Failed surgery & oesophago-gastric complications
Many operations on the oesophagus and the stomach are complex. Complications can occur in the best of hands. Most complications are minor and can be successfully managed without surgery, but some complications are serious and require surgical correction. Surgery for complications is always more technically challenging, carries a greater risk of complications and the outcome can be uncertain. Fortunately, serious complications of oesophago-gastric surgery are uncommon, but Professor Mughal has experience in dealing with the following:
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Failed surgery for gastroesophageal reflux
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Oesophageal perforation
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Failed surgery for achalasia
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Recurrent hiatus hernia
Expertise, experience and multidisciplinary approach
Successful management of complications requires expertise, experience and sound judgement.
Professor Mughal often tells patients that the decision about the best approach to deal with a serious complication is almost more important than technical competence. A technically well-performed operation will only be successful if it is the right operation and the aftercare is also critical in ensuring a good outcome.
Professor Mughal works with other colleagues, such as other oesophagogastric surgeons, thoracic surgeons, gastroenterologists and oesophageal physiologists within a multidisciplinary team to assess and treat patients with serious complications or failures of surgery.
Second opinions
Professor Mughal is able to provide second opinions in difficult cases provided he has a summary of the clinical case and all the relevant reports and scans. In the first instance this can be done by phone after receipt of the relevant information but will need to meet and examine the patient if he feels that may be able to help.