Prof Y K S Viswanath

Professor Viswanath undertook his post-graduate training at the Northern Deanery in the Tyne and Tees regions and had further training in Leeds for advanced laparoscopic surgery. He has been a practicing consultant since 2001 in General Surgery at James Cook University Hospital where he is currently the Upper Gastro-Intestinal Lead and the Cancer Lead clinician for the trust.  

With over 20 years’ specialist experience, his extensive expertise lies in Upper Gastro-Intestinal Laparoscopic Surgery which includes Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery), hiatus hernia, anti-reflux and abdominal wall hernias.

He carries upper GI endoscopy assessments regularly and dilatation in patients’ benign stricture.  He is one of the national experts in endoscopic anti reflux RF STRETTA therapy for selected cases and runs live courses and webinars regularly. 

His established weekly practice at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital, offers self-pay and medically insured patients the option of face to face or video consultations with short waiting times. In certain circumstances consultations are also available without the need for a GP referral.

Professor Viswanath sees patients at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital with

• Abdominal problems
• Abdominal wall hernia
• Acid Reflux
• Altered bowel habits
• Coeliac disease
• Colitis
• Gallstones
• Groin hernia (including meshless repair)
• Hiatus hernia
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Sportsman’s hernia

He also carries out upper gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures.

Professor Viswanath in the news

Professor Viswanath is a recognised expert in diagnosis and treatment in patients with acid reflux. Read more about a new non-invasive procedure now performed at Tees Hospital by Professor Viswanath. Read here

Acid reflux treatment patient reviews

Stretta Therapy for Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and Hiatal Hernia - July 2024 "I had the Stretta procedure with Professor Vish in July. For the last few years I've taken 20mg of Omeprazole daily due to Layngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter and a small hiatal hernia. My medication has always controlled my symptoms until late last year when I had to up my dosage to 40mg in order to control the symptoms. Even whilst on 40mg I experienced some flare ups. Professor Vish agreed to perform Stretta after performing some tests to confirm I'd be suitable. He made me aware that the surgery wouldn't be a magic wand overnight, and that it could take approx 7 months to see any benefit. After 3 months, my symptoms were in a much better position and I was finally able to go back to my normal dosage of 20mg. This was almost 6 weeks ago now and things are still great. If I continue making progress I aim to be medication free for the first time in many years, all thanks to Professor Vish. Please pass on my sincere thanks"

Hiatus Hernia Surgery - June 2024 "At my initial consultation with the professor, I was depressed and crying after trying to cope with a hiatus hernia and acid reflux that had been worsening for over 20 years. My life was becoming unbearable with the acid reflux totally in control. Professor Viswanath was gentle and calming as he reassured me that he would make my life better. He kept that promise. Following my surgery there has been no recurrence of acid reflux at all and my recovery has been without any issues or problems. I cannot thank Professor Viswanath enough for making my life so much better and happier. I will always be grateful to him and all of the staff at North Tees Nuffield Hospital."

Hiatus Hernia surgery - May 2023 "Recently I had several procedures and an operation in the Nuffield Hospital. I would like to record my appreciation to the medical and surgical staff who looked after me before, during and after these procedures. Professor Viswanath and his staff have done an amazing job and I can't thank him enough. I'm now able to consume thicker liquids as I progress towards a full cure."

Acid reflux surgery - 2021 “Fantastic experience with everything fully explained from start to finish by Prof Viswanath. The tests and more importantly the surgery went incredibly well and the recovery came with no surprises. The end results have been life changing, I’m reflux and symptom free for the first time in 15 years and feel like a different person”

Hiatus Hernia surgery – February 2021 “Prior to my operation on 12^th Feb 2021, I did not feel as if I was living but merely existing due to the pain and acid reflux I was suffering from. I had been given numerous amounts of medication although none of them went anywhere near controlling my symptoms. The impact on my health and well being has been enormous. I couldn’t even do every day exercises like walking or climbing stairs without being extremely breathless. Now I feel like I have been given a second chance at a normal life and I know that eventually I will be able to eat a more varied diet without having to worry about feeling ill. I only wish that I could have had the operation 10-20 years earlier! It’s the start of a new life thanks to Professor Viswanath”

Keyhole Surgery to repair a large hiatus hernia and laryngeal-pharyngeal symptoms - November 2019 "I am writing to thank Professor Viswanath and all of the staff who cared for me during my recent treatment at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital". I was admitted on November 7th for an operation to repair the hiatus hernia. The careful preparations by Prof. Viswanath and Dr Baker the anaesthetist, and the nursing staff ensured that I was very calm and confident before going to theatre. The surgery itself was very long and demanding on Prof Viswanath. It amazed me that he was able to correct such a large hernia laparoscopically. I was very fortunate to be in the care of such a skilled surgeon" 

Restech pH Diagnostic Study followed by Stretta therapy for GORD (Acid Reflux)  "I have had problems for 8 years. Coughing initially, shortness of breath and indigestion, which gradually became worse. I also had asthma symptoms 4 years ago which included wheezing, hoarse voice and sinusitis. I saw an ENT physician who thought these symptoms were caused by gastric reflux. In the last 4 years, I have had lung function tests, lung scans, gastroscopies and pH manometry tests, which have all proved inconclusive. My symptoms gradually became so bad that it was making my life a misery. I was unable to continue with hobbies such as ballroom dancing and I was so breathless that walking the dog was becoming a problem too. My symptoms got that bad that I was wheezing just going upstairs! I was prescribed steroids and an inhaler for the breathlessness and wheezing. I had also been taking omeprazole for many years and when I had to stop taking this prior to some procedures I suffered terrible indigestion, heart burn and chest pain. 
I researched gastric reflux and found an article about Professor Viswanath who performed a procedure called Stretta. I saw my GP about this procedure and he referred me to see Professor Viswanath at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital. My first appointment was in January 2019 where I was advised to have a gastroscopy and a Restech pH study to accurately diagnose my reflux condition. The results showed evidence of significant reflux. I decided to go ahead with the Stretta procedure, which was 6 weeks ago now, and the improvement in my symptoms is unbelievable! I am now sleeping better and not waking up at 5 am with terrible regurgitation and choking. My breathing is much improved and I am delighted to be back at ballroom dancing again. I am still coughing but not as much as I was and my voice is not as hoarse, which my friends and family have noticed.
I cannot thank Professor Viswanath enough; he has given me a new lease of life. Thank you so much."

Stretta Therapy for GORD with Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux (LPR) "It has only been over the last two weeks that I have felt an improvement in my condition. These are not huge, but for me it has been significant and this has given me some hope that my condition will continue to improve. I am of the understanding that because I suffer from LPR (Laryngo-Pharyngeal Reflux) my symptoms will likely take longer to recover than standard GORD. Some reports state that improvement could take 6-12 months and beyond.  Although early days, my standard of living has improved and this has helped me focus more on family life and work. I am optimistic and for that I would like to pass on my sincerest thanks to Professor Viswanath and his full supporting team. You have all made a difference to my life and the people in it!"