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
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 BarnesWonderful care from the very start of care. Everything explained
— Patient of Benjamin TanRichard 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 LovegroveFrom my initial consultation through my operation and then final check up after surgery everything was first class
— Patient of Chokkalingam ArunVery clear and articulate and friendly manner
— Patient of Stephen WardMy 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 FieldExcellent service, professor Ford clearly explained everything to my mother and gave good advice to solve problem.
— Patient of Sam FordWas 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 AdeyemoProfessor ford literally saved my life
— Patient of Sam FordEverything explained in detail
— Patient of Sam FordI 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 BarnesWonderful care from the very start of care. Everything explained
— Patient of Benjamin TanRichard 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 LovegroveFrom my initial consultation through my operation and then final check up after surgery everything was first class
— Patient of Chokkalingam ArunVery clear and articulate and friendly manner
— Patient of Stephen WardMy 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 FieldExcellent service, professor Ford clearly explained everything to my mother and gave good advice to solve problem.
— Patient of Sam FordWas 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 AdeyemoProfessor ford literally saved my life
— Patient of Sam FordEverything explained in detail
— Patient of Sam FordMeet the experts
- NC
Mr Nikolaos Chatzizacharias
Hepatobilliary, General Surgery
MD, PhD, FRCS, FRCS (Glasg), FACS
Available from 1/12/2026Mr 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 Hospital4.93 • 10 Reviews22 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6165632Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - SW
Mr Stephen Ward
Colorectal, General Surgery
BSc (Hons), MB BS, PhD, FRCS
Available from 1/13/2026Mr 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 • 6 Reviews23 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6075264Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - JP
Mr Jitesh Parmar
General Surgery
MBBS, MD, FRCS
Available from 1/14/2026Mr 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 • 90 Reviews28 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 5199159Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - MF
Miss Melanie Field
General Surgery
MBChB, MD, MMedEd
Available from 1/16/2026Miss 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 Hospital4.97 • 13 Reviews24 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6048883Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - JB
Mr James Barnes
General Surgery
BSc, MBChB, DPhil, FRCS
Available from 1/22/2026Mr 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 • 11 Reviews19 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6160449Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included - NS
Professor Neil Sharma
General Surgery, ENT
MBChB PhD FRCS (ORL HNS)
Available from 1/29/2026Professor 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 • 1 Review24 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6049000Book 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 Hospital26 Years ExperienceGeneral Medical Council: 6038405Book AppointmentFree Booking Protection Included