Directorate of Colorectal Surgery

This unit consists of seven consultants dealing with all aspects of colorectal disease at a tertiary level with no out sourcing (with the exception of the rare anal carcinomas). There are strong collaborative links with gynaecologists and urologists: with laparoscopic and robotic complex majors with multi-organ resections.

The colorectal unit has developed complex surgical techniques for the treatment of intra luminal pathology, including complex polyp management. This includes endoscopic mucosal resection, trans-anal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) and combined endoscopic laparoscopic surgery (CELS). The unit is accredited for colonoscopy and screening colonoscopy.

Two consultants are recognised by the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy for dealing with complex endometriosis, making ELHT a national centre for the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Combined operating lists with the gynaecologists for complex cases of endometriosis acts as a regional centre with North West regional referrals.

It is a training unit for senior Specialist Training Registrar (StR) colorectal surgeons due to the high volumes of colorectal surgery.  Consultants from the unit are responsible for the local training of surgical trainees and there is the chair for the ELHT foundation training programme.

Surgical techniques available in the Colorectal unit:

• Inflammatory bowel disease and fisulas (management)
• Complex/comprehensive abdominal wall reconstructions (including inflammatory bowel disease)
• Revision hernia (complex): including anterior and posterior release
• Robotic surgery
• Endoscopy
• Laparoscopic surgery
• Joint surgery (gynaecology and urology)