Mr Alan Askari

Mr Alan Askari (MB ChB, MSc, DIC, PhD, FRCS) is a Consultant General, Upper Gastrointestinal and Bariatric Surgeon at Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Luton & Dunstable Hospital). He specialises in bariatric (weight-loss), upper gastrointestinal and general surgery, with a particular focus on complex obesity and related conditions. He performs a wide range of procedures, including minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery, gallbladder, anti-reflux and hernia surgery, with experience of over 3,400 operations and more than 700 endoscopic procedures. Mr Askari trained in medicine at the University of Manchester, graduating in 2006, and completed advanced surgical training across leading UK centres. He holds a Master’s degree in Surgical Science and Practice (University of Oxford), a PhD in Surgery and Cancer (Imperial College London), and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). He completed specialist bariatric fellowship training before being appointed as a Consultant in 2023. Alongside his clinical work, Mr Askari is an internationally recognised academic surgeon, with over 170 peer-reviewed publications and books, and numerous national and international presentations. His research focuses on improving patient outcomes and safety, as well as the use of emerging technologies such as data science and artificial intelligence in surgical care. He is actively involved in leadership and service development, serving as Chair of the Complex Bariatric Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and leading programmes in enhanced recovery and prehabilitation to optimise outcomes. He is also a Lead Investigator in national research studies and an active contributor to professional surgical organisations. Mr Askari has held council and leadership roles across major regional and national organisations, including the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons (AUGIS) Roux Group, the Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Society (TUGSS), the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS), and Surgical Trainees in East of England Research (STEER), contributing to research, education and service development. He has a strong interest in innovation and has been involved in multiple medical device and software patents and registrations, alongside wider work in digital health and emerging surgical technologies. Mr Askari is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centred care, with a focus on clear communication and shared decision-making. He offers a modern, evidence-based approach, combining clinical expertise, research and innovation to achieve the best possible outcomes for his patients.

Laparoscopic (keyhole) and open inguinal, femoral and abdominal wall hernias Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery, including primary and revisional procedures Management of complex obesity and obesity-related conditions Upper gastrointestinal surgery, including reflux disease and anti-reflux procedures Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery and enhanced recovery pathways Management of complications following bariatric and upper GI surgery Prehabilitation and optimisation of surgical patients Application of data science, artificial intelligence and digital technologies in surgery Development and evaluation of novel surgical devices and technologies