Colorectal Surgery

Our patients benefit from the expertise of one of the largest and most advanced colorectal units in the UK with access to cutting-edge research, pioneering surgical techniques, and world-class multi-disciplinary care. Every patient receives an individualised, evidence-based treatment plan, delivered with precision, compassion, and the highest standards of quality and safety. 

Commitment to excellence

At UCLH, excellence is not a goal, it is our standard:

• We are a national referral centre for complex colorectal and anal cancers
• We are one of the highest volume complex IBD services in England  
• We are leaders in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, helping patients recover faster with fewer complications
• We are home to world-leading clinical trials, giving our patients access to the very latest treatments before they are widely available. 

Multi-disciplinary, collaborative care 

Our approach is truly integrated. We have leading experts across multiple specialties in surgery and medicine. Every patient benefits from a dedicated multi-disciplinary team (MDT) who work together to provide seamless, holistic care. 

Surgical expertise: 

• Colorectal surgery 
• Urology 
• Gynaecology 
• Plastic surgery 
• Vascular surgery 
• Cardiothoracic surgery

Medical expertise: 

• Gastroenterology and advanced endoscopy 
• Neuro-gastroenterology 
• Medical and radiation oncology 
• Radiology, interventional radiology and GI pathology 

Specialist support: 

• Colorectal cancer nurse specialists 
• Inflammatory bowel disease nurses – dedicated specialist surgical IBD nurse  
• Pelvic floor nurse specialists – biofeedback, pelvic floor physiotherapy and bowel management training 
• Stoma care nurses 
• Nutritionists and dietitians 
• Clinical psychologists 
• Gastrointestinal psychiatrist 
• Pharmacists 
• Physiotherapists and occupational therapists 
• Radiographers 

This breadth of expertise ensures that every patient’s physical, emotional, and nutritional needs are addressed throughout their journey. 

Leaders in colorectal cancer, IBD and complex benign disease 

Our colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease MDTs are recognised for their depth of expertise. Each team is composed of highly specialised surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and dedicated nurse specialists who develop and monitor truly personalised treatment strategies. 

Our patients also benefit from: 

• Access to innovative clinical trials, including immunotherapy and targeted biologics. 
• Prehabilitation programmes to improve surgical outcomes 
• A holistic approach to patient-centred care  
• Integrated care with medical and radiation oncologists to complement surgical excellence. 
• Enhanced recovery pathways, designed to support quicker, safer post-operative recovery. 

Advanced, innovative treatments

UCLH is at the forefront of surgical innovation. We provide: 

• Minimally invasive surgery – laparoscopic, robotic, and transanal techniques, reducing pain and recovery time. 
• Complex open resections – where multiple consultants operate collaboratively on advanced cancers and complex IBD cases. 
• Pioneering pelvic exenteration surgery, supported by a comprehensive perioperative team. 

Our surgeons are not only expert practitioners but also researchers, educators, and innovators, ensuring patients benefit from the very latest developments in colorectal surgery worldwide. 

At UCLH, every patient matters 

Whether treating the most complex cancers, advanced inflammatory bowel disease, or functional and benign conditions, our mission is simple: to provide world-class, compassionate care, driven by innovation and tailored to the individual. 

Colorectal cancer

We have a well-established ‘target referral’ system and fast-track investigations for the management of all suspected colorectal cancer. Patients are investigated using the latest high-resolution imaging techniques, including CT, MRI and PET-CT, where applicable. We provide patients with a liaision contact early in the management pathway so there is always a point of contact. Each case is discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting at the Macmillan Cancer Centre to ensure optimal decision making.

We offer minimal access or keyhole surgery for the majority of patients requiring operation for their cancer. This includes laparoscopy and transanal technique. We are supported by a strong oncology team who will discuss treatment options with patients following surgery.

The service is involved in a number of surgical and oncological trials, and is supported by a world-renowned academic unit at University College London.

Inflammatory bowel disease

Allied to the department of gastroenterology, we offer a specialist inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) service. We provide multidisciplinary management of patients from their initial presentation of Crohn’s or colitis, through to complex surgery such as ileoanal pouch. In addition, we offer a national referral service for the management of complex problems such as nutritional support, intestinal failure and enterocutaneous fistula.

Proctology

We offer rapid assessment of all routine proctological problems.

Complex pelvic surgery and pelvic floor dysfunction

Disorders of the pelvic floor are complex and require a multidisciplinary approach. We provide a collaborative service between the colorectal department, the department of GI physiology, and with specialists within the UCLH gynaecology service for the diagnosis and treatment of these complex problems.

Well-man clinic

This service was initially developed to support men with anorectal disease – particularly HIV-positive patients, where serious complications can present. Through the development of this service, the department has also employed new screening and therapeutic techniques (in collaboration with the department of laser therapy) for anal intra-epithelial neoplasia (AIN).

Minimally-invasive colorectal surgery

We offer laparoscopic and transanal minimally-invasive colorectal surgery, using state-of-the-art facilities to treat inflammatory bowel disease, diverticular disease, colorectal cancer and other benign pelvic floor disorders. A focus of the unit is to establish a specialist centre for the training and teaching of advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery, and welcome referrals related to this area of surgery.

Support for patients is provided by the consultants' team and a clinical nurse specialist throughout their treatment programme.

Patient aftercare will be shared between the hospital and the patient's GP. Regular follow-up will be arranged prior to discharge.

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Upon diagnosis of a colorectal cancer, you will have access to a colorectal cancer clinical nurse specialist (CNS) or a colorectal cancer support worker (CSW). Both CNS and CSW work closely with your team and can be contacted outside of your clinic appointments. Additionally, the CNS service can provide support with many aspects of living with colorectal cancer such as physical, emotional, social and financial needs. 

Your CNS may use a Holistic Needs Assessment (HNA). This is a process designed to enable you to share information with your team which is important to the treatment and care you receive. You do not have to have a HNA but many people find it opens up discussions with their team about their concerns which may not be otherwise raised. If you feel a HNA would be helpful, please talk to your CNS. 

Throughout your pathway the CNS will be a single point of contact for you and your family should you have questions about your diagnosis, issues with your condition or queries about your medication. They will also be able to provide you with information (written and verbal) about your diagnosis and treatment. They will also be able to offer you advice and support or direct you to other places where you can also get support.  

Colorectal CNS and CSW email: uclh.colorectalcancercns@nhs.net 

If you have an urgent but not life-threatening problem, you should call NHS 111 before attending the hospital. You will then be directed to the most suitable location for your care in the first instance, as A&E is not always the most appropriate option.

If your problem is life-threatening, you should still dial 999 and go straight to your nearest A&E.