Reconstructive surgery in faecal incontinence.

Honorary Senior Lecturer, University of Edinburgh

Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain & Ireland
Surgical Research Society
Bristish Society of Gastroenterology

I have practised in colon and rectal surgery at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and Spire Murrayfield Hospital since 1990. Prior to that I was a University Consultant at the Bristol Royal Infirmary. My practice is largely in colo-rectal surgery, and the only area of general surgery that I regularly engage in is the repair of hernias. I have a major interest in colonoscopy as an investigative tool. My surgical practice encompasses the whole specialty of Coloproctology. I have been privileged to run a tertiary referral practice over many years and have dealt with substantial numbers of patients with rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, prolapse and faecal incontinence. I have also been involved in reconstructive surgery following unsuccessful primary operations where patients have been referred by other surgeons. Reconstructive operations, including colonic and ileal pouches have become part of standard practice. There are exciting new developments in the management of incontinence, including gracilis neo-sphincters and artificial bowel sphincters, which have allowed us to restore control in patients who previously would have been condemned to a permanent colostomy.

I have three children, two daughters who have completed their degrees and a son at Fettes College. I have been privileged to be invited to almost every part of the globe to lecture on colorectal surgery. This has stimulated a major interest in travelling and has allowed me to trek in Patagonia, climb mountains in South Africa and dive on the Great Barrier Reef. I enjoy regular cycling, which is my principle form of exercise. I am a keen diver, hill walker and opera goer.I have enjoyed sampling the culinary delights of most corners of the Earth, both on holiday and as an invited guest of numerous medical societies around the world.