Treatment Overview
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernias are common conditions that can have a significant impact on everyday life. While medication can control symptoms for many patients, minimally invasive surgery provides another option for those who continue to experience troublesome reflux. Laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery addresses the underlying mechanical cause of reflux by restoring the natural barrier between the stomach and oesophagus and repairing any associated hiatal hernia.
Mr. Ali Haque is an experienced Upper GI Surgeon specialising in advanced laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery and hiatal hernia repair. As an Upper GI Consultant, he provides specialist assessment and treatment for patients with reflux and other upper gastrointestinal conditions. Using modern keyhole techniques, these procedures are performed through a small number of incisions, helping to minimise tissue trauma and support a faster recovery.
His specialist training, including experience at leading tertiary centres such as King’s College London, enables him to manage both straightforward and complex upper GI cases. Patients requiring Upper GI Surgery can benefit from careful assessment, detailed treatment planning, and specialist surgical expertise.
Key Treatments :
Laparoscopic laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery
A minimally invasive procedure that restores the anti-reflux barrier by using the upper part of the stomach to reinforce the lower oesophageal valve, helping to control persistent GERD symptoms. This type of Upper GI Surgery may be considered for appropriately selected patients whose symptoms remain troublesome despite medical treatment.
Hiatal Hernia Repair
The stomach is returned to its normal position and the opening in the diaphragm is repaired and reinforced. This procedure can be performed alongside anti-reflux surgery when clinically appropriate. An experienced Upper GI Surgeon can assess the size and nature of the hernia and determine the most appropriate surgical approach.
Anti-Reflux Surgery
Tailored surgical treatment for patients with persistent reflux, frequent acid regurgitation, or GERD symptoms that remain troublesome despite medical treatment. As an Upper GI Consultant, Mr. Haque can assess whether anti-reflux surgery is appropriate based on symptoms, investigations, and individual circumstances.
Diagnostic Upper Endoscopy
Detailed examination of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum to investigate symptoms, identify abnormalities, and provide important information when planning treatment. Upper endoscopy is an important part of the assessment process for many patients being considered for Upper GI Surgery.
Complex Case Management
Specialist assessment and treatment for recurrent reflux, previous unsuccessful procedures, revision surgery, and patients with more complicated medical or surgical histories. Mr. Haque's experience as an Upper GI Surgeon allows him to assess complex cases and develop an appropriate treatment strategy.
Why Choose Mr. Ali Haque
Specialist Upper GI Expertise
Mr. Haque is a specialist Upper GI Surgeon with advanced training in laparoscopic surgery and hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. His professional qualifications include FRCS, JAG certification in endoscopy, and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy.
His specialist training supports careful assessment, precise surgical technique, and appropriate decision-making for patients requiring complex upper gastrointestinal treatment. As an Upper GI Consultant, he provides personalised care based on each patient’s symptoms, investigations, medical history, and treatment goals.
Modern Minimally Invasive Techniques
Laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions rather than a traditional large surgical wound. This approach can reduce tissue trauma, minimise post-operative discomfort, and support an earlier return to normal activities.
Where clinically suitable, patients may also benefit from a shorter hospital stay and, for selected procedures, discharge on the same day. An experienced Upper GI Surgeon can determine whether a minimally invasive approach is suitable for each individual patient.
Coordinated Multidisciplinary Care
Patients with complex reflux or hiatal hernia may require input from several specialists. Mr. Haque works with gastroenterologists, radiologists, anaesthetists, and other relevant specialists to ensure that investigations and treatment are appropriately coordinated.
This collaborative approach can be particularly valuable for patients with unusual symptoms, other medical conditions, or previous reflux surgery. The aim of this multidisciplinary approach is to ensure that patients receive appropriate Upper GI Surgery when surgery is indicated.
Patient-Focused Treatment Planning
Every patient’s situation is different. During consultation, Mr. Haque takes time to explain the diagnosis, discuss available treatment options, and consider non-surgical management where appropriate.
As an Upper GI Consultant, he discusses the potential benefits, risks, limitations, and expected recovery clearly so that patients can make an informed decision about their treatment.
Evidence-Based Care
Treatment decisions are based on the patient’s symptoms, investigations, overall health, and available clinical evidence. The aim is to provide an appropriate treatment plan that addresses the individual’s needs while maintaining patient safety.
For patients who require Upper GI Surgery, careful planning and appropriate patient selection are important parts of achieving a safe and effective treatment pathway.
The Benefits of Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery
Lasting Relief from GERD
Anti-reflux surgery aims to correct the mechanical problem that allows stomach contents to move back into the oesophagus. For appropriately selected patients, this can provide long-term improvement in symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation.
Reduced Medication Dependency
Patients who achieve good symptom control following surgery may be able to reduce or discontinue acid-suppressing medication under medical guidance. Whether medication can be stopped depends on the individual’s condition and follow-up assessment.
Faster Recovery
Because laparoscopic surgery uses smaller incisions, recovery can be quicker than with traditional open surgery. Patients generally experience less wound discomfort and may return to normal activities sooner, although recovery varies between individuals.
Improved Quality of Life
Successful treatment of troublesome reflux may improve daily comfort and reduce symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and night-time reflux. Some patients may also experience improvements in sleep and general quality of life.
Lower Complication Rates
The smaller incisions used in laparoscopic surgery can reduce tissue disruption and may lower the risk of certain wound-related problems compared with larger open surgical incisions.
Durable Long-Term Outcomes
For appropriately selected patients, laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery can provide lasting symptom control. Long-term results depend on factors such as the underlying condition, surgical technique, patient characteristics, and ongoing follow-up.
The Laparoscopic laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery Procedure
During laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, Mr. Haque uses specialised instruments and a high-definition camera to access the upper abdomen through several small incisions.
The upper part of the stomach, known as the fundus, is carefully positioned around the lower oesophagus to strengthen the natural anti-reflux barrier. If a hiatal hernia is present, the stomach is returned to its appropriate position and the opening in the diaphragm is repaired.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, with the exact operating time depending on the complexity of the case. The approach is carefully planned by the Upper GI Surgeon according to the patient’s individual anatomy and clinical needs.
Following surgery, the small incisions are closed using appropriate wound closure techniques. Patients receive detailed instructions regarding diet, medication, physical activity, and recovery.
Many patients can return home on the same day or following an overnight stay, depending on the operation and their individual recovery. Temporary bloating, abdominal discomfort, or changes in swallowing can occur during the early recovery period and will be discussed as part of your post-operative care.
Is Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux Surgery Right for You?
You may be considered for surgery if:
- You have persistent GERD symptoms despite appropriate medical treatment
- Reflux is significantly affecting your daily life or sleep
- You experience frequent acid regurgitation
- You have a symptomatic hiatal hernia
- You are considering a long-term alternative to continued medication
- You are medically fit for surgery
- Your investigations support a surgical approach
A detailed consultation with Mr. Haque is essential to determine whether surgery is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Not every patient with reflux requires an operation. In some cases, medication, lifestyle measures, or continued monitoring may be the most suitable approach. Where surgery is considered appropriate, the available options, expected benefits, potential risks, and recovery process will be explained clearly before treatment.