At RCG Health, we understand how much upper gastrointestinal (GI) problems can affect your daily life. Whether you’re living with persistent reflux, a painful gallbladder, or a rare condition such as superior mesenteric artery (SMA) syndrome, we’re here to give you answers and provide effective, long-term solutions.
Led by consultant general and upper GI surgeon Mr Ricardo Camprodon, our team focuses on safe, minimally invasive treatments that not only relieve your symptoms but also help you regain your quality of life.
What Are Upper GI Conditions?
Your upper GI tract includes the oesophagus (food pipe), stomach, duodenum, and gallbladder. Problems in these areas can cause:
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Pain in your chest or upper abdomen
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bloating, nausea, or vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
Some of these conditions are straightforward to treat, while others are more complex and need specialist expertise. At RCG Health, we guide you through every step — from initial consultation and diagnostic tests (such as endoscopy, ultrasound, or CT scans) to surgery and long-term follow-up.
Conditions We Treat
Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
Often starts around the belly button, then shifts to the lower right side. Nausea, loss of appetite, and fever are common. Treatment is usually a laparoscopic appendicectomy, with a short hospital stay.
Gallstones & Acute Cholecystitis
If stomach acid keeps coming back into your oesophagus, you may notice heartburn, regurgitation, or difficulty swallowing. When medication no longer controls symptoms, we offer laparoscopic antireflux surgery (Nissen or Toupet fundoplication). This strengthens the valve between your stomach and oesophagus, giving you lasting relief.
Hiatal and Paraoesophageal Hernias
Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach pushes into your chest. Larger paraoesophageal hernias can sometimes cause anaemia, obstruction, or chest pain. At RCG Health, we repair these hernias using minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery, often with mesh reinforcement, to restore normal anatomy and prevent complications.
Gallstone Disease
Gallstones can cause sudden upper abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and sometimes serious complications such as jaundice or pancreatitis. The most effective treatment is laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). In most cases, you can go home the same day and recover quickly with minimal scarring.
Complex Reflux and Revision Surgery
If you’ve already had reflux surgery but still experience symptoms, don’t lose hope. We provide careful reassessment and redo antireflux surgery, using advanced laparoscopic techniques to restore symptom control and improve your quality of life.
Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery
Weight-loss operations, such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, are also considered upper GI procedures. We offer these to patients with obesity and related health problems, including type 2 diabetes, reflux, and sleep apnoea. Surgery is always delivered as part of a comprehensive programme that includes dietitian, psychological, and medical support.
Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome
SMA syndrome is rare but can be devastating, causing severe pain, vomiting, and weight loss due to duodenal compression. Few centres in the UK see many cases — but Mr Camprodon has successfully managed six confirmed patients, giving him unique experience. Definitive treatment usually involves a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y duodenojejunostomy to bypass the blockage and restore normal eating.
Symptoms to Look Out For
It’s essential to seek specialist assessment if you notice:
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Chest or upper abdominal pain after meals
- Frequent nausea or vomiting
- Bloating or feeling full too quickly
- Unexplained weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Black or tarry stools (possible internal bleeding)
Why Choose RCG Health?
- Comprehensive expertise – from common conditions such as gallstones to rare ones like SMA syndrome, you’re in experienced hands.
- Minimally invasive surgery – most operations are done laparoscopically, meaning faster recovery, less pain, and tiny scars.
- National leadership in rare conditions – with six SMA syndrome cases managed, our experience is among the highest in the UK.
- Proven results – outcomes consistently meet or exceed national benchmarks.
- Personalised care – your treatment is tailored to you, supported by our team of dietitians, anaesthetists, and specialist nurses.
Next Steps
If you’re living with reflux, gallstone pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained vomiting, don’t wait. Early assessment can prevent complications and get you back to feeling yourself again.
At RCG Health, we combine advanced surgical expertise with a patient-first approach. You’ll have clear answers, safe treatment, and compassionate support every step of the way.
👉 Book a consultation today to talk through your symptoms and find the treatment that’s right for you.
