

UGI Surgery
Welcome to the Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Surgery Unit at the University of Cape Town's Division of General Surgery.
Our team of UGI specialists is dedicated to providing exceptional surgical care for patients with disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including the esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine. We are committed to excellence in patient care, education, and research to continuously improve treatment outcomes and advance the field of UGI surgery.
Our Services
In our UGI Surgery Department, we offer a comprehensive range of services to address conditions affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. Our expert team specialises in:
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Surgical management of benign upper GI conditions such as reflux, hiatus hernias and achalasia, a condition affecting the oesophagus characterised by difficulty swallowing and regurgitation.
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Treatment of caustic injuries to the upper gastrointestinal tract caused by ingesting corrosive substances, including surgical interventions and reconstruction.
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Multidisciplinary care of foregut cancers, including surgical resection, lymph node dissection, and reconstruction of the digestive tract.
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Advanced endoscopic procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of upper GI conditions, such as POEM, endoscopic mucosal resection and submucosal dissection and the ablation of Barrett's.
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Minimally invasive oesophageal cancer surgeries.
Academic Excellence and Research
The UGI team at the University of Cape Town's General Surgery Department is actively engaged in research to advance the understanding and treatment of disorders affecting the upper gastrointestinal tract. Our research efforts are focused on several key areas, including:
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Innovative approaches to the management of Achalasia to improve symptom relief and long-term outcomes for patients.
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Evaluation of surgical and non-surgical treatments for caustic injuries, with a focus on minimizing long-term complications and optimizing patient recovery.
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Advancements in the surgical management of gastric cancer, including improved techniques for tumor resection and reconstruction of the digestive tract.
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Research into minimally invasive methods for diagnosing and treating oesophageal cancer, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Through our research initiatives, we aim to contribute to the advancement of UGI surgery, enhance treatment options, and improve quality of care for patients with upper gastrointestinal conditions.