Professor Deena Harji

I am a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon and Professor of Surgery, with 20 years experience in the NHS. I lead the Centre for Robotic & Digital Healthcare Technologies at University of Birmingham. I specialise in colorectal cancer and advanced minimally invasive surgery, with particular expertise in robotic surgery. I am the highest volume robotic colorectal surgeon in the North, having completed over 750 robotic operations. I deliver high-quality, patient-centred care, combining specialist surgical care with an academic focus on improving outcomes, recovery and the safe use of new surgical technologies.

I specialise in colorectal surgery, with expertise in colorectal cancer, benign colorectal conditions and robotic surgery. I offer a range of complex techniques in rectal cancer including early closure of ileostomy, a range of anastomotic techniques to achieve gastrointestinal restoration, and robotic pelvic exenteration.

I have extensive experience in complex colorectal and robotic surgery and work within a high-volume multidisciplinary colorectal service. I am the highest volume robotic colorectal surgeon in the North, having completed over 750 robotic operations. My expertise in this area is recognised nationally and internationally, and demonstrated through my involvement in national and international committees, development of guidelines and influencing national policy.

Within the NHS, I am a Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, where contribute to a high-volume robotic colorectal programme and to the development of minimally invasive and digitally enabled surgical pathways.

I hold a variety of national roles, including the National Co-Chair for Robotic Surgical Training for NHS England, Chair of the Robotic Committee for the Association of Coloproctologists of Great Britain and Ireland and a member of the Research Committee for the Associations of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland. My international roles include being a member of the Programme Committee for the European Society of Coloproctologists.

I am Professor of Robotic & Digital Healthcare Technologies at the University of Birmingham. My work focuses on robotic and digital surgery, surgical training, clinical evaluation, human factors, patient outcomes and how new technologies can be introduced safely and equitably into healthcare. I am widely published with over 150 publications and hold £8 million in grant funding. I am a regular invited speaker on the topics of rectal cancer, robotic surgery and digital technologies nationally and internationally.

I am an NIHR Advanced Fellow and an active clinical academic. I have authored or co-authored more than 140 peer-reviewed publications and have contributed to major research programmes in colorectal surgery, robotic surgery, digital health and patient-reported outcomes.

My approach is patient-centred and evidence-based. I believe patients should understand their diagnosis and all appropriate treatment options, including the potential benefits and limitations of different surgical approaches, so that decisions can be made together.