Specialist care for upper gut problems
The upper GI tract covers a lot: reflux, hernias, the gallbladder, swallowing problems and more. Some of these are uncomfortable but straightforward. Others need proper investigation to get to the bottom of. Dr Esh's subspecialty is exactly this area, and it's where the bulk of his work sits. If you've got a problem and no clear diagnosis yet, this is a good place to start.
Reflux and anti-reflux surgery
Reflux has a few different causes, and the right treatment depends on which one you've got.
Some reflux is structural. If the anatomy that normally keeps acid down (the diaphragm and the join between the food pipe and stomach) is impaired, you'll get reflux, and surgery is often the only thing that gives lasting relief. Other people get reflux even with completely normal anatomy. That kind often responds well to non-surgical steps first, like changes to what and when you eat, and medication to settle the acid.
Dr Esh works out which situation you're in before recommending anything. Not everyone with reflux needs surgery, and he'll tell you if you don't.
Hiatus hernia
A hiatus hernia is when part of the stomach slips up into the chest, either partly or completely. It sits on a spectrum, and it's closely tied to reflux because it disrupts the body's natural anti-reflux mechanism. It can also cause problems beyond reflux. Dr Esh assesses the type and severity, and where surgery is needed it's usually done keyhole (robotic or laparoscopic).
Having trouble swallowing? Don't wait it out.
Difficulty swallowing needs to be checked. It can be caused by a mechanical blockage, and sometimes it's the first sign of something more serious like a cancer of the food pipe or stomach.
If you're in Cairns and you've got trouble swallowing without a diagnosis yet, Dr Esh is the right person to see. He investigates it, diagnoses it and, if something serious is found, coordinates your care with the right specialist centres. Some procedures, like surgery on the food pipe itself, aren't performed in Cairns, so in those cases Dr Esh manages your diagnosis and coordinates your treatment with leading centres elsewhere. Stomach conditions and many other upper GI problems he treats here.
The key message: get it looked at early.
Gallbladder surgery
Gallstones and gallbladder problems are common, and gallbladder removal is one of the most frequently performed operations Dr Esh does. It's usually keyhole surgery with a straightforward recovery. If you've been getting pain after fatty meals or you've been told you have gallstones, Dr Esh can talk you through whether surgery is the right move.
Pancreatic conditions
Dr Esh manages pancreatic conditions, including pancreatic tumours, as part of his upper GI work. These cases are assessed carefully and individually.
Reflux after weight loss surgery
Had a sleeve and now living with reflux? That's common and it's fixable. Read how Dr Esh approaches reflux after weight loss surgery.
Read about reflux after weight loss surgery →Not sure where to start?
Know exactly what you need, or just got a problem you want sorted? Book a consult and Dr Esh will help you work out where to go from here.