General Surgery

Colorectal surgery deals with conditions in the lower gastro-intestinal tract. This consists of the colon (large intestine) and the rectum (back passage). Surgeons deal with conditions that are benign (harmless lumps, piles, obstructions) or malignant (cancerous). Conditions treated also include fissures, fistulas, colitis, Crohn’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease.

Many of these conditions can be treated with keyhole surgery to avoid open surgery. Instead of creating a large opening during surgery, a much smaller incision is made. Surgeons use state-of-the-art instruments used to complete the procedure. Some procedures can be carried out under local anaesthetic (while patients are awake). Patients benefit from smaller scars, a quicker recovery and shorter stays in hospital.

Specialist clinics provided are:

• Rectal clinics – for all rectal and colonic symptoms, and urgent referrals
• Pelvic floor and functional bowel clinic – for disorders of the bowel and evacuation problems
• Anal physiology clinic – problems with defecation
• Stoma clinics – provided by a specialist nursing team for patients with colostomies

The upper gastro-intestinal tract includes the oesophagus (the food tube which links the throat to the stomach), the stomach itself, duodenum and pancreas. The team deals with benign (non-cancerous) disorders like ulcers, hyperacidity and anti-reflux surgery. Many of these conditions can be treated with keyhole surgery to avoid open surgery.

General surgery deals with conditions of the gall bladder, such as gallstones or complete removal, and stones in the bile duct. The team also treats various forms of hernia (a tear in the muscles of the belly) in either the groin or abdomen. Many of these conditions can be treated with keyhole surgery to avoid open surgery.

The General Surgery team carries out acute surgical procedures for all conditions affecting the abdomen. The most common are conditions of the appendix, or ulcer perforations in the stomach or duodenum. The team also deals with emergency procedures for the gall bladder, along with perforation or obstruction of the colon or small intestine.

Children aged two to 16 who need surgery for hernias, undescended testes, circumcision, tongue tie division or minor skin lumps are seen and operated on at the Birmingham Treatment Centre.

The vascular surgery team assess and treat patients with problems with the vascular system, that is the arteries and veins.

The vascular surgery service has outpatient clinics at both Sandwell and City Health Campuses and day case procedures at Sandwell. Any patient who requires major arterial interventions are managed at Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham but any clinic appointments are carried out as near to the patients home as possible.