A to Z of services

We are a leading centre for the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal diseases. 

The colorectal department is staffed by three consultants surgeons, clinical nurse specialists as well as an experienced multidisciplinary team involved in surgical management of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor dysfunction.  

The department is also staffed by three research fellows who in conjunction with Royal Marsden Hospital are undertaking innovative clinical research which has already helped improve our understanding of the staging and treatment of colorectal cancer. 

We perform most abdominal surgical operations using minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques. We see the majority of patients referred with suspected cancer within two weeks.  We also offer  a direct access rectal bleeding service for patients aged 40 or above, and who do not meet two week referral guidelines.  We also hold dedicated Colorectal outpatient clinics six times a week for patients with bowel symptoms that do not qualify for referral under the above guidance. 

We treat

• Colorectal (bowel) cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn's disease
• Diverticular disease
• Rectal prolapse
• Obstructed defecation syndrome
• Haemorrhoids (piles)
• Faecal incontinence
• Anal fistulae and fissures
• Perianal abscess and sepsis
• Abdominal wall hernias, including Inguinal, Femoral, Epigastric, Umbilical and Incisional hernias.
• Emergency bowel surgery such as bowel obstruction (blockage) and perforations

Diagnosis

We perform approximately 4,000 lower gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies every year, and this continues to be our main tool for diagnosing colorectal disease.

In addition to diagnosis, endoscopy is used by our specialist team as a therapeutic tool to remove bowel polyps and to insert stents for large bowel obstruction, helping to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures in appropriate patients.

It is expected that the colorectal and endoscopy departments will introduce by the end of 2017 Bowel Scope screening which is part of the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme. This will involve a one off flexible sigmoidoscopy for Croydon population once they reached the age of 55. 

The department has access to the latest imaging technologies including: US, MRI and CT scans as well as PET CT scans

Treatment

Our experienced surgeons provide all types of colorectal operations, ranging from minor to intermediate and major procedures. 

Bowel cancer

The colorectal department holds weekly multidisciplinary team meetings with Royal Marsden Hospital, which is a centre of excellence in the diagnosis, treatment and cancer research.  Here we will agree, with our combined clinical experts, the appropriate treatment plans for our cancer patients. 

Minimally invasive laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is offered routinely for bowel cancer where appropriate.  

Surgical treatment is undertaken at Croydon University Hospital, with oncology treatment (chemotherapy and radiotherapy) undertaken at the Royal Marsden Hospital.  

Croydon University Hospital is also a tertiary referral centre for early rectal cancers diagnosed at other hospitals. These are treated using an operation that avoids making a cut in the tummy and is undertaken using a camera introduced via the anal route, the Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEMS) and the Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS) techniques.  We are one of few centres in the country recognised by NHS England for this treatment.  In 2017 we started performing major rectal operations via the anal route using the Transanal Total Mesorectal Wxcision (TaTME). This operation allows the removal of a substantial part of the rectum in suitable patients with cancer or inflammatory bowel disease requiring pouch reconstruction.   

Inflammatory bowel disease

The department holds monthly multidisciplinary team meetings with the gastroenterology department and histopathology department at St George’s hospital.  Here we agree, with our combined clinical experts, the appropriate treatment plans for our patients with inflammatory bowel diseases.  Treatment ranges from medical to endoscopic and surgical treatments.  Croydon University Hospital is a recognised centre by NHS England for management of complex inflammatory bowel disease.

Pelvic floor dysfunction

The department holds monthly multidisciplinary team meetings with the urogynaecology department to agree management plans for patients with faecal and urinary incontinence, constipation as well as bowel and gynaecological prolapse. Treatment includes biofeedback, a recognised treatment which teaches and empowers patients on ways to achieve control of their bowel function.  Treatment also includes medical and the latest surgical techniques undertaken via the keyhole approach or the anal routes.  We are a recognised centre by NHS England for sacral nerve stimulation procedure which involves inserting an implantable electrode into the back to treat faecal incontinence. 

Miscellaneous anorectal conditions and hernias

We treat all anaorectal conditions using the latest recognised and accepted surgical and medical treatments.  Incisional abdominal hernias are treated either using the conventional open or the keyhole approach.