The department consists of 21 Consultants.  The Colchester Unit is a national laparoscopic training unit, undertaking around 200 laparoscopic colorectal resections per year.  This work has been facilitated by the installation of two elective main theatres and one emergency state od the art, integrated, high definition, 3D ready laparoscopic theatre.  The Ipswich Unit has subspecialist interest in IBD/pouch surgery, pelvic floor surgery, colorectal cancer surgery including laparoscopic complete mesocolic resections, laparoscopic TME surgery for rectal cancers, TaTME and TAMIS.

Sub-specialties include:

• Laparoscopic Emergency Surgery
• Robotic Surgery
• IBD
• Pelvic Floor Disorders

Education and training opportunities include:

• Access to dedicated colonoscopy training lists recognized under JAG training programme.
• The opportunity to be involved in cytoreductivesurgery with gynae-oncology colleagues in complex gynaecological pelvic malignancies.
• Perform up to 20 laparoscopic tight colonic resections and up to 20 laparoscopic anterior resections.
• Undergo dedicated laparoscopic modular training in colorectal surgery with the aim to perform independent resections at the end of training.
• Train in modular laparoscopic colorectal surgery including CME, TME, TaTME and TAMIS with access to other lists for training in IBD and pelvic floor disorders.
• Perform advanced laparoscopic procedures including bile duct exploration, splenectomy, TAPP, TEPP and incisional hernia repair including assisting gynaecologists in the treatment of endometriosis.
• Guidance and mentorship to sit FRCS/EBSQ examinations if undertaken.
• The opportunity to publish research and complete audits.