Gastrointestinal Surgeon in Rajkot

Upper gastrointestinal conditions affect the oesophagus, stomach and the first part of the small intestine. Depending on the underlying cause, some may be managed with medication or endoscopic procedures, while others may require surgery. These conditions include:

• Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD occurs when stomach contents repeatedly flow back into the oesophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, acid regurgitation and discomfort. Surgery may be considered in selected cases when symptoms persist despite appropriate medical management or complications develop.
• Hiatus Hernia: This condition occurs when part of the stomach moves through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity. Although some hiatus hernias do not cause symptoms, larger hernias may lead to reflux, swallowing difficulties or chest discomfort and may require surgical evaluation.
• Achalasia Cardia: Achalasia is an oesophageal motility disorder in which the lower oesophageal sphincter does not relax properly, making it difficult for food and liquids to pass into the stomach. Treatment aims to improve swallowing and may include surgical procedures in appropriate cases.
• Stomach Tumours: Abnormal growths in the stomach may be benign or malignant. Depending on the type, location and extent of the growth, treatment may involve endoscopic removal, surgery or a combination of approaches.

The small intestine, colon, rectum and anal canal play important roles in digestion and waste elimination. Conditions affecting these areas may cause abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, bleeding or difficulty passing stools. Some may require surgical intervention, including:

• Appendicitis: Appendicitis occurs when the becomes inflamed, often causing pain that begins around the navel and moves towards the lower right side of the abdomen. Surgical removal of the appendix is a common treatment, although management depends on the clinical presentation and severity.
• Intestinal Obstruction: An intestinal obstruction occurs when a blockage prevents the normal movement of intestinal contents. It may result from adhesions following previous surgery, hernias, tumours or other causes. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the blockage, and some cases require urgent surgery.
• Colorectal Tumours: Growths in the colon or rectum may be benign or cancerous. Surgical treatment may involve removing the affected section of the bowel, depending on the diagnosis, location and extent of the disease.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Surgery may be considered when medication does not adequately control the disease or when complications such as strictures, fistulas or bowel obstruction develop.
• Haemorrhoids: Haemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and lower rectum. They may cause rectal bleeding, itching, discomfort or a lump near the anus. Procedures or surgery may be considered when symptoms persist or the condition is more advanced.
• Anal Fistulas: An anal fistula is an abnormal passage between the anal canal and the surrounding skin, often developing after an infection or abscess. Treatment usually involves a procedure to address the tract while preserving the function of the anal sphincter.

The hepatobiliary system includes the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. These organs help produce, store and transport bile, which supports the digestion of fats. Certain conditions affecting this system may require assessment by a gastrointestinal surgeon, including:

• Gallstones: Gallstones are hardened deposits that form in the gallbladder. They may cause pain in the upper right abdomen, particularly after meals, or lead to complications such as gallbladder inflammation. Surgical removal of the gallbladder may be recommended for symptomatic gallstones or certain complications.
• Bile Duct Obstruction: A blockage in the bile ducts can prevent bile from flowing normally from the liver to the intestine. Causes include stones, strictures and tumours. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve endoscopic procedures, surgery or other interventions.
• Liver Tumours: Liver tumours may be benign or malignant. Selected tumours can be treated surgically, depending on their size, location, extent and the condition of the remaining liver tissue. Treatment planning may involve a multidisciplinary team.

The pancreas produces digestive enzymes and hormones that help regulate blood glucose levels. Certain pancreatic disorders may require surgical assessment, particularly when they cause persistent symptoms, complications or concern about malignancy. These include:

• Pancreatic Cysts: Pancreatic cysts are fluid-filled structures that may develop within or around the pancreas. Many can be monitored, while others require further investigation or surgery depending on their characteristics, symptoms and potential risk.
• Pancreatic Tumours: Tumours may develop in different parts of the pancreas and can be benign or malignant. Surgical treatment may be considered when a tumour can be removed safely and the patient's clinical condition supports an operation.

Hernias occur when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weakened area in the surrounding muscle or connective tissue. They may cause a visible bulge, discomfort or pain, particularly during physical activity, coughing or lifting. Gastrointestinal surgeons assess the type of hernia and the risk of complications to determine whether surgical repair is appropriate.

Common types include:

• Inguinal Hernia: Develops when tissue protrudes through a weakened area in the groin. It may cause a bulge or discomfort that becomes more noticeable while standing, coughing or lifting.
• Umbilical Hernia: Occurs when tissue pushes through a weak area near the navel. It may appear as a bulge that becomes more prominent when abdominal pressure increases.
• Incisional Hernia: Develops at or near the site of a previous abdominal surgery, where the tissues have not regained sufficient strength to contain the underlying contents.
• Ventral Hernia: Occurs through a weakened area in the front abdominal wall and may develop at different locations on the abdomen.