Gastrointestinal Surgery

About this service

Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery is part of the Surgical Division and comprises two main specialties, upper gastrointestinal and lower gastrointestinal (colorectal) surgery. We see patients for both planned and emergency surgery and have a GI consultant on call at all times for emergencies.

Types of Gastrointestinal Surgery

All surgeons undertake laparoscopic and open biliary surgery. All types of open and laparoscopic hernia surgery are performed including the treatment of complex incisional herniae.

Paediatric surgery performed includes appendicectomies (laparoscopic and open), pyloromyotomies, herniotomies, and orchidopexies.

Specialist Upper Gastrointestinal surgery includes:

  • laparoscopic bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
  • oesophagectomies
  • gastric surgery
  • anti-reflux and hiatus hernia surgery
  • splenectomy
  • Hellers procedures for achalasia
  • bile duct exploration
  • benign pancreatic surgery

Colorectal Cancer Centre (Lower Gastrointestinal)

The Royal Cornwall Hospital is also a specialist colorectal cancer centre, and our specialist surgeons perform laparoscopic and open colorectal resections for both malignant and benign disease including functional bowel disease. Operations performed include:

  • Colectomies,
  • Anterior resections,
  • Stapled haemorrhoidectomy,
  • Extralevator APR (ELAPE with VRAM flap)
  • Rectopexies.

Find out more about Cancer Services at Royal Cornwall Hospitals and the support and information we offer for people affected by cancer.

Contact information

Where to find us

This service does not have one physical location. Any directions and instructions will be provided to you in your appointment letters; please read them carefully before attending.

Page last reviewed: 9 May 2023

Alert: Visiting restrictions are in place due to Norovirus

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