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Professor Richard Cohen

Colorectal Surgery in Central London

Top Doctors Awards: 2023
BSc (Hons) Lon, MBBChir (Cantab), MD, FRCS
GMC: 3121063
5.052 reviewsReview
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Expert in:
Blood in stool (rectal bleeding)
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Anal fissure
Piles (haemorrhoids)
Anal fistula
Colonoscopy
Anorectal malformation
Intestinal pseudo-obstruction
  • Information
  • CV
  • Content
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  • Treatments

Professional statement

Professor Richard Cohen is a leading colorectal and general surgeon based in London, practising at the Cleveland Clinic London Colorectal Unit. He is an expert on proctology, open and minimally-invasive laparoscopic colorectal surgery and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Currently, Professor Cohen serves as a clinical professor of surgery, consultant surgeon, and honorary senior lecturer at University College London (UCL). He is renowned as a pioneer of introducing new techniques in the United Kingdom. He also practises at Cleveland Clinic Portland Place Outpatient Centre and Cleveland Clinic North London - 999 Medical Centre.


After receiving his medical qualification from Cambridge with distinction in 1987, Professor Cohen continued his training as a surgery registrar in Northwest England, and later as a senior registrar at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital surgical training programme. Whilst undergoing his training, Professor Cohen also accomplished to carry out research at Yale University, USA, for his Master's thesis.


Professor Cohen joined UCL in 2005, where he has since helped to develop the colorectal service. Here and within his private practices, Professor Cohen maintains his expertise in open and minimally invasive colorectal surgery. Beyond his advanced surgery techniques, he focuses on proctology, benign colorectal disease, and management of ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and IBD. He is a leading example for his practice fellows and other surgeons in his field.


Following his expertise in such subject, Professor Cohen has done research on topics of interest. These include pelvic floor disorders (incontinence and constipation), Crohn's disease, and colorectal cancer in Ashkenazi Jews. Research has persisted to be a passion of his, and subsequently he has had many papers published in peer-reviewed journals. Professor Cohen extends his involvement in colorectal surgery by also training young surgeons and lecturing nationally and internationally.

Clinics

Cleveland Clinic London Colorectal Unit
  • Cleveland Clinic London Colorectal Unit profile image

    Cleveland Clinic London Colorectal Unit

    33 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HY, UK, Central London

    Medical insurances accepted

    I'm paying for myself
    Bupa
    AXA
    AVIVA
    Cigna
    WPA
    Allianz
    Vitality

Credentials

Professional experience

  • 39 years of experience
  • Professor of surgery, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (present)
  • Chief of surgery and vice chair of digestive disease and surgery institute, Cleveland Clinic London (2019 to present) 
  • Consultant colorectal surgeon, Cleveland Clinic Portland Place Outpatient Centre (present)
  • Consultant colorectal surgeon, Cleveland Clinic North London - 999 Medical Centre (present)
  • Consultant colorectal surgeon, King Edward VII Hospital (present)
  • Consultant colorectal surgeon, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (2005 to present)​​
  • Professor of Surgery , University College London
  • Consultant colorectal surgeon, St Mark's Hospital (1999 to 2005)
  • Consultant general surgeon, Central Middlesex Hospital (1999 to 2005)
View more

Subspecialties

  • Anal fistula
  • Bowel cancer
  • Chronic constipation
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Colorectal polyp
  • Colorectal surgery
  • Crohn's disease
  • Diverticulitis disease
  • Endometriosis
  • Faecal incontinence
  • Functional bowel disorders
  • Haemorrhoids and fissures
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Minimally invasive (keyhole) colorectal surgery
  • Pelvic floor disorders
  • Pilonidal cyst
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Rectal polyps
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Ulcerative colitis
View more

Professional memberships

  • Member, British Medical Association
  • Member, Association of Coloproctologists of Great Britain and Ireland
  • Member, International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons
View more

Education

  • MB BChir with distinction, University of Cambridge (1986)
  • BSc (Hons) London (1983)
  • FRCS, The Royal College of Surgeons of England (1990)
  • FRCS (Gen.Surg.) Intercollegiate Examination (1996)
  • MD, University of Cambridge (1995)
View more

Teaching posts

  • Clinical professor of surgery, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University (present)
  • Professor of surgery, University College London (present)
  • Honorary associate professor, University College London (2019 to 2021)
  • Honorary senior lecturer, Division of Surgery, University College London (2005 to 2019)
  • Honorary senior lecturer, Imperial College London (1999 to 2005)
     
View more

Publications and conferences

  • Professor Cohen's research can be found on ResearchGate.
  • Contemporary medical, device, and surgical therapies for obesity in adults. Perdomo CM, Cohen RV, Sumithran P, Clément K, Frühbeck G. Lancet. 2023 Apr
  • Chronic anal pain: A review of causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Knowles CH, Cohen RC. Cleve Clin J Med. 2022 Jun
  • 2022 American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) and International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO): Indications for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Eisenberg D, Shikora SA, Aarts E, Aminian A, Angrisani L, Cohen RV, De Luca M, Faria SL, Goodpaster KPS, Haddad A, Himpens JM, Kow L, Kurian M, Loi K, Mahawar K, Nimeri A, O'Kane M, Papasavas PK, Ponce J, Pratt JSA, Rogers AM, Steele KE, Suter M, Kothari SN.
  • Glycemia Reduction in Type 2 Diabetes - Glycemic Outcomes. GRADE Study Research Group; Nathan DM, Lachin JM, Balasubramanyam A, Burch HB, Buse JB, Butera NM, Cohen RM, Crandall JP, Kahn SE, Krause-Steinrauf H, Larkin ME, Rasouli N, Tiktin M, Wexler DJ, Younes N. N Engl J Med. 2022 Sep 22
View more

Languages spoken

  • English
  • French
Registration number: 3121063

Content

Photos

    • Image gallery

Health content

Cleveland Clinic London: An introduction to Professor Richard Cohen

Video

Cleveland Clinic London: An introduction to Professor Richard Cohen

Meet Professor Richard Cohen, leading consultant colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Lo...

Anal fistula: Signs, symptoms and treatment options

Article

Anal fistula: Signs, symptoms and treatment options

An anal fistula is a small tunnel that forms between the end of the bowel and the skin aro...

Haemorrhoids: the signs you should look out for

Video

Haemorrhoids: the signs you should look out for

Distinguished consultant colorectal surgeon Professor Richard Cohen provides a guide to ha...

What are the main signs of haemorrhoids?

Article

What are the main signs of haemorrhoids?

In this article here, incredibly well-regarded consultant colorectal and general surgeon, ...

All about colorectal cancer - Online interview

Video

All about colorectal cancer - Online interview

Colorectal cancer or colon cancer is a condition where cells in the colon or rectum grow o...

Colorectal cancer: Expert insight from a leading specialist

Article

Colorectal cancer: Expert insight from a leading specialist

In this enlightening article, renowned consultant colorectal surgeon Professor Richard Coh...

Online interview - Rectal bleeding and when you should see a doctor.

Video

Online interview - Rectal bleeding and when you should see a doctor.

Rectal bleeding can be a significant cause for concern, dependent on the cause. However, h...

Is treatment for haemorrhoids always necessary?

Article

Is treatment for haemorrhoids always necessary?

In our latest article, highly esteemed, expert London-based colorectal and general surgeon...

Is treatment for piles always necessary? Ask an expert - Online interview

Video

Is treatment for piles always necessary? Ask an expert - Online interview

Haemorrhoids, also known as piles, are lumps or swellings that develop in and around the a...

Surgery in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): ulcerative colitis

Article

Surgery in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): ulcerative colitis

When medication isn't enough to result in long-lasting relief from the symptoms of ulcerat...

Rectal bleeding: why is there blood in my stool?

Article

Rectal bleeding: why is there blood in my stool?

Finding blood in your stool and not knowing what's caused it can be frightening. Most of t...

What is a fistula?

Article

What is a fistula?

You can develop fistulas in different parts of the body, but they will often form from an ...

Downloads

mr-richard-cohen-publication-list

Other information

https://crcohen.co.uk
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=Cohen%20R%5BAuthor%5D&cauthor=true&cauthor_uid=29700776
Profile on Linkedin
Profile on Twitter

Reviews

Overall Rating

52 total reviews

5.0

  • ReviewsTOPDOCTORS

    42 reviews

  • ReviewsiWantGreatCare

    10 reviews

All reviews are from real patients and have been verified by our Customer Service department to ensure they meet our guidelines. Rules of the service

42 reviews

5.0

Review this doctor
  • Would you recommend this doctor?
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  • Prof Cohen is an outstanding surgeon, and fixed my anal fissure that had been causing me horrific pain for 8 months. He is so kind, and really puts his patients at the heart of care. The multi-disciplinary team coordination he is committed to, was another outstanding feature. I am so grateful to him more than words, he truly changed my life!
    3 June 2026

    S.R.

    Verified patient
  • Dr. Cohen did a fantastic job with my recent surgery. I was incredibly nervous beforehand, but his calm and reassuring manner instantly put me at ease. The procedure went smoothly and successfully. I highly recommend Dr. Cohen to anyone needing surgery.
    21 May 2026

    K.X.

    Verified patient
  • I have been under the care of Prof for the last 8 months. His professionalism and support have been second to none.
    10 November 2025

    D.M.

    Verified patient
  • Excellent. Faultless level of care.
    19 May 2025

    R.M.

    Verified patient
  • I have seen Professor Cohen for a few years now, and have always found him to be kind, highly knowledgeable and patient with taking the time to explain a particular procedure or suggested treatment. I’ve appreciated knowing I can trust I’m in a safe pair of hands under his care.
    26 March 2025

    T.G.

    Verified patient
  • 3 March 2025

    F.W.

    Verified patient
  • Excellent care and effective treatment.
    8 February 2025

    J.D.

    Verified patient
  • I have had a very pleasant experience for a procedure I was dreading to undergo. Professor Cohen has been incredible throughout the whole thing and I truly appreciate the care and the amazing end result which I’m beyond happy with. Will absolutely recommend him to anyone!
    7 January 2025

    A.S.

    Verified patient
  • I cannot recommend Richard, his team and the facilities high enough. Exceptional.
    27 November 2024

    J.B.

    Verified patient
  • Professor Cohen is kind, professional and has provided me with top quality of care for a complex procedure over a few years, through which I have felt entirely safe and comfortable due to the level of his experience and manner.
    18 November 2024

    T.G.

    Verified patient

Treatments

The doctor is expert in

Anal fissure

Anal fistula

Anorectal malformation

Blood in stool (rectal bleeding)

Colonoscopy

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Intestinal pseudo-obstruction

Piles (haemorrhoids)

The doctor also specialises in:

Abdominal pain

Anal abscess

Anal fistula surgery

Anal laser surgery

Bowel cancer

Bowel incontinence

Chronic diarrhoea

Colitis

Colon cancer

Colorectal cancer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Professor Richard Cohen's specialty?

Professor Richard Cohen is a specialist in Colorectal Surgery, with extensive experience in assessing and treating patients within this field.

Which conditions and treatments does Professor Richard Cohen specialise in?

Professor Richard Cohen is a Colorectal Surgeon who provides assessment and treatment for Blood in stool (rectal bleeding), Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Anal fissure, Piles (haemorrhoids), Anal fistula, Colonoscopy, Anorectal malformation and Intestinal pseudo-obstruction. During your consultation, you will be informed of the most suitable options following a personalised evaluation.

How many years of experience does Professor Richard Cohen have?

Professor Richard Cohen has 39 years of professional experience as a specialist in Colorectal Surgery, providing specialist assessment and treatment in this medical field.

What do patients say about Professor Richard Cohen?

Patients give a rating of 5.0 out of 5 to Professor Richard Cohen, a score considered excellent. This average is based on 52 verified patient reviews, reflecting the experience of those who have attended an appointment.

Are Professor Richard Cohen's reviews verified?

Yes. All Professor Richard Cohen's reviews come from verified patients who have attended either an in-person or an e-Consultation appointment. We use a system that ensures authenticity and prevents fake reviews. Some profiles may also display reviews from other platforms, which follow their own verification policies, with the source always clearly indicated.

Where does Professor Richard Cohen practise?

Professor Richard Cohen practices in the following locations:

  • Central London at 33 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HY, UK
  • Central London at 24 Portland Pl, London W1B 1LU, UK
  • Central London at 999 Finchley Rd, London NW11 7HB, UK

In-person consultations are available at these locations as a Colorectal Surgery.

How can I book an appointment with Professor Richard Cohen?

You can book an appointment with Professor Richard Cohen directly from this page by selecting the time that suits you best. Alternatively, you can call the phone number shown if you prefer personalised assistance.

Does Professor Richard Cohen see NHS patients?

Many specialists featured on Top Doctors also hold NHS positions. However, appointments arranged for Professor Richard Cohen through this platform are private, either self-pay or covered by private medical insurance.

Does Professor Richard Cohen offer private appointments?

Yes, Professor Richard Cohen offers private appointments for patients seeking flexible and direct access to a specialist in Colorectal Surgery.

Does Professor Richard Cohen offer online consultations?

At the moment, Professor Richard Cohen does not offer online consultations. You can book an in-person appointment from this page or call +44 2076650453. When calling, please mention that you are a Top Doctors patient.

Does Professor Richard Cohen accept insurance?

Professor Richard Cohen works with the following private medical insurance providers: Bupa, AXA, AVIVA, Cigna, WPA, Allianz, Vitality, Healix, Aetna and Bupa Global. If your insurer is not listed, you may contact the practice directly to confirm your coverage.

What is Professor Richard Cohen's availability?

Professor Richard Cohen's availability depends on the appointment slots open at any given time. On this page, you can check current availability, and if no slots are shown, you can request an appointment or contact the practice directly.

What payment methods does Professor Richard Cohen offer?

You can pay for your consultation with Professor Richard Cohen using the following methods: Self-paying.

What languages does Professor Richard Cohen speak?

Professor Richard Cohen is a Colorectal Surgeon who offers consultations in English and French.

How is Professor Richard Cohen selected to appear on this platform?

All doctors listed on Top Doctors, including Professor Richard Cohen, undergo our rigorous selection process. Only one in five specialists meets the required standards to be included.
Discover Top Doctors' rigorous medical selection process.
The doctor, or where applicable the hospital or medical centre in which the doctor provides services, undertakes to keep the information relating to the prices of services published on their profile on the Top Doctors platform up to date at all times, ensuring that such prices correspond to those effectively charged to patients. In the event of any discrepancy between the published price and the price ultimately charged to the patient, the doctor and/or the relevant hospital or medical centre shall be solely liable towards the patient and towards Top Doctors for any claim or financial difference arising therefrom.

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Cleveland Clinic London Colorectal Unit33 Grosvenor Pl, London SW1X 7HY, UK, Central London
Payment methodSelf-paying
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