Digestive Disease Knowledge Centre

GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is the backflow of stomach acid into the food pipe, causing heartburn, regurgitation and chest discomfort. It is treated first with lifestyle changes and medicines, and with keyhole anti-reflux surgery when symptoms persist.

Gallbladder stones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause right-upper-abdomen pain, especially after fatty meals. The definitive treatment is laparoscopic gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), a safe day-care keyhole surgery.

A hernia is a bulge that occurs when an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Hernias do not heal on their own; the durable treatment is laparoscopic mesh repair, which restores strength with minimal pain and fast recovery.

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix that causes pain typically shifting to the right lower abdomen, with nausea, loss of appetite and fever. It is a surgical emergency, treated safely and quickly by laparoscopic (keyhole) appendix removal.

Piles (haemorrhoids) are swollen blood vessels in and around the anal canal that cause bright-red bleeding, discomfort, swelling and itching. Most improve with diet and minor office procedures; advanced piles are treated with modern, low-pain day-care surgery.

An anal fissure is a small tear in the lining of the anal canal that causes sharp, knife-like pain and a little bright-red bleeding during and after bowel movements. Most fissures heal with treatment; chronic fissures are cured with a quick, minor procedure.

An anal fistula is an abnormal tunnel connecting the inside of the anal canal to the skin near the anus, usually following an abscess. It causes recurrent discharge, pain and swelling, and is cured with surgery using sphincter-preserving techniques wherever possible.

Rectal prolapse is the protrusion of the rectum through the anus, causing a visible lump, mucus, bleeding and difficulty controlling motions. It is corrected surgically — often by a keyhole (laparoscopic) operation that lifts and secures the rectum to restore normal function.

Cirrhosis is advanced, long-term scarring of the liver caused by ongoing damage such as hepatitis, fatty liver or alcohol. Management focuses on treating the cause, preventing complications, and screening for liver cancer; advanced disease may need transplantation assessment.