Patient Resources
Archive
All Posts
What are the first symptoms of colon cancer?
When changes in bowel habits, anaemia and weight loss need investigation, and how family history affects the risk of colon cancer, are explained.
Who needs a colonoscopy, and how should you prepare?
The difference between screening age and symptom-led investigation, the roles of diet and bowel cleansing, sedation and what happens if a polyp is found.
When do bowel polyps become dangerous?
Polyp size, type and pathology results affect treatment. Endoscopic removal, TAMIS in selected cases and the timing of repeat colonoscopy are explained.
What should you do if you see blood in your stool?
What the colour of blood may indicate, how haemorrhoids and other causes are investigated, and which symptoms require emergency care are explained.
How is laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer performed?
The tissues removed with the tumour, the role of lymph nodes, the possibility of a stoma, early recovery and the decision about chemotherapy are explained.
What does follow-up after bowel cancer involve?
Follow-up appointments, the different roles of CEA, CT and colonoscopy, symptoms to report promptly and returning to everyday life are explained.
How is rectal cancer treatment planned?
How MRI and other tests guide treatment decisions, treatment before surgery and the requirements for a watch-and-wait approach in selected patients.
Can the sphincter be preserved in rectal cancer?
Factors affecting sphincter preservation in low rectal tumours, the possible operations and circumstances in which a permanent colostomy may be needed.
How can you adjust to daily life with a stoma?
Practical information on bag care, diet, fluid loss, work and travel with a colostomy or ileostomy, and the requirements for closing a temporary stoma.
Which lesions are suitable for TAMIS surgery?
How TAMIS is selected for large polyps, certain early cancers and neuroendocrine tumours, what the operation involves, recovery and the possible need for further surgery.
What is TaTME surgery and who is it suitable for?
Why TaTME may be considered for low rectal tumours and a narrow pelvis, how it combines with laparoscopy, its outcomes and the role of team experience.
How do bowel movements change after rectal surgery?
Why bowel movements may become urgent and more frequent after surgery, how the bowel adapts over the following months, dietary changes and treatment options for LARS.
How is stomach cancer diagnosed and treated?
Stomach cancer symptoms, its link with Helicobacter pylori and the tests needed for diagnosis. The reasons for giving chemotherapy before surgery are also explained.
How does life change after stomach cancer surgery?
The differences between partial and total stomach removal, recovery in hospital and changes to eating at home. Dumping syndrome and vitamin B12 needs are also explained.
How is oesophageal cancer treated?
The main steps from swallowing difficulties to diagnosis and treatment planning. The purpose of minimally invasive Ivor Lewis surgery and changes to eating afterwards are explained.
When do reflux and a hiatal hernia need surgery?
The difference between reflux and a hiatal hernia, the role of medication and the tests that guide decisions about surgery. Recovery after Nissen fundoplication is also explained.
When should an adrenal tumour be removed?
How hormone tests and imaging guide decisions about an incidentally found adrenal tumour, when surgery is needed, and follow-up after one gland is removed.
What are HIPEC and PIPAC for cancer that has spread to the peritoneum?
Surgical tumour removal and the differences between HIPEC and PIPAC for cancer that has spread to the peritoneum. Patient selection, possible benefits and limits of the evidence are explained.
When do gallstones need surgery?
How is the choice between observation and surgery made when gallstones are found? Learn about pain attacks, emergency symptoms and eating after gallbladder removal.
How does the type of hernia affect the choice of surgery?
Learn how inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional and hiatal hernias differ, the role of mesh repair, emergency symptoms and factors that affect recovery time.
When is surgery needed for an inguinal hernia?
Learn who may be suitable for observation of an inguinal hernia, how TEP and TAPP differ from open surgery, signs of trapped tissue and activity after surgery.
How is laparoscopic surgery performed?
A patient-friendly explanation of surgery using a camera and small incisions, why gas is introduced into the abdomen and when a switch to open surgery may be needed.
How is the choice between minimally invasive and open surgery made?
Small incisions are not suitable for every patient. Learn when laparoscopic, thoracoscopic, transanal and robotic approaches are chosen instead of open surgery.
How do you choose a surgeon for planned surgery?
Clear criteria to help patients assess a surgeon's field of practice, experience with a specific operation, credentials and the hospital's facilities.
What should you ask your surgeon before an operation?
Learn how questions about the reason for surgery, alternatives, risks, tissue analysis and follow-up can each help you make your decision.
What does FEBS certification mean for patients?
We explain which organisation awards FEBS, how assessment in general surgery works and what this qualification tells patients about their surgeon.
What conditions does a general surgeon treat?
Understand the general surgeon's role in abdominal pain, hernias and lumps under the skin. Learn what is discussed at a first appointment and when emergency care is needed.
What is the difference between a general surgeon and a subspecialist surgeon?
Learn about the scope of colorectal surgery, upper gastrointestinal surgery and surgical oncology, referrals between doctors and the team's role in cancer treatment.
How long does pain last after abdominal surgery?
Learn how pain changes after surgery, why pain relief is tailored to each patient and which symptoms mean you need to contact your surgeon urgently.
What is recovery like after abdominal surgery?
We explain how walking, eating, wound care and a return to everyday activities are planned, from the first day in hospital through the weeks at home.