At The Edgbaston Hospital we have a number of consultant general surgeons who can help treat a variety of different problems related to general surgery, including colorectal, intestinal and hernia conditions. We offer fast access to consultants and a wide range of appointment times, as well as quick diagnosis to help relieve your worries.
At The Edgbaston Hospital we also have a purpose built Endoscopy Suite where our consultants perform colonoscopies and gastroscopies in order for them to investigate any problems more closely. These are usually performed as a day case procedure and patients are generally sedated to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
We can help with the following common conditions:
- Hernia repair
- Colorectal issues such as haemorrhoids, rectal bleeding and prolapse
- Gallstones
- Liver disease
- Acid reflux
- Gastric problems
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
Hernia Repair
Hernia repair is very common and can be performed laparoscopically under local or general anaesthetic, usually as a day-case procedure. There are different types of hernias: inguinal hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair and incisional hernia repair.
Inguinal hernias are very common in men and usually occur when fatty tissue or a part of the bowel, for example the intestine, pokes through into the groin at the top of the thigh.
Umbilical hernias are very common in infants and young children, and particularly in premature babies. They are show as a painless lump in or near the belly button. They can also develop in adults, and gradually get painful over time.
A hiatus hernia is very common in people aged 50 and over. It occurs when part of your stomach moves up into the chest. These types of hernias don’t normally need treatment unless they become painful.
Gallbladder Removal
Gallbladder removal, or otherwise known as a cholecystectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the gallbladder. This procedure is often required following painful gallstones.
Gallbladder removal can also be performed laparoscopically (laparascopic cholecystectomy) which is a minimally invasive technique and promotes a quicker recovery time for the patient.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a diagnostic examination using a colonoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the end) to look inside the rectum and colon. This is usually performed as an outpatient or daycase procedure using sedation. The bowel needs to be emptied prior to having a colonoscopy so the patient is given a preoperative laxative treatment to take the day before.
Vascular Surgery
Varicose veins can be unsightly and also very painful. Vascular surgery, or varicose vein removal can involve a variety of different techniques. We perform varicose vein treatments in both an outpatient setting and in theatre. There are various techniques which can be very successful for removing varicose veins including: foam sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), open vascular surgery and endovascular surgery. A vascular surgeon will advise on the most appropriate form of treatment during their consultation.
Haemorrhoid Surgery
Haemorrhoid surgery, or a haemorrhoidectomy, is the removal of haemorrhoids, or more commonly known as piles. There is also a procedure called haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HALO) where the blood flow getting to the haemorrhoids is reduced. Blood vessels are stitched to stop the blood supply, which results in the haemorrhoid shrinking over a period of days post procedure.
At Edgbaston hospital in Birmingham we offer the following treatments relating General Surgery:
- Lap fundoplication
- Colon & rectal cancer surgery
- Gallstones
- Pelvic floor surgery (constipation, faecal incontinence, prolapse)
- Surgery for inflammatory bowel disease
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
