What does a surgeon do?

A surgeon performs surgical procedures on the digestive system, including the gastrointestinal tract, the hepato-bilio-pancreatic system and endocrine glands. They also operate on conditions of the breast, abdominal wall, hernias and, in some cases, the head and neck, treating both benign and oncological problems.

Why might you be referred to a surgeon?

You are usually referred to a surgeon when a digestive condition, a hernia, a gallbladder or thyroid problem, or a cancer diagnosis requires surgical assessment. The aim is to review the case and propose the best treatment option.

When should you see a surgeon?

It is advisable to see a surgeon when surgery is being considered for bowel incontinence, acid reflux, obesity or hernias, as well as for findings such as liver cysts, gallstones, thyroid nodules or cancers of the digestive tract or breast that may need an operation. Surgery is one of the most common reasons people in the UK see a specialist: the NHS in England carries out more than 4.4 million procedures a year (Royal College of Surgeons of England, 2025), and around 6 in 10 people will need at least one operation in their lifetime (Abbott et al., 2024). With NHS waiting lists still well above pre-pandemic levels (British Medical Association, 2026), booking a consultation early can help. If pain, a lump or a long-standing issue such as a hernia or gallstones is affecting your sleep, work or daily activities, a surgeon can review your case, talk through the options and plan next steps with you.

Why choose a surgeon?

A surgeon has comprehensive surgical training covering the abdomen, breast and endocrine system. They work with both conventional and minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy, which allows faster recovery and smaller scars in many procedures.

How can I book an appointment with a surgeon?

At Top Doctors, you can book a consultation with the best surgeon in just one click. Simply choose the specialist, date and time that best suit you.

The best 10 Surgeons in Devon

Mr Mark Coleman
Surgeon

Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Colonoscopy
Laparoscopy
Colorectal cancer
Hernia
Laparoscopic hernia surgery
Minimal access surgery (keyhole surgery)
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Mr David Bunting
Consultant Upper GI surgeon 5.01 review
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Hiatal hernia surgery
Upper GI surgery
Robotic surgery
Hernia
Cholecystectomy
Endoscopy
e-Consultation Book
Mr Adam Kimble
Consultant general and colorectal surgeon and Colorectal Surgeon

Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Colonoscopy
Blood in stool (rectal bleeding)
Piles (haemorrhoids)
Anal fistula
Pilonidal sinus
Haemorrhoid surgery
This doctor hasn't published their schedule yet
e-Consultation Book
Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital
Surgery5.0156 reviews
Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital is a premier private hospital located on the outskirts of Plymouth. The hospital is well-renowned for offering the best in private healthcare, with all patients treated by a top-class team of doctors that maintain the highest medical standards.What medical services does it specialise in?The Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital's team of top consultants will help you with any health concern you may have, with a special focus on:Orthopaedic hip surgery Orthopaedic knee surgery General surgery Diagnostics Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery General orthopaedic surgery Ophthalmology Spinal surgery Cosmetic surgery
Specialised in:
Parotid gland surgery
Menopause
Robotic surgery in urology

Specialties
Surgery
Dermatology
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Doctors who meet your requirements
Mr Mark Coleman
Surgery
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Medical team Book
Mr Robert Bethune
Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Haemorrhoid surgery
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
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Mr Douglas Ferguson
Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Breast reconstruction
Breast surgery
Gynaecomastia
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Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital
Surgery4.815 reviews
Nuffield Health Exeter hospital is a leading private hospital, especially renowned for orthopaedic surgery. Located in Exeter city centre, at the Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital patients will receive top private healthcare in a modern, clean setting. What medical services does it specialise in?The team of specialists at Nuffield Health Exeter are highly-experienced in: Orthopaedic hip surgery Orthopaedic knee surgery General surgery Diagnostics Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery General orthopaedic surgery Orthopaedic hand and wrist surgery Gastroenterology
Specialised in:
Acne
Knee arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy

Specialties
Surgery
Dermatology
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

Doctors who meet your requirements
Ms Patricia Boorman
Surgery
Make appointment
Mr Ian Daniels
Surgery
Make appointment
Mr Douglas Ferguson
Surgery
Make appointment
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Medical team Book
Mr William Chambers
Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Colon cancer
Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer
Book
Ms Patricia Boorman
Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Colorectal cancer
Haemorrhoid surgery
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Book
Mr Ian Daniels
Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Colorectal cancer
Hernia
Colonoscopy
Piles (haemorrhoids)
Laparoscopy
Rectal surgery
Book
Mr Saj Wajed
Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Acid reflux
Gallstones
Hernia
Book
Professor Bruce Campbell
Surgeon
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Phlebectomy
Varicose veins
Foam sclerotherapy
This doctor hasn't published their schedule yet
Book

Mr Mark Coleman Surgeon

Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Colonoscopy
Laparoscopy
Colorectal cancer
Hernia

Book
Mr David Bunting Consultant Upper GI surgeon 5.01 review
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Hiatal hernia surgery
Upper GI surgery
Robotic surgery
Hernia

e-Consultation Book
Mr Adam Kimble Colorectal Surgeon and Consultant general and colorectal surgeon

Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Colonoscopy
Blood in stool (rectal bleeding)
Piles (haemorrhoids)
Anal fistula

e-Consultation Book
Nuffield Health Plymouth HospitalSurgery5.0156 reviews
Specialised in:
Parotid gland surgery
Menopause
Robotic surgery in urology

Staff Book
Mr Robert Bethune Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Haemorrhoid surgery
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Book
Mr Douglas Ferguson Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Breast reconstruction
Breast surgery
Gynaecomastia

Book
Nuffield Health Exeter HospitalSurgery4.815 reviews
Specialised in:
Acne
Knee arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy

Staff Book
Mr William Chambers Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Colon cancer
Colonoscopy
Colorectal cancer

Book
Ms Patricia Boorman Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Colorectal cancer
Haemorrhoid surgery
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Book
Mr Ian Daniels Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Colorectal cancer
Hernia
Colonoscopy
Piles (haemorrhoids)

Book
Mr Saj Wajed Surgeon
Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Acid reflux
Gallstones
Hernia

Book
Professor Bruce Campbell Surgeon
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Phlebectomy
Varicose veins
Foam sclerotherapy

Book

Surgeons in Devon

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