CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
digestive health
Specialist surgical care
- Expert support for routine and complex gastroenterology conditions
- A range of minimally invasive techniques for a faster recovery
- End-to-end care from a skilled multidisciplinary team
Specialist surgical treatments, personalised to you
Living with a digestive health problem can be painful and distressing, and our specialist surgical teams are here to help. We offer the full range of treatments including state-of-the-art minimally invasive techniques. With 8 da Vinci robots across our network, you can access pioneering surgery for colorectal and upper GI conditions as well as for conditions effecting your liver and pancreas.
Our skilled support teams are here for you too providing enhanced recovery advice to help you quickly get back to full health after surgery. With intensive care units in all our hospitals, we can also look after patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries that need complex care, including ventilation and circulatory support.
Our comprehensive range of treatments
From the most common conditions to the most complex, our specialist surgical teams are here to help with simple, effective treatments as well as with highly advanced procedures.
General surgery
Abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR)
RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY TO FIX WEAKNESSES IN THE ABDOMEN
If previous surgery resulted in a damaged or infected area, HCA UK advises how abdominal wall reconstruction can help
Anti-reflux surgery
Keyhole surgery to give relief from severe acid reflux symptoms.
Appendicectomy
If you have appendicitis, our general surgeons can carry out an appendicectomy to remove it.
Gallbladder Removal
A cholecystectomy is an operation to remove your gallbladder to treat gallstones. This procedure can by done using laparoscopic techniques (keyhole) to minimise scarring any aid faster recovery.
HIPEC surgery
Cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC treatment at HCA Healthcare UK. HIPEC treatment is an innovative and complex procedure used during surgery to treat colorectal cancer which has spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum).
Laparoscopic hernia repair
KEYHOLE SURGERY TO REPAIR A HERNIA
If you need to have a hernia repaired, HCA UK provides laparoscopic hernia repair
Incisional hernia repair (recurrent)
If you've a lump pushing a previous surgery scar, it may be a recurrent incisional hernia. HCA UK can help.
Colorectal surgery
Bowel cancer surgery
You can be assured that at HCA Healthcare UK, our specialist cancer surgery combines the expertise of our consultant surgeons with state-of-the-art facilities and technology, to ensure you have access to the most advanced surgical techniques.
Colostomy
BOWEL DIVERSION SURGERY
A colostomy involves diverting your bowel through an opening in your tummy
Colostomy reversal
If you've had a temporary colostomy, you'll need to have this procedure to restore bowel function.
Diagnosing bowel cancer
We recognise that waiting for tests, scans or other diagnostic tests, and their results, is a worrying time. At HCA Healthcare UK you will have rapid access to the latest and most advanced diagnostic technologies and techniques, to provide you with an accurate diagnosis without delay.
Flexible sigmoidoscopy
A procedure to look inside your rectum and lower colon with a small camera. This is an endoscopic investigation that's used to help diagnose colorectal and bowel conditions.
Gastrointestinal laparoscopy
A procedure to investigate any problems you're having with your oesophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas or bowel.
Hemicolectomy
A procedure to remove a diseased part of the colon.
Small bowel resection
This is surgery to remove part or all of your small bowel when it becomes blocked or diseased
HPB
Hepato Pancreato Biliary Medicine
Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) is a branch of medicine consisting of a wide range of services in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and bile ducts.
Liver biopsy
A biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure review and monitor the liver. The biopsy can determine the extent of damage to the liver (fibrosis/cirrhosis) or diagnose liver diseases. It can also be used during active treatment to help monitor and guide further treatment.
Liver resection | HCA UK
Also known as a hepatectomy, a liver resection is a surgical procedure to remove tumours on the liver.
Conditions we treat with surgical care
Digestive health problems can seriously impact your quality of life. Our digestive health specialists understand and are here to help offering effective surgical treatments for a whole range of gastrointestinal (GI) issues, including:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis)
- Gallstones
- Inguinal hernia repair
- Liver cysts
- Rectal prolapse
Whatever your symptoms, we’ll work together as a team to quickly get to the root cause of your issues, before getting you on to the most effective treatment pathway.
Focussed diagnostic tests and scans
We may recommend that you have a range of tests and scans to help us understand more about your digestive health and how we can best treat your condition.
Private Endoscopy
We offer a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy procedures including gastroscopy, ERCP, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy and more.
Colonoscopy
A bowel examination, an effective way of diagnosing bowel conditions or removing colon polyps.
Video Capsule Endoscopy
Capsule endoscopy is a procedure where you swallow a pill-sized capsule which slowly passes through your body videoing the inside of your bowel.
supporting your whole health
Holistic care for every stage
At HCA UK, we know that clinical treatments and interventions are just one element of getting back to good health. That’s why we offer a range of wellbeing and support services too, providing all the nutritional, therapeutic and psychological help you might need as you recover. We’re here for you, with expert guidance and the reassurance that comes with having a great team of specialists on your side.
OUR APPROACH
Expert care giving you confidence
Having surgery is a significant step and from the moment you walk through our doors, your wellbeing will be at the centre of our thinking and planning. Our personalised, patient-first approach will help you feel informed, supported and confident, at every stage.
Your surgical team will include highly experienced consultants who specialise in gastrointestinal, colorectal and hepato-pancreato-biliary procedures, supported by a multidisciplinary team of anaesthetists, dieticians, specialist nurses and physiotherapists. And your care doesn’t end with surgery. You’ll have a thorough post-operative follow up and we’ll keep monitoring your progress. That includes adjusting your medication and therapies and offering the wrap-around dietary, lifestyle and emotional support you may need.
Accessing private health care
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what’s included in your self-pay package.
Our locations
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Referring a patient to HCA UK
If you have a patient with digestive health issues looking for specialist diagnostic support and fast pathways to expert treatment, we make it easy for you to refer them to us. With a clear route to consultant-led care, we’ll work closely with you and your patient to get the timely answers and personalised care they need.
Our patient's stories
Georgia's story
At just 20 years old, Georgia was about to fulfil her dream of opening her own beauty salon when persistent symptoms led to an unexpected diagnosis of bowel cancer.
John’s bowel cancer experience
34-year-old John had always been very active. In his professional life he had been a soldier and a firefighter, and in his spare time he was running marathons and completing triathlons. So, when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2008 it came as quite a shock.
Johanna's story
Johanna was diagnosed with advanced bowel cancer back in 2016. Five years on from receiving revolutionary cancer surgery at The Christie Private Care, part of HCA Healthcare UK, she is cancer free and feeling better than ever. Here she reflects on her treatment at the hospital and the expert care that helped her get to where she is today.
Surgical treatments for digestive health FAQ
Your consultant will usually only recommended surgery when non-surgical treatments such as medication and lifestyle changes stop being effective, or if your condition becomes severe. Surgery is often just one of a range of ways forward, so rest assured that your consultant will always carefully evaluate your medical history and symptoms before determining the most effective treatment pathway for you.
How you need to prepare will depend on the type of surgery you’re having. You may be advised to fast, to prepare your bowels or to adjust your medications. Your consultant will tell you everything you need to know in good time and the team will give you all the support you need.
Yes, we offer laparoscopic surgery. For certain procedures, we use the da Vinci robotic surgical system which enables our surgeons to operate with enhanced precision. Your consultant will talk you through the benefits of different approaches and advise on which is the most suitable option for your specific condition.
Yes. The dietary advice you receive will depend on the type of surgery you’ve had but common recommendations include sticking to soft or low fibre foods. You’ll be encouraged to gradually return to a balanced diet over time, and you’ll have expert support from our dieticians to help you do that safely.
We provide a wide range of general and gastrointestinal surgical procedures, from minimally invasive keyhole operations to more complex treatments. These include:
Abdominal and digestive procedures
- Abdominal laparoscopy – a minimally invasive procedure to examine the organs inside your abdomen and pelvis.
- Cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) – performed either laparoscopically or as an open procedure.
- Gastrectomy (partial or total) – surgery to remove part or all of the stomach.
- Gastric bypass surgery (Roux‑en‑Y) – a minimally invasive weight‑loss procedure.
- Hiatus hernia repair – keyhole surgery to repair a hiatus hernia.
- Ileostomy – forming a stoma to divert the small intestine.
- Sigmoid colectomy (sigmoidectomy) – removal of the sigmoid colon.
Hernia surgery
- Inguinal hernia repair – open or laparoscopic repair of groin hernias.
- Umbilical hernia repair – commonly performed in children and adults.
Colorectal and anal procedures
- Anal fistula surgery – removal of anal fistulas by specialist colorectal surgeons.
- Lateral sphincterotomy – surgery for persistent anal fissures.
- Pilonidal sinus surgery – removal of pilonidal sinus tracts.
- Haemorrhoidectomy – surgical treatment for piles.
Reflux and functional bowel treatments
- Anti‑reflux surgery – procedures designed to reduce or stop severe acid reflux.
- Sacral nerve stimulation – treatment to help regulate bladder and bowel function.
General surgery
We also offer a broad range of urgent and elective general surgical procedures, tailored to your individual needs.
“I’m in contact with Dr Rahman all the time… I know the whole team – they monitor my treatment on a regular basis, so if I have any concerns, I've got an easy point of contact.”
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