Upper gastrointestinal surgery

The Northern Oesophago-Gastric Unit (NOGU) is a specialist centre caring for patients with oesophageal and stomach cancer. It is one of the largest centres of its kind in Europe.

Oesophageal cancer can be found anywhere in the oesophagus – sometimes called the gullet or food pipe – which connects your mouth to your stomach.

The earlier any type of cancer is found, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Outstanding reputation

The service has an international reputation as a premier oesophago-gastric centre.

Our highly skilled clinicians are recognised internationally for their proven track record in surgery for both cancerous and complex benign (non-cancerous) conditions.

Their outstanding outcomes have been published in national audits and peer-reviewed literature, and we are proud to be acknowledged as amongst the best in the world.

Specialist care before, during and after surgery

Patients undergoing cancer surgery can benefit from pioneering work by the team who have developed an enhanced recovery programme.

This involves prehabilitation and rehabilitation which means they do all they can to support you before and after your support, to make sure you have the best post surgery recovery possible.

NOGU has an outstanding record in cancer outcomes, research and training. It publishes and presents work regularly on international and national stages, and attract training fellows from around the world.

NOGU is home to the Northern Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Fund and the “Oesophagoose” campaign designed to raise awareness for these two cancers.

Nationally renowned expertise in treatment of complex conditions

We provide a comprehensive diagnostic and treatment service for all types of malignant and benign oesophago-gastric disorders, as well as surgical treatment of simple conditions such as hernias and gallstones.

Our clinical expertise covers a wide range of conditions including:

Oesophageal and gastric cancer surgery
Endoscopic cancer resection
Detection and surveillance of Barrett’s oesophagus
Endoscopic management of dysplastic Barrett’s oesophagus
Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy
Management of upper gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and sarcomata
Simple and complex hiatal surgery
Management of achalasia
Surgical management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
Management of benign biliary disease including advanced endoscopic and minimally invasive / robotic techniques

The team is also leading the introduction of robotic oesophago-gastric surgery in the UK.

Clinical excellence with a personal touch

Our staff are committed to providing high quality, personalised care in a safe and comfortable environment.

Thirty years ago, in 1991 we became the first unit in the UK to set up a multi-disciplinary team to look after all suspected oesophago-gastric cancer patients. Since then this unit has pioneered many firsts in the field of oesophago-gastric surgery.

We have an outstanding international reputation and receive referrals from other national and international oesophago-gastric centres.

We pride ourselves in providing an outstanding holistic care with patients receiving expert advice, care and treatment tailored specifically for their individual healthcare needs.

This team consists of oesophago-gastric surgeons, medical and clinical oncologists, specialist radiologists, clinical nurse specialists, anaesthetists and intensivists specialising in oesophago-gastric surgery and perioperative medicine, histopathologists, dietitians, physiotherapists and wide research team.

Our clinical nurse specialists provide you with a key link to the service, offering personal advice and support throughout your care.

Where to find us

Our unit is based on Ward 36, Leazes Wing, Royal Victoria Infirmary. This is where all patients having major surgery will recover.

Many patients will also spend time initially recovering on the Critical Care Unit (Ward 38).

Ward 45 is the daycase unit where many patient will be admitted to prior to surgical or endoscopic procedures.

Patients receive oncology treatment at the Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital or at their referring hospital.

Clinics

Most clinics for face-to-face consultations are held in main outpatients on the ground floor of New Victoria Wing at the RVI:

Clinic A/B Specialist oesophago-gastric and general surgical clinics
Clinic D Anaesthetic pre-assessment clinic
Clinic G Specialist nurse and dietitian clinic

The cancer staging clinic is held on Ward 45, Level 5, Leazes Wing, RVI.

Oncology clinics are held in the outpatient department on Level 2 of the Northern Centre for Cancer Care at Freeman Hospital or as an outreach service in some of the referring hospitals.

Research

The unit has an extensive multi-disciplinary research programme covering clinical and translational research, including oesophageal and gastric cancer staging, fitness before and after surgery.