Mr James Arthur

My background is fairly eclectic. I trained in the Mersey Region both at junior and Specialist Registrar level. On completion of my training I undertook a fellowship in Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery and Robotic surgery in the world renowned Singapore General Hospital in 2007/8. My training also took me to Melbourne where I trained in TEMS rectal cancer surgery. I was head-hunted for my current post in Aintree hospital as a General and Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgeon with remit as IBD Surgical Lead, and I been in Aintree in this role since 2008. I spent 6 years as the Surgical Mortality Lead and currently member of the Trust Mortality Review group. This is a reflection of my interest in Governance and patient safety and prevention of harm. I have performed over 1200 laparoscopic colorectal resections in my time in Aintree, for both elective and emergency cancer, non-cancer and particularly IBD resections, with a mortality rate of less than 1.5%, a leak rate of 2% including rectal resections, and return to theatre rate of 3% in 30 days. I have been nominated twice by peers and patients for the Proud of Aintree Awards and have had quite a few news column inches for my patient-centred approach to care. I have a keen interest in how well Manchester United perform as a superfan, I am a keen road cyclist, movie buff and cricket enthusiast.

My specialist clinical interests are all aspects of Inflammatory Bowel Disease requiring surgical input and management-these include resections, pouch surgery, perianal disease management such as fistulae. As a result of my extensive work in IBD, I have developed a large experience of and therefore and interest in the repair of parastomal and complex abdominal wall incisional hernias, using both keyhole and open approaches. Of course I offer both upper and lower GI endoscopy (gastroscopy/colonoscopy/sigmoidoscopy), I have a longstanding background as a trainer in TransAnal Haemorrhoidal De-Arterialisation/HALO with extensive experience in these procedures. I also offer treatment for groin hernias (inguinal, femoral). Finally I have a large cohort of Irritable Bowel patients who I diagnose and manage with the support of their primary care physicians.