Professional profile
I 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. I was appointed as Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon with special interest in laparoscopic colorectalsSurgery at Stepping Hill Hospital, Stockport in January 2010 with the main aim of developing the laparoscopic colorectal service at the trust.
I am also very involved in mentoring and coaching my surgical colleagues at the trust in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. I currently perform the majority of bowel operations for cancer and for benign disease (like diverticular disease or inflammatory bowel disease) through laparoscopic or keyhole surgery.
I am a highly experienced general and colorectal surgeon specialising in disorders of the intestines, in particular those of the colon and rectum. My particular area of interest is treating these disorders by keyhole or laparoscopic surgery. I also treat general disorders such as hernias and gall stones by laparoscopic surgery.
I have 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 my leadership, the program was launched in March 2011 and is currently running well with good feedback from patients.
Clinical Interests
Bowel cancer
Bowel disease
Colonoscopy
Coloproctocology
Colorectal surgery
Hernia repair surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Endoscopy
Endoscopy
Coloproctology
Colonoscopy
Gastrointestinal surgery
Gastrointestinal surgery
Inflammatory bowel disease
Special clinical interests: Haemorrhoid (piles) surgery :
Banding.
Open haemorrhoidectomy.
Stapled haemorrhoidectomy.
Ligasure haemorrhoidectomy.
THD / HALO procedure for piles.
Anal fissures :
Botox injection.
Lateral and sphincterotomy.
Pilondial Sinus surgery.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease surgery :
Crohn's disease.
Ulcerative colitis.
Ileo-anal pouch formation.
Diverticular disease surgery :
Open or Laparoscopic (or keyhole).
Endoscopic procedures routinely performed :
Gastroscopy.
Colonoscopy (both diagnostic and therapeutic).
General surgery procedures routinely performed :
Hernia surgery (both open and laparoscopic or keyhole).
Inguinal (groin) hernia.
Umbilical hernia.
Incisional herniaSportsman hernia.
Laparoscopic or keyhole gallbladder surgery.
Rectal Bleed Clinic.
Specialist Colorectal procedures that can be offered :
Open and laparoscopic or keyhole surgery for Bowel Cancer.
Current NHS posts
Stockport NHS Foundation Trust.
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Research and Publication
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.
Articles
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
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Personal Profile
I am an experienced and dedicated surgeon who has been in the practice of general surgery for more than 15 years. Over the years I have developed a keen interest in minimal access surgery (keyhole) surgery and ways to improve patient experience in the hospital.
I, along with my family (wife and three children) have a keen interest in travelling the world and exploring new cultures and lifestyles. I have visited many different countries whilst attending professional meetings to help explore and learn from surgical practices across the world.
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