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.

Aetna Surgeons. Book an appointment

Professor Kefah Mokbel
Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon 5.040 reviews
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Breast cancer surgery
Breast reconstruction
Breast pain
Mastitis
Nipple discharge
Oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery
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Mr Deepak Hariharan
Surgeon 4.957 reviews
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Gallstones
Liver surgery
Pancreas surgery
Pancreatitis
Pancreatic cancer
Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
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Mr Aruna Munasinghe
Consultant Bariatric, Upper GI, General, and Laparoscopic Surgeon 5.060 reviews
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Bariatric surgery
Gallbladder surgery
Hiatal hernia surgery
Laparoscopic hernia surgery
Upper GI surgery
Hernia
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Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital
Surgery4.995 reviews
At Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, a team of highly-experienced consultants are at your disposal for what ever health concern you may have. Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital offers world-class private healthcare, just minutes from Bournmeouth city centre. What medical services does it specialise in?Don't hesitate to book a consultation with one of Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital's consultants, who specialise in:Orthopaedic hip surgery Orthopaedic knee surgery General surgery Diagnostics Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery General orthopaedic surgery Orthopaedic hand and wrist surgery
Specialised in:
Ovarian cyst
Hand surgery
Indigestion (dyspepsia)

Specialties
Surgery
Immunology
Dermatology

Doctors who meet your requirements
Mr Luca Bonomo
Surgery
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Mr Pawel Trapszo
Breast Surgeon 5.01 review
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Mastectomy
Breast reduction
Oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery
Breast cancer
Preventive mastectomy
Lumpectomy
This doctor hasn't published their schedule yet
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Mr Radu Mihai
General and Endocrine Surgery 5.052 reviews
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Expert in:
Sarcoma
Parathyroid gland surgery
Thyroid surgery
Medicolegal
Gallstones
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Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital
Surgery4.9250 reviews
Nuffield Health Haywards Heath Hospital is a leading private healthcare provider serving Haywards Heath and the rest of both West and East Sussex. The team of top consultants at the hospital strive to provide the best treatment possible to all patients. What medical services does it specialise in?Some of the hospitals specialties include:Orthopaedic hip surgery Orthopaedic knee surgery General surgery Diagnostics Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery General orthopaedic surgery Gastroenterology Urology Cosmetic surgery Dermatology Diabetology
Specialised in:
Gender reassignment surgery
Vasectomy

Specialties
Surgery
Dermatology
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

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Professor Shaun Preston
General and Upper GI Robotic Surgeon

Appointment confirmed instantly

Expert in:
Acid reflux
Endoscopy
Gastric cancer surgery
Oesophageal cancer surgery
Robotic surgery
Gallstones
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Professor Ewen Griffiths
Consultant Upper GI and General Surgeon 5.012 reviews
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Gallbladder surgery
Acid reflux
Endoscopy
Oesophageal cancer
Gastric cancer surgery
Achalasia
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Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital
Surgery5.0124 reviews
Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital is one of Cardiff's leading private healthcare clinics, offering a wide range of day-case surgical treatments. For any patients who need a treatment that would require an overnight stay, they can receive this at the Nuffield Health the Vale Hospital, just 12 miles away. What medical services does it specialise in?The Nuffield Health Cardiff Bay Hospital is led by a team of highly experienced consultants, who specialise in:Orthopaedic hip surgery Orthopaedic knee surgery General surgery Diagnostics Orthopaedic foot and ankle surgery General orthopaedic surgery Rheumatology Spinal surgery
Specialised in:
Knee replacement
Carpal tunnel syndrome

Specialties
Surgery
Ophthalmology
Urology

Doctors who meet your requirements
Mr Alan Woodward
Surgery
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Mr Raj Harshen
Surgeon 5.09 reviews
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Endoscopy
Colorectal cancer surgery
Gallbladder surgery
Anal fistula surgery
Haemorrhoid surgery
Inguinal hernia
This doctor hasn't published their schedule yet
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Mr Heman Joshi
Consultant General, Colorectal, and Minimally Invasive Surgeon 5.044 reviews
Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Bowel cancer screening
Robotic surgery
Pelvic floor reconstructive surgery
Hernia
Anal fistula
Pilonidal sinus
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Mr Samuel Ford
Surgeon

Appointment subject to confirmation

Expert in:
Laparoscopy
Sarcoma
Hernia
Neuroendocrine tumours
Gallstones
Lipoma
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