General surgery in Swindon

Our experienced general surgeons treat a wide range of conditions, with a particular focus on the abdomen and digestive system.

If something isn’t quite right with your digestive health—such as ongoing abdominal pain or changes in your bowel habits—it’s natural to want answers quickly. That’s why we offer fast-access appointments, helping you get the diagnosis and care you need without delay.

We also regularly treat a variety of other common concerns, including:

• Lumps and bumps
• Hernias
• Skin lesions
• Boils
• Sebaceous cysts (non-cancerous, fluid-filled lumps under the skin)

Understanding Hernias

Hernias happen when internal tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall. You might notice a lump or swelling, but not everyone experiences pain or other symptoms.

If you think you might have a hernia, one of our general surgeons will assess your condition and talk you through your treatment options. In many cases, surgery may be recommended to repair the hernia.

Our team specialises in all types of hernia, including:

• Inguinal hernia – in the groin area
• Epigastric hernia – in the upper abdomen
• Umbilical and paraumbilical hernias – around the belly button
• Incisional hernia – at the site of a previous surgical scar
• Ventral hernia – along the central abdominal wall

We’re here to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible, from your first consultation to your recovery.

General surgery also deals with issues with the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract). This encompasses a wide range of organs and is broken down as follows:

Upper GI

The gullet, looking at reflux and acid problems. Dealing with problems of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder (e.g. gallstones)

Lower GI

Large intestines, and problems relating to the bowel, anus, and rectum (e.g. bowel cancer, prolapse, fissures, and haemorrhoids)

You should consider booking an appointment with us if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Lumps in the abdomen or around the anus
• Change in bowel habits
• Rectal bleeding
• Blood in your stool
• Bloating and distention
• Loss of weight or appetite, general fatigue
• Piles of haemorrhoids

Depending on the severity of your symptoms and the condition you are diagnosed with, treatments can range from conversative measures to corrective surgery.

Your consultant can advise on any lifestyle factors that may improve your condition or help prevent reoccurrences in the future, such as weight loss, exercise adjustment, or a change in toiletry habits.

Some hernias may cause no issue, so no further treatment may be advised. Certain types of hernia require surgery, especially as they can worsen and get bigger over time. An open hernia repair may be considered, allowing your surgeon to push the tissue back into place and mend the abdominal wall. Occasionally, this surgery can be done laparoscopically, using a thin tube with a camera and light on the end, through a small incision.

If you have been advised to have regular checks, such as a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy every few years, these can be offered in a timely fashion. Your consultant can then discuss the results in detail with you, explaining any further treatment or surgeries if appropriate.

Haemorrhoids can be treated in a number of ways, such as:

• Banding (where a rubber band is wrapped around the haemorrhoid to cut off the blood supply, causing it to fall off – available as a day case procedure)
• Injections (where chemicals are injected into the haemorrhoid to cause it to shrink)
• HALO procedure (Haemorrhoid Artery Ligation Operation, under ultrasound guidance)
• Excisional Surgery

Whatever your condition, our Consultants have extensive experience dealing with the entire spectrum of General Surgery concerns, offering exemplary care to patients based in Swindon, Hungerford, Reading, Cirencester, Gloucester, and even further afield.

When you come to The Ridgeway Hospital for your first appointment, our priority is to understand what’s going on so we can create the right treatment plan for you.

During your initial consultation, your consultant will take time to listen carefully to your concerns. They’ll ask about:

• What symptoms you’ve been experiencing
• How long you’ve had them
• Whether they’ve been getting worse
• If anything seems to trigger or relieve them
• Whether you’ve had similar issues before
• Any medications you’re currently taking

After this conversation, your consultant may carry out a physical examination—especially if you’re experiencing abdominal pain or there’s a possibility of a hernia.

To get a clearer picture, your consultant might recommend further tests. These could include:

Gastroscopy – to look at the upper part of your digestive system
Colonoscopy – to examine the lower bowel
Proctoscopy – a quick test that can be done during your appointment to check for issues like haemorrhoids

Some of the aforementioned tests need a bit of preparation, such as taking a laxative beforehand, so they may be scheduled for a later date.

Once all the necessary information is gathered, your consultant will invite you back for a follow-up appointment. At that stage, they’ll explain your diagnosis clearly and talk you through all your treatment options.

Unless surgery is absolutely necessary, you’ll be given choices about how to move forward. Your consultant will explain what to expect from each option, so you can make a decision that feels right for you.

We believe in working together with you—so you stay fully informed, confident, and in control of your care every step of the way.

Choosing to have your General Surgery at The Ridgeway Hospital comes with a host of benefits, such as: 

Assessments ASAP – Certain conditions are best diagnosed at the earliest possible stage. If you’ve been experiencing any of the associated symptoms, our General surgeons can see you for an assessment without delay, getting you an accurate diagnosis rapidly (with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment) and the necessary treatment before your symptoms progress any further. 

Patient Satisfaction – 98.1% of patients in 2024 said they would happily recommend The Ridgeway Hospital to friends and family in an independent report, and we’re confident that you’ll agree. 96.3% also said that the quality of care here at The Ridgeway Hospital was either ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. We aim to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible, and these results highlight our continued efforts to ensure this is achieved. 

Personalised Care – We believe in a bespoke approach to treatment, tailoring each experience to our patients’ needs and whatever may be best for you. This is regularly reviewed, ensuring you get the necessary treatment at every stage of your patient journey. 

Consultant-led, Consultant-delivered – Once you have chosen your consultant, you will see them right the way through your journey at The Ridgeway Hospital. From the initial consultation to follow-ups, explaining any necessary procedures and carrying out the procedures themselves, you are assured the highest level of care and top-quality service from experienced specialists in the field.  

A Multidisciplinary Approach – Our teams at Ridgeway work in tandem with each other to provide you with the best possible care from start to finish. Working closely with colleagues in a range of specialties, alongside specialist radiographers, anaesthetists, and nurses, your consultants have access to a wide network for complex issues, ensuring you have expert support every step of the way during your treatment. 

Convenient Appointments – With appointments available at dedicated clinics from Monday to Saturday, you are sure to find an appointment slot that suits your needs and availability.  

Ease of Access - Situated just along from Swindon bus station, Ridgeway Hospital is easily accessible by public transport, with ample parking should you visit us by car. 

For peace of mind and expert care, please contact Ridgeway to book an appointment now.