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 S Dimitri (Lead Clinician), Nr A Balakrishnan
Mrs Rachel Coppack - 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, Mr S Saha
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, Miss N Eardley
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.