London Gastroparesis Service: Providing exceptional care in the UKs first medical and surgical gastroparesis service
Wellington Place , St John's Wood , London, NW8 9LEAbout the London Gastroparesis Service
Gastroparesis is a chronic disorder where the stomach cannot empty in the normal way, as food passes through the stomach slower than usual. Gastroparesis can affect people of all ages but is more common in adult women, and patients suffer from symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, early satiety (feeling full quickly when eating) and abdominal pain or discomfort. The quality of life for patients with severe gastroparesis can be distressing, resulting in being unable to work or take part in normal activities, and for some, the treatment of dietary changes and medication do not improve the condition.
At The Wellington Hospital we are proud to offer the UKs first joint medical surgical gastroparesis service, brought together by leading experts Mr Sritharan Kadirkamanathan and Dr Ray Shidrawi. For those coping with gastroparesis, finding the right treatment is critical, yet the lack of experience in treating this complex disorder makes it harder to diagnose and treat effectively. You will receive highly specialist care from our renowned consultants who will provide patients with personally tailored care plans to overcome the debilitating symptoms that are brought about by gastroparesis. Most significantly, those who suffer with severe gastroparesis will have access to the most advanced and latest technology, the Enterra™ neurostimulator.
Our mission in setting up the first Joint Medical / Surgical Gastroparesis service in the UK is to improve the quality of life of patients with gastroparesis. Patients referred to our clinic have suffered for years with undiagnosed debilitating symptoms which may have rendered them unable to work or function normally in society. Many have been labelled as having psychological or stress-related symptoms. Patients coming to our clinic are assessed thoroughly and put through a symptom-based management algorithm that is aimed at improving their quality of life and, if appropriate, offered endoscopic and surgical alternatives.
Dr Ray Shidrawi, Gastroenterologist
Rapid access and diagnosis
We offer consultations, investigations and diagnostic tests conveniently located across London. We understand that busy professionals have demanding schedules, which is why we are able to provide appointments at a place and a time to suit patients, without the stress of multiple consultations, and long waiting times.
Your consultant will ask you to describe your symptoms to make a diagnosis. Tests may include:
- C13 Octanoic Acid gastric emptying breath test
- Lactulose hydrogen breath test
- Colonic transit study
- Oesophageal physiology including manometry, impedance and 24h ambulatory pH studies
Meet the Gastroparesis Service team
Mr Sritharan Kadirkamanathan
General Surgeon
With almost 40 years clinical experience, Mr Kadirkamanathan brings a wealth of expertise in upper gastrointestinal and endoscopic, laparoscopic and robotic surgery, and his special clinical interest in oesophageal and gastric cancers. He is special advisor to NICE on interventional procedures and holds a number of high-profile academic posts.
Dr Ray Shidrawi
Gastroenterologist
Highly rated for his patient-led approach, Dr Shidrawi has focused on a number of gastric subspecialties throughout his medical career, including inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, pancreaticobiliary medicine, hepatology, irritable bowel syndrome and neurogastroenterology.
A conversation with the specialists
Treatment
We are delighted to provide an exceptional and life-changing treatment for patients who suffer from intractable nausea and vomiting from gastroparesis, where typical treatment such dietary changes are ineffective.
The Enterra™ is a gastric neurostimulator programmable device implanted beneath the skin, typically in the lower abdominal region, that generates mild electrical pulses. Although the device is not a cure for those who suffer from severe gastroparesis, it significantly reduces symptoms and improves gastric emptying. We are the only private hospital to offer this service.
The procedure is minimally invasive and the electric stimulation does not affect your daily activities. It is important to note that the results from the device varies from patient to patient.
Other treatments include intrapyloric Botox, endoscopic balloon pyloroplasty, and nasojejunal feeding, which is determined by a symptom-based management algorithm.
Follow-up care after Gastroparesis treatment
Meet Glenda O’Connor – our Specialist Dietician
"I am a Specialist Dietitian in GI Surgery (Upper GI, Colorectal), Intestinal failure and Hepatopancreato- biliary (HPB) surgery. I support patients who may need enteral feeding and Parenteral (IV) nutrition support.
I care for patients at various stages of their hospital treatment, providing education on pre/peri/post-surgical nutritional optimisation, nutrition support, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, and a wide range of therapeutic diets."
Round the clock care
These capabilities come together to create a unit unlike any other in the private sector — one that allows us to offer highly specialist care, round the clock.
How to refer
Patients are referred to us from around the UK and overseas. A significant number are from patients who are seeking a second opinion.
If you would like to refer a patient or you are a patient and would like more information, you can call or email us and we'll be happy to help.
Appointments
020 7483 5148