Name: National University Hospital
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Division of General Surgery (Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery)

2025/07/25

The Division of Upper GastrointestinaI Surgery at NUH offers expert care for conditions of the oesophagus, stomach, and duodenum — from reflux to cancer — using state-of-the-art minimally invasive and robotic techniques.

Conditions Treated

Achalasia
A disorder where the oesophagus has trouble moving food into the stomach due to nerve damage.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
A condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the oesophagus, causing heartburn or irritation.
Oesophagus cancer
Cancer that develops in the lining of the oesophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach.
Peptic ulcer disease
Open sores that form on the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
Stomach/gastric cancer
Cancer that begins in the lining of the stomach and may spread to nearby tissues.

Treatment Options

The Division of Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Surgery offers a comprehensive range of modern medical treatments, clinic-based therapies, and advanced surgical procedures for patients with oesophageal, gastric, and related conditions.

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy

Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat achalasia, a condition where the muscles of the oesophagus (food pipe) don’t work properly, making it hard for food to reach the stomach. The procedure is done through the mouth using a thin, flexible tube (endoscope)— so there are no external cuts or incisions. The goal is to relax the tight muscle at the lower end of the oesophagus (called the lower oesophageal sphincter), allowing food to pass into the stomach more easily. POEM has become a popular and effective treatment with low risk and good long-term results.

Pressurised Intra-Peritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy

Pressurised Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is an innovative treatment for advanced cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum), such as colon, stomach (gastric), and ovarian cancers. In this approach, chemotherapy is delivered as a fine mist (aerosol) directly into the abdominal cavity during a minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery. This allows the medicine to spread evenly and reach the cancer more effectively, with fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

Our Approach to Cancer Care

While surgery is often a key component in the treatment of early-stage cancer, some patients may benefit from upfront systemic therapy to shrink the tumour before surgery. This approach can improve the chances of a successful operation and, in some cases, reduce the risk of recurrence.

At National University Hospital (NUH), we conduct regular Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, where specialists from different disciplines come together to discuss complex cases. These meetings ensure that each patient receives a comprehensive, personalised treatment plan based on the latest clinical evidence.

Our MDT comprises surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists, work collaboratively to provide patients with the highest standard of care.