Colorectal Surgery

Colorectal Surgery at The County Hospital is provided by a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists and specialist nurses. 

Outpatient assessment, investigation, treatment and follow-up are provided for all colorectal surgical conditions, including colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel conditions (crohns’ disease and ulcerative colitis), functional bowel disorders (constipation and incontinence) and anorectal conditions (fistula-in-ano, fissures, haemorrhoids etc.). 

Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) colorectal surgery is well developed, and enhanced recovery is provided by a dedicated team of doctors, physiotherapists, dieticians, specialist and ward nurses and other staff. 

Colorectal surgical patients are admitted to Frome ward and Primrose Unit (Elective). Day case patients are accommodated on the daycase unit. 

Our department submits its colorectal cancer data to the national bowel cancer audit (NBCA).

Leaflets

• Diverticular disease information leaflet for patients - this information is available on The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland website as above link

Urgent Suspected Cancer Referral – appointment and diagnosis within 28 days

The Urgent Suspected Cancer(USC) Referral pathway is a referral pathway for patients with signs and symptoms of suspected cancer. The USC pathway aims to provide patients with a diagnosis or ruling out of cancer within 28 days of referral. Your GP should let you know if you have been referred to us under this pathway.  

Patients will be contacted by the hospital on receipt of their referral and invited for an appointment. If you have not received an appointment from Wye Valley NHS Trust within one week of the GP referral please contact your GP. 

National guidance no longer indicates for patients to have their first appointment within two weeks, so your first appointment may be more than two weeks after your referral from your GP.  However, as part of the 28-day Faster Diagnosis Standard patients should have their first appointment, relevant tests and diagnosis within 28 days from their GP referral.  This standard is in place to improve cancer care by reducing the time between referral and diagnosis. 

Outline of the department

The department consists of five consultant surgeons, and eight (6.2 wte) colorectal nurse specialists. The wider general surgeon department is supported by ten Registrar grade surgeons, three advanced clinical practitioners (ACP), three physician’s associates and twelve Foundation level doctors. Administrative support is provided by four medical secretaries.

Links with other departments

There is a close working relationship with the gastroenterologist-led local colorectal cancer screening centre. The endoscopy unit is JAG accredited. We are part of a two County Cancer network that includes Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Specialist colorectal nursing and stoma team

• Mrs Jo Hicks (lead)
• Mrs Caroline Ferris
• Mrs Jessica Burnham
• Miss Louise Norman

Surgeons’ profiles

• Mr. Dayo Adeyemo, Consultant laparoscopic General & Colorectal surgeon - 01432 364021
• Miss Clare Cheek, Consultant General & Colorectal surgeon - 01432 364413
• Mr. Arun Chokkalingam, Consultant laparoscopic General & Colorectal surgeon - 01432 355444 Ext 5653
• Mr Benjamin Perakath, Consultant Laparoscopic General & colorectal surgeon - 01432 364413