[Upper gastrointestinal surgery] Introduction

Upper gastrointestinal surgeons specialise in diseases of the digestive tract, mouth, oesophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and biliary tract.

There is significant overlap with lower gastrointestinal surgery, gastroenterology and oncology.

 

Etymology 

Ancient Greek γαστήρ (gastḗr) = belly
Ancient Greek ἔντερον (énteron) = intestine

 

Subspecialties 

• Hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery

 

History taking

 

Physical examination

 

Procedures

• Cholecystectomy 
• Oesophagectomy
• Gastroduodenostomy
• Gastrectomy
• Heller myotomy 
• Pyloromyotomy
• Nissen fundoplication

 

Digestive system diseases

 

Common diseases:

• Gallstones 
• Cholecystolithiasis (stones in the gallbladder)
• Choledocholithiasis (stones in the common bile duct)
• Liver cirrhosis
• Pancreatic cancer  
• Oesophageal cancer 
• Stomach cancer    

 

Other diseases:

• Pyloric stenosis 
• Hepatorenal syndrome