General Surgery

Colorectal surgeons treat problems of the colon, rectum and anus, including bowel cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, haemorrhoids, anal fissures, fistulas and bowel obstruction. Care may include colonoscopy, keyhole bowel surgery, stoma formation, cancer surgery, pelvic floor treatment and follow-up to support bowel health and recovery.

Upper GI surgeons treat the oesophagus, stomach and first part of the small bowel. Common conditions include reflux disease, hiatus hernia, stomach ulcers, swallowing problems and upper gastrointestinal cancer. Treatment may include endoscopy, anti-reflux surgery, hernia repair, cancer surgery, nutritional support and careful planning for safe digestion after surgery.

HPB surgeons treat the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts and pancreas. Patients may need care for gallstones, bile duct blockage, pancreatitis, liver cysts, pancreatic cysts, liver cancer or pancreatic cancer. Procedures can include gallbladder removal, bile duct surgery, liver resection, pancreatic surgery, biopsy and cancer-focused multidisciplinary care.

Breast surgeons assess breast lumps, breast pain, nipple changes, abnormal mammograms and breast cancer. Care may include imaging, biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy, sentinel node biopsy, lymph node surgery and reconstruction planning. They work closely with oncology teams to guide chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and long-term breast cancer follow-up.

Endocrine surgeons treat hormone-producing glands, especially the thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands. Patients may be seen for thyroid nodules, goitre, thyroid cancer, overactive thyroid, high calcium, parathyroid disease or adrenal tumours. Treatment may include biopsy, blood tests, thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy or adrenal surgery.

Hernia surgeons repair weak areas in the abdominal wall, including inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, umbilical hernia, incisional hernia and complex abdominal wall hernias. Treatment may involve watchful waiting, open repair, laparoscopic repair, mesh repair and advice about lifting, pain control, recurrence risk and recovery.

Minimally invasive surgeons use small cuts, a camera and fine instruments to perform operations such as gallbladder removal, hernia repair, bowel surgery and anti-reflux surgery. Benefits may include smaller scars, less pain, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery, although open surgery is sometimes safer or necessary.

Bariatric surgeons treat severe obesity and weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea, high blood pressure and fatty liver disease. Procedures may include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or revision surgery. Care includes dietitian support, psychological assessment, long-term nutrition monitoring and lifestyle planning.

Surgical oncologists focus on cancer operations, including cancers of the bowel, stomach, pancreas, liver, breast, skin, soft tissue and endocrine glands. They remove tumours when appropriate, help stage cancer, take biopsies and work with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, pathology and imaging teams to plan complete cancer treatment.

A general surgeon diagnoses and treats many conditions affecting the abdomen, digestive system, breast, skin, soft tissue and endocrine glands, including hernias, gallstones, appendicitis, bowel problems, lumps, infections, wounds and some cancers.

No. Your surgeon may recommend monitoring, medicines, scans, wound care, lifestyle changes or referral to another specialist. Surgery is suggested when it is likely to improve symptoms, prevent complications or treat disease.

Keyhole surgery uses small cuts, a camera and fine instruments to perform an operation. It is common for gallbladder surgery, hernia repair and some bowel operations. It may reduce pain, scarring and recovery time.

Tests depend on your symptoms and may include blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, X-ray, endoscopy, colonoscopy, biopsy, heart tracing or anaesthetic assessment to plan safe treatment.

Recovery depends on the operation, your health and whether surgery is planned or emergency. Some day surgery patients go home the same day, while major bowel, cancer or trauma surgery may require a longer hospital stay.

All operations have possible risks, such as bleeding, infection, blood clots, pain, scarring, anaesthetic complications or the need for further surgery. Your surgeon will explain the risks that matter most for your procedure.

Bring your referral, medication list, allergies, previous operation details, scan reports, blood test results, family history, symptom timeline and any questions about diagnosis, treatment options, recovery, time off work and follow-up.

Seek urgent medical advice for fever, worsening pain, heavy bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath, calf swelling, vomiting, wound redness, pus, wound opening, confusion, fainting or symptoms your discharge instructions say are urgent.

Follow fasting instructions, stop smoking if possible, keep active, control diabetes, discuss blood thinners, arrange transport home, plan help at home and ask your team which medicines to take on the day of surgery.