Prof Irshad Shaikh

I am a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon specialising in advanced robotic and minimally invasive surgery for bowel, colorectal and abdominal conditions. I practise privately at Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, Spire Norwich Hospital, Spire Ella May Barnes Clinic and Spire King’s Lynn Clinic, alongside my NHS role at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

My specialist areas are robotic assisted surgery, anal fistula/fissure surgery, haemorrhoid surgery (including HALO procedure), banding/injection of haemorrhoids, anal and colorectal cancer, colorectal surgery, endoscopy, general surgery, coloprotology, inflammatory bowel disease surgery, rectal prolapse surgery, hernia surgery and treatment of locally advanced cancer.

I gained my medical degree (MBBS) from Karnatak University in India in 1997. Subsequently, I trained in Scotland and completed higher surgical training on the Southeast Thames rotation in London. I was awarded an MD (research) degree from the University of Aberdeen in 2008 and CCT (completion of specialist training in general and colorectal surgery) in 2013.

In October 2014, I was appointed as a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Additionally, I previously held an honorary consultant surgeon post at St Mark's Hospital, Harrow, London. I lead the advanced rectal cancer surgery team and am the joint lead for anal cancer surgery. I am one of two surgeons in NNUH accredited by the JAG as a National Bowel Cancer Screening (BSCP) Endoscopist.

I was the team lead for starting the robotic colorectal programme at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. I am a European level trainer for robotic colorectal surgery and an experienced proctor accredited by EARCS. I was instrumental in supporting the robotic colorectal cancer surgery programmes in Scottish health boards and several hospitals in England.

I have a great interest in robotic/laparoscopic clinical research. I was awarded grants in Aberdeen (2006-7) and Norwich (2020) to undertake cancer-related and robotic surgery research. I am a keen trainer for surgical trainees and also mentor/proctor junior consultant surgeons in robotic surgical training. I completed a Master’s degree in clinical education from the UEA in 2019, demonstrating commitment to surgical training. I also hold a position as College Tutor for the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

I regularly provide robotic training to several European colorectal surgeons. In addition, I am a trainer for laparoscopic colorectal surgery in national-level courses. I have described and published several innovative operative procedures in peer-reviewed journals. The cancer surgery results are published online in peer-reviewed journals.

In 2022, I was honoured with a National Clinical Excellence Award for five years. I serve as the European Director for the Robotic Colorectal Fellowship and specialise in robotic pelvic exenteration surgery.