• Groin hernias
• Prediction of risk of colorectal cancer in a patient using history from the patient, symptoms and signs found on examination. Developing new ways of quantifying this risk to determine the urgency of investigations required.

Publications

• Rai S, Sarathchandra S, Smile SR. A Study of the risk of strangulation and obstruction in groin hernias. Aust NZ J Surg 1998; 68(9) : 650 - 4
• Rai S, Hemingway D. Iron deficiency anaemia - useful diagnostic tool for right sided colorectal cancers? Colorectal Disease 2005; 7(6) : 588-590
• Rai S, Kelly MJ. Prioritisation of colorectal referrals - a review of the 'Two week wait' referral system. Colorectal disease 2007; 9 (3) : 195-202
• Rai S, Kelly MJ. Prioritisation of colorectal referrals - a review of the 'Two week wait' referral system and recent advances. To be published as a chapter in the book titled Recent advances in colorectal cancer 2006; in press
• Rai S, Ballal M, Thomas WM, Miller A, Jameson JS, Steward WP. Assessment of a patient consultation questionnaire-based scoring system for stratification of outpatient risk of colorectal cancer. British Journal of Surgery 2008; 95: 369-374

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust

• Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons (Edinburgh)
• Association of Coloproctology of  Great Britain and Ireland
• Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland
• Association of :Laparoscopic Surgeons

Sajal Rai is a highly experienced General and Colorectal surgeon specialising in disorders of the intestines, in particular those of the colon and rectum.  Mr Rai's particular area of interest is treating these disorders by keyhole or laparoscopic surgery. Mr Rai also treats gerneral disorders such as hernias and gall stones by laparoscopic surgery.

Mr Rai undertook specialist colorectal surgery training at the University Hospital of Leicester and was awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD) research degree by the University in 2007. Following completion of Mr Sai's specialist training he undertook a period of Fellowship in Laparoscopic colorectal surgery at Bristol under the guidance of Mr Tony Dixon who is a widely acclaimed trainer in the UK. Mr Rai was appointed as Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon with special interest in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport in January 2010 with the main aim of developing the laparoscopic colorectal service at the trust.

Mr Rai is also very involved in mentoring and coaching his surgical colleagues at the trust in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Mr Rai currently performs the majority of bowel operations for cancer and for benign disease (like diverticular disease or inflammatory bowel disease) through laparoscopic or keyhole surgery.

Mr Rai has been appointed as the Project and Clinical lead in developing and implementing the Enhanced Recovery Program for patients undergoing major colorectal surgery at the Stockport NHS Foundation trust. The program aims to improve patient experience and outcome, reduce complications and facilitate early discharge by planned nutrition and mobilisation.  Under his leadership, the program was launched in March 2011 and is currently running well with good feedback from patients.

Mr Sajal Rai is an experienced and dedicated surgeon who has been in the practice of General Surgery for more than 15 years.  Over the years he has developed a keen interest in minimal access surgery (keyhold) surgery and ways to improve patient experience in the hospital.

Mr Rai, along with his family (wife and three children) has a keen interest in travelling the world and exploring new cultures and lifestyles.  Mr Rai has visited many different countries whilst attending professional meetings to help explore and learn from surgical practices across the world.