Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal surgery deals with problems arising in the lower bowel and anus. Our experienced multidisciplinary team will provide the necessary investigations and treatments for your problem in a clean, safe, caring and friendly environment.

Our team consists of five consultant colorectal surgeons, three senior and two junior surgical trainees from the Northern deanery, two trust-appointed senior surgical fellows, two trust-appointed junior middle-grade doctor, and four foundation-grade junior ward doctors. The team also consists of six colorectal nurse specialists, a colorectal nursing assistant, a functional bowel nurse advisor and two nurse endoscopists, as well as four administrative staff.

We deal with a range of bowel and anal problems such as:

bowel cancer
polyps in the large and small intestines
diverticular disease
inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
constipation and obstructed defaecation
bowel incontinence
haemorrhoids (piles)
prolapse of the bowel
fistulae – small abnormal channels that develop between the bowel and other organs, or the skin around the anus
anal fissure (cracks or tears in the skin in or around the anus)
pilonidal sinus (a recurrent infection in the buttocks)
all aspects of stoma care

What can you expect

Once you have been referred to our services through your GP, we will see you in either the endoscopy unit or the outpatient department at the University Hospital of Hartlepool or the University Hospital of North Tees (usually whichever is nearer to your home). During this appointment, the specialist will plan any tests that you need and may be able to provide treatment to you there and then.

We may offer you treatment in our day case units located in both hospitals, but if the problem is more complex, you may need to come to the University Hospital of North Tees for your treatment, where we can provide the required anaesthetic and intensive care support for a safe treatment.

Referral process

You will be referred to our Colorectal Surgery service through your local GP (doctor).

We’re listening to your feedback

We constantly listen to what our patients tell us about their experience so we can provide a service which is caring and compassionate. We would encourage you, at any time during your diagnosis and treatment, to talk to us about what’s working well for you and where we can improve.

Please talk to the person caring for you or ask to speak to the nurse in charge who will be happy to talk to you.

Future-proofing

In many areas, we are at the forefront of modern surgical technology, including trans-anal microsurgery (TEMS), laparoscopic (keyhole) and single-port laparoscopic surgery (SILS), enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS).

Our clinical performance is regularly audited within national outcome data, and we take part in a number of national and international clinical trials that examine the latest technological and treatment advances for their results.