Introduction
Upper Gastro-intestinal Surgery (Stomach (including Bariatrics), Oesophagus)
Upper GI Surgery (Bariatrics)
We aim to offer the most up-to-date clinical care for patients with benign disease of the upper gastro-intestine including the oesophagus, stomach and gall bladder tract. Nearly 90% of the surgery we now offer is laparoscopic or ‘keyhole’ surgery which means a shorter stay in hospital and a quicker return to normal activities. This surgery includes the removal of gallbladders, surgery for hernias of the abdominal wall and surgery for heartburn and hiatus hernias. We are also the regional centre for bariatric surgery (obesity) providing a surgical weight management service. We carry out gastric ballooning, gastric banding, gastric sleeves and gastric bypasses.
Colorectal Surgery (Bowel)
The colorectal unit at Sunderland Royal Hospital provides surgery for bowel cancer, benign colorectal diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, rectal prolapse and functional bowel disorders – including obstructive defaecation/constipation/faecal incontinence and benign anorectal conditions as well as general surgical referrals for approximately 330,000 people in the Sunderland and North Easington areas. Sunderland Royal Hospital has 4 full-time consultant colorectal surgeons and is supported by a hospital speciality doctor, two surgical specialist trainees and 3 colorectal nurse specialists. The unit has inpatient facilities at Sunderland Royal Hospital based on ward C32 and outpatient services are provided at Sunderland Royal Hospital and the Galleries Health Centre, Washington.
Laparoscopic surgery is provided for wide range of colorectal conditions. Patients go through the enhanced recovery programme which leads to quicker recovery and early discharge from hospital.
Colorectal/Stoma Care Nurse Specialists
We aim to provide physical, psychological and spiritual support for both men and women who have bowel disease. We work within a specialist colorectal team. Using research-based practice and listening to patients we try to improve and move the service forward. Our role is:
To work closely with the colo-rectal team in the provision of care to patients with colo-rectal disease including:
- Colorectal cancer/benign colorectal disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative disease
- Constipation/obstructive defaecation/faecal incontinence
- To provide advice, information and support to patients and their families from diagnosis to review.
- To act as key workers and provide continuity for patients, their families and carers throughout their treatment journey.
- To offer counselling/advice/teaching and support to any patients undergoing stoma formation, which includes community visits following discharge home.
- Ensure time, confidentiality and privacy to discuss issues such as body image and sexuality.
- To co-ordinate the input of other health care professionals.
- To provide or direct information, education, advice and support for patients, families and staff.
We are available to see patients and carers in the outpatient department, on the wards and in patients’ homes if required. Our working hours are: 8.30 am - 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday.
Our office is located in the Chester Wing Outpatients Department. We can be contacted on extension 47221 or bleep 52137 to contact Maralyn Boyd, bleep 57571 to contact Susan Franklin or bleep 52597 to contact Rosemary Jobling.
Breast Surgery
The Breast Unit in Sunderland Royal Hospital offers the following services:
- Clinic – daily new patient one stop service for breast patients (both male and female)
- Theatre – 4 sessions per week
- MDT – 2 sessions per week
The Breast Unit in Sunderland Royal Hospital provides surgery for breast cancer, both male and female breast enlargement, developmental problems including tubular breast deformity and asymmetry. We also provide surgery for micromastia (breast enlargement) and sentinel node biopsy for axillary staging of breast cancer. The majority of our patients are treated as day cases. The breast unit comprises a consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, a general and breast surgeon supported by a hospital speciality doctor and a staff grade surgeon, one surgical specialist registrar and 2 specialist breast care nurses. Our inpatient facilities at Sunderland Royal Hospital are based on ward D47 and outpatient services are provided in the Chester Wing of Sunderland Royal Hospital.
Endocrine Surgery (Glands)
The Trust provides a specialist service for endocrine surgery. This covers surgery and treatment for diseases that cause over activity of glands and growths of glands. Surgery is undertaken on the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands and adrenal glands. Adrenal surgery is usually undertaken using keyhole surgery in the Trust’s advanced laparoscopic theatres. Surgery for other endocrine glands (the pituitary gland and pancreas gland) is not undertaken by this Trust. Diseases of the testes and ovaries are managed by our Urology and Gynaecology Departments respectively. Surgery for thyroid disease is run as a multidisciplinary service and general surgery provides an integrated service for this with our endocrine medicine colleagues and ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgery colleagues. Specialist endocrine surgical clinics and operating sessions are provided. All endocrine cases that are being considered for surgery are discussed at an endocrine MDT (Multidisciplinary Team) meeting. Our specialist pathologist and radiologist attend this meeting together with the endocrine surgeon, ENT surgeon and endocrinologists. The team works closely with the regional endocrine team and are part of the Northern Cancer Thyroid Network based at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.
General Surgery (Hernias and Lumps and Bumps)
The general surgery team provide a comprehensive service for abdominal hernias. We deal with all kinds of abdominal hernias, using open or key hole surgery, doing simple suture repair or mesh as necessary and using local or general anaesthetic depending on the wishes of the patient, the preference of the surgeon and the hernia type.
For lumps and bumps we have a one-stop service which has a limited number of slots for consultation and operation in one appointment made through Choose and Book. Otherwise we would be happy to deal with these minor conditions through the usual clinic referral followed by surgery at a later date.
Vascular Surgery (Blood Vessels)
The Vascular Team consists of 5 consultant surgeons, 4 interventional radiologists and 2 specialist nurses together with ward staff, secretarial support and junior staff. We offer treatment for:
- Aortic aneurysms (swelling of the main blood vessel in the stomach)
This can be with an endovascular stent (through small incisions in the groin) if suitable or through an open operation.
- Carotid disease (narrowing of the neck arteries)
This is to clean out the artery to reduce the risk of future stroke.
- Peripheral vascular disease
This is the blockage or narrowing of the arteries to the legs or arms causing pain or gangrene. This often requires imaging using an angiogram and can usually also be treated this way. Sometimes it can require bypass surgery and occasionally can end up in amputation.
- Varicose veins
These can be treated by foam sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy or surgery depending on suitability.
We do deal with other specialised conditions.
Emergency Surgical Assessment Unit (ESAU)
The ESAU is responsible for admitting, clerking, and assessing all general surgery and vascular emergency admissions. We also accept urology admissions if the urology ward is unable to accommodate you. Whilst on ESAU you will be seen by a nurse, a junior doctor and then reviewed by the consultant on call, who will be responsible for your overall care.
ESAU is designed to be short stay, with patients staying up to a maximum of 48 hours. This is to enable beds to be freed for further admissions. Following assessment you will either be discharged home or transferred to a ‘base ward’ where you will continue your investigations or recuperation if you have undergone surgery.