 BarnesWas made to feel at ease at once. Left feeling positive at the next step explained by Ms Addison.
— Patient of Sarah AddisonEXTREMELY 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 ArunVery good. Only a short delay in being seen. Many thanks.
— Patient of Neil SharmaMr 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 RichardsonDr. 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 RunauExperienced, kind and Professional ….. wishing Jonathan all the success always that he so deserves
— Patient of Jonathan RichardsonMr 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 RichardsonMr 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 RichardsonMs 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 AddisonMr 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 BarnesWas made to feel at ease at once. Left feeling positive at the next step explained by Ms Addison.
— Patient of Sarah AddisonEXTREMELY 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 ArunMeet the experts
- MF
Miss Melanie Field
General Surgery
MBChB, MD, MMedEd
Available from 06/02/2026Miss 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.
The Priory Hospital4.98 • 14 Reviews24 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6048883Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SW
Mr Stephen Ward
Colorectal, General Surgery
BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS
Available from 06/02/2026Mr 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
The Harborne HospitalThe Priory Hospital5.00 • 8 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 09/02/2026Mr 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 Hospital4.94 • 12 Reviews22 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6165632Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - JP
Mr Jitesh Parmar
General Surgery
MBBS, MD, FRCS
Available from 11/02/2026Mr 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
Spire Little Aston4.97 • 91 Reviews28 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5199159Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - NS
Professor Neil Sharma
General Surgery, ENT
MBChB PhD FRCS (ORL HNS)
Available from 12/02/2026Professor 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 • 2 Reviews24 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6049000Book 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.
The Priory HospitalThe Harborne Hospital4.97 • 12 Reviews19 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6160449Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - KW
Mr Kasun Wanigasooriya
General Surgery
General Medical Council: 7071800Book AppointmentFree 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 HospitalThe Priory Hospital5.00 • 1 Review26 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6038405Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included