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
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'.
Some of the principal treatments carried out by Prof Bhaskar Kumar at Spire include:
General surgery
Bariatrics
Other treatments
COVID-19 testing or antibody tests are not available as a standalone service at Spire Norwich Hospital.
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
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
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.
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)
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 |