The Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgical Unit within Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT) comprises eight consultant surgeons (six cancer, two benign) supported by three senior trainees, four specialist nurses and four dedicated Upper GI dieticians. 

We provide specialist surgical treatment for oesophageal (gullet) and gastric (stomach) cancers, gastro-intestinal stromal tumours (GIST), neuroendocrine tumours, benign upper GI tumours, acid reflux (GORD), achalasia, hiatus hernias, gallstones, and all types of abdominal wall hernias.

The supra-regional Cheshire & Merseyside Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Centre is one of the largest in the UK and is based in the Royal Liverpool University Hospital for patients requiring major surgery for Upper GI cancers.

We cover a population of over 1.5 million in the North West of England and the Isle of Man and receive quaternary referrals from North Wales. 

In addition, we provide regional cover for complex benign Upper GI surgery, Oesophago-Gastric trauma and emergencies. 

Non-complex benign Upper GI surgery is also performed at Aintree University Hospital and Broadgreen Hospital sites. 

We perform both open and minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) surgery along with diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in collaboration with our Upper GI Gastroenterology colleagues.

We actively support teaching and training of both University of Liverpool undergraduates along with postgraduate surgical trainees from the North West School of Surgery. In addition, we have an active research programme and supervise MD and PhD students within the University of Liverpool.

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Patients can be referred by their GP, clinicians, and cancer nurse specialists from the other hospitals within the cancer network.