General Surgery
Departmental Overview
The department of General Surgery offers a wide range of
investigations and treatment for benign and malignant surgical
diseases with specific sub-speciality interests in upper and lower
gastrointestinal surgery and vascular surgery as well as a range of
interventions to treat diseases of the biliary systems, minor
paediatric surgery and endocrine (thyroid) surgery.
We offer a wide range of investigations for benign and malignant
surgical diseases, particularly of the upper and lower
gastro-intestinal tract. The Department has led locally in the
field of minimally invasive surgery and all forms of minimal access
surgery are performed, when appropriate, including laparoscopic
cholecystectomy, hernia repair, colonic resection and anti-reflux
surgery.
The team of 8 consultant general surgeons also provide a consultant
led 24/7 emergency surgery service.
Vascular Surgery
Consultants:
Mr P Edwards; Mr S Dimitri (Lead Clinician), Mr Hamish
Mrs Vicky Taylor - Vascular Nurse Specialist
The department offers a comprehensive vascular surgical service is
including most endo-vascular procedures, interventional radiology
and a full range of bypass and reconstructive procedures. Venous
disorders are managed via specific leg ulcer and varicose veins
clinics. The Chester vascular unit is one of only 2 regionally
(Cheshire & Mersey region) to undertake Endovascular Abdominal
Aortic Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) and is at the forefront of
advancements in minimally invasive vascular surgery regionally. The
team also has strong links with the Acute Stroke Physician in the
appropriate management of TIA (transient ischaemic attack) patients
through carotid intervention.
Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery
Consultants:
Mr D Monk (Lead Clinician); Mr J Evans
Mrs Lizzy Pearce - Upper GI Nurse Specialist
The Upper GI team offer a wide range of minimally invasive surgery
techniques for the management of anti-reflux conditions, diseases
of the biliary systems and hernia repair. The department has been
successful in maximising the introduction of planned same day
surgery for laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the benefit of our
patients.
The Upper GI team work as part of a clinical network with Wrexham
Maelor Hospital for Upper GI cancer surgery.
Colorectal (Lower Gastrointestinal) Surgery
Consultants:
Mr M Johnson (Lead Clinician), Mr C McFaul, Mr D
Vimalachandran
Specialist Nurses: Tina Lightfoot, Penny Fitzgerald, Clair
Smith.
All forms of major lower gastrointestinal surgery are performed by
our team including low anterior resections and reconstructive
proctocolectomy operations. The team manage a busy caseload of both
benign and malignant colorectal disease and provide extensive
outreach support through a team of highly trained clinical nurse
specialists dedicated stoma care nurses. The colorectal specialist
nursing team are also trained in diagnostic flexible sigmoidoscopy
and colonoscopy and run independent endoscopy lists.
The team have successfully introduced minimally invasive surgery
for some major colorectal procedures as well as Enhanced Recovery
which will result in patients requiring less high dependency
support post operatively and a reduced length of stay in hospital.
We are also working closely with commissioners to fully support the
national bowel cancer screening programme.