Minimally invasive bowel surgery

Mr McArthur uses minimally invasive techniques, namely laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, to perform most colorectal operations, as well as hernia and diagnostic abdominal procedures. Laparoscopic surgery enables major operations to be undertaken through small abdominal incisions. Ports, 5-10mm in diameter, are placed through these incisions. A laparoscope (straight fibre optic camera and light system that attaches to a high definition television screen) is passed down one of the ports, the others being used to insert operating instruments. This allows the surgeon to perform the same operation that would be traditionally done through a single large incision.

The benefits of laparoscopic surgery are reduced pain, improved cosmesis, lower incidence of wound infections, and fewer incisional hernias. Occasionally, operations cannot be performed using keyhole techniques; in this case the surgeon will convert the procedure to a conventional open operation.

Prior to taking up his consultant post, Mr McArthur underwent advanced fellowship laparoscopic training, equipping him with the experience to train the majority of his colorectal consultant colleagues in the technique when he was first employed as a Consultant at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust in 2011. He is recognised as an excellent trainer and laparoscopic surgeon.