A Complete Spectrum of Care
Oesophageal and stomach cancer is closely linked with acid reflux. Long-term, untreated reflux can lead to Barrett’s oesophagus — a precancerous condition that may, over time, progress towards cancer. Mr Jayanthi treats the entire pathway, from precancerous change and early cancer through to advanced and palliative disease, so patients can be assessed and managed by a single specialist at every stage.
Pre-Cancer: Barrett's Oesophagus
Barrett’s oesophagus develops when the lining of the oesophagus is exposed to acid over a long period. It is a precancerous condition that, left untreated, can progress towards cancer. It is treated with radiofrequency ablation (also known as HALO), where a probe is used to gently remove the affected inner lining of the oesophagus and help prevent progression.
Early Cancer
Early cancers can often be removed without major surgery. Using endoscopic techniques — endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) — Mr Jayanthi removes just the affected area, frequently as a day-case procedure. Treating cancer at this stage can avoid the need for larger operations later.
Advanced Cancer
More advanced cancers require surgery to remove the tumour. Mr Jayanthi specialises in robotic operations and performed the first robotic oesophagectomy in the UK. The main operation is carried out within the NHS, where a full specialist team supports recovery, while the initial consultation and staging investigations — including CT, CT-PET, MRI and, where needed, a staging laparoscopy — can be arranged privately.
Palliative Cancer
Where a cancer is not operable, the priority is to keep patients comfortable and able to eat and drink. Some cancers can narrow or close the food pipe, making swallowing difficult. A stent can be placed to reopen the channel, allowing food, drink and saliva to pass through more easily.
GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumour)
GISTs are a less common type of tumour that arises in the wall of the digestive tract. Mr Jayanthi treats these tumours, and many GIST operations can be carried out in the private setting.