Prof Bhaskar Kumar

Prof Bhaskar Kumar

Consultant Oesophago-gastric and Laparoscopic General Surgeon

MBChB, MD, FRCS

"I thoroughly enjoy working at Spire Norwich as I am able to provide a very high standard of personalised care and attention for my patients. The hospital is calm, friendly, clean and very safe."


Specialises in

  • Hernia surgery
  • Weight loss surgery
  • Gastro-oesophageal reflux
  • Oesophageal and gastric cancer
  • Endoscopy

I have been a Consultant Surgeon at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital for over a decade, specialising in keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery. I’m also an Honorary Professor of Surgery at the University of East Anglia, where I help train and mentor the next generation of surgeons and doctors.

After qualifying from Leeds University Medical School, I went on to complete a two-year doctorate in medicine (MD), followed by advanced surgical training in the Northeast of England. I was then selected for a prestigious fellowship in Australia, where I trained under one of the world experts in anti-reflux surgery, Professor David Watson, at Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide. Here I developed advanced laparoscopic skills in treating reflux disease including repair of hiatus hernias. Now, I lead the Benign Upper GI multi-disciplinary team at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, with significant experience in managing reflux disease, including complex cases and performing revisional surgery. Additionally, I perform laparoscopic surgery for gallstones and have significant experience with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. 

I have extensive experience with hernia surgery, having performed over 2,000 hernia repairs, particularly using laparoscopic “keyhole” surgery techniques for inguinal and abdominal wall hernias. I am one of the few surgeons in the region who can offer a Totally Extra-peritoneal approach (TEPP) for inguinal hernia repair, which avoids entering the abdominal cavity and can reduce long-term pain for patients. I am a member of the British and European Hernia Societies.

At Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, I am the lead for Oesophagogastric cancer and a recognised leader in Minimally Invasive Oesophagectomy (MIO). I received my training under Professor Griffin (OBE) in Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, one of the largest cancer centers in Europe.

In addition to my clinical work, I am heavily involved in teaching and research. I supervise several postgraduate students and NIHR funded research fellows, and my research interests focus on oesophagogastric cancer and upper gastrointestinal diseases. I’ve co-authored a leading textbook for surgeons undertaking their FRCS examinations and serve on the editorial board of the Annals of Esophagus journal. 

But most importantly, my focus is always on my patients. I am dedicated to providing the best possible care and tailoring treatment to meet each patient’s unique needs.  My approach to patient care was recognised by the Eastern Daily Press sponsored Norfolk and Norwich Hospital awards when I reached the final round of nominations for the 'Patient Choice- Most Outstanding Individual Member of Staff 2017'.

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General Medical Council Number: 4426109

Treatment information

Some of the principal treatments carried out by Prof Bhaskar Kumar at Spire include:

General surgery

Bariatrics

Other treatments

  • Anti-reflux treatment
  • Endoscopy
  • Gastrointestinal surgery
  • Laparoscopic surgery
  • Minimal access surgery
  • Weight loss treatments - surgical and non-surgical

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Important information about COVID-19 tests

COVID-19 testing or antibody tests are not available as a standalone service at Spire Norwich Hospital.

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Additional information

Endoscopy
Gastrointestinal surgery
General surgery
Hernia repair surgery
Laparoscopic surgery
Minimal access surgery
Weight loss surgery

Special clinical interests: General surgery including gallbladder and gallstone removal and laparoscopic and open hernia repair, upper gastrointestinal surgery including laparoscopic surgery for gastroesophageal reflux and hiatal hernia, minimally invasive surgery for oesophageal and gastric cancer, advanced laparoscopic surgery, weight loss treatments - surgical and non-surgical.

MBChB MD FRCS / Leeds University Medical School / 1997
MBChB MD FRCS

MBChB / University of Leeds, School of Medicine / 1997
Bachelor of Medicine

MD / University of Leeds, School of Medicine / 2006
Doctorate in Medicine

FRCS (Upper GI) / Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons / 2011
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons


Professional memberships

Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain & Ireland (AUGIS)

British Hernia Society

Royal College of Surgeons of England

British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS)

European Hernia Society


Professional leadership

Endoscopy Lead, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery of Great Britain & Ireland (AUGIS)
AUGIS representative, Joint Association Group (JAG)
AUGIS representative, British Society of Gastroenterology Endoscopy Subcommittee (BSG)
Member, Specialist Advisory Council (SAC), General Surgery

https://research-portal.uea.ac.uk/en/persons/bhaskar-kumar

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/bhaskar-kumar-6551b4116

Textbook:

Kumar B, Phillips A (2015). Companion cases for the FRCS Intercollegiate Examination in General Surgery. Anshan Press.


Articles

Bridging Clinic: The initial medical management of patients with newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer. Sreedharan L et al. Frontline Gastroenterology 2018.

Assessing the quality of primary care referrals to surgery of patients with diabetes in the East of England: A multi-centre cross-sectional cohort study. Pournaras DJ et al. Int J Clin Pract. 2017 Jul;71(7)

Media Coverage

BBC Look East - Life saving surgery for pancreatitis in Covid-19 patient
27/07/2021

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Oesophagogastric cancer Lead

University of East Anglia / Norwich Medical School, Honorary Associate Professor

I am a passionate tennis fan and follow the sport very closely. In my spare time I enjoy watching my daughters improve their tennis skills daily as I deteriorate over time! I still compete in veterans events and represent my club and Norfolk county.

Telephone 01603 255 614
Private secretary Leanne Ginn
Private secretary telephone 07465 773 608
Private secretary email leanne.medicalsecretary@gmail.com