If you’d like to discuss any symptoms or concerns with Mr Youssef or would just like a second opinion, you can call, email or book an appointment here.
Mr Haney Youssef
Treatments
Mr Youssef carries out comprehensive range of specialist treatments including but not limited to those listed here. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just get in touch.
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS)
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS), sometimes called debulking surgery, is major abdominal surgery that aims to remove all visible cancerous tumours and tissues from your peritoneal cavity (the space inside your abdomen that contains your abdominal organs). The peritoneum is the thin, protective layer of tissue that lines the inside of your abdomen and covers your abdominal organs.
CRS is often used to treat advanced cancers, followed by HIPEC treatment, which you can find out more about below. Mr Youssef takes this combined approach, as it can improve outcomes and reduce the likelihood of tumour recurrence.
Wound infections, blood clots, chest infections and kidney issues are all possible side effects. A small percentage of patients may experience more serious complications, but Mr Youssef is a specialist in performing this procedure, meaning that you’re in the safest possible hands.
This is major surgery, so you’ll need 1-2 weeks in hospital followed by a lengthy period of rehabilitation. Recovery can take several months, and full quality of life may take up to a year.
It’s important that you get up and about early after surgery to aid your recovery, supported by pain management medication. Regular physiotherapy and blood-thinning medication can help reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots.
You’ll need the support of a dietitian too and careful monitoring for complications and cancer recurrence.
Heated Intra-Peritoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
HIPEC is a highly specialised chemotherapy treatment for certain advanced abdominal cancers, such as those starting in the appendix and colon.
- The procedure first involves cytoreductive surgery (CRS) to physically remove all visible tumours from your abdominal cavity.
- Then, heated chemotherapy drugs are pumped directly into the area to kill any remaining microscopic cancer cells.
This approach aims to improve drug absorption and target cancer cells more effectively. It also reduces the likelihood of recurrence by delivering a high local dose while limiting exposure to chemotherapy and its side effects.
Common side effects are:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
While many patients tolerate HIPEC well, there are potential serious complications, including infection, excessive bleeding, anastomotic leaks, pancreatitis, bowel perforation, renal failure and blood-clotting issues.
Mr Youssef will discuss all the possible side effects and complications with you and explain how the benefits may balance these out to help you make the right decision for you.
You may need to stay in the ICU for part of your hospital admission. Some patients require a temporary feeding tube, as the surgery and chemotherapy can affect bowel function.
Some patients feel better within a few months, although full recovery to a pre-surgery baseline can take up to a year or more.
Colonoscopy
A colonoscopy is a common procedure to check inside a patient’s bowels and investigate what could causing symptoms such as:
- Anal bleeding and blood in your stool
- Persistent diarrhoea or constipation
- Unexplained fatigue and weight loss
You'll be given a laxative, so your bowels are empty, then a long, thin, flexible tube with a small camera inside it will be passed into your bowels via your anus. You’ll usually remain awake, but you can request a sedative, or gas and air to help with the pain.
If Mr Youssef finds any polyps, he can often remove them during the procedure. These can then be analysed to get a diagnosis, giving you either peace of mind, or a fast track to the treatment you need.
A colonoscopy is generally safe, and Mr Youssef has a great deal of experience in safely and successfully conducting this investigative procedure. However, every procedure carries with it potential risks and these include:
- Bleeding
- Bowel perforation
- Reactions to sedation
- Infection
- Abdominal pain from gas
Mr Youssef will discuss your personal health and the risk factors with you before you decide to go ahead.
You’ll have a quick recovery and should be able to go home the same day. However, you should ask someone to take you home as you’re not allowed to drive or drink alcohol for the first 24 hours.
You may have temporary bloating or abdominal cramps. Bowel movements usually return to normal within 2–3 days. It’s also common to find small amounts of blood in your stool for up to 48 hours if polyps were removed.
Appendicectomy
An appendicectomy is a procedure performed to remove your appendix. It is a common procedure, and safe when carried out by a highly experienced surgeon, such as Mr Youssef.
The exact function of the appendix in the human body is unclear, but we do know that removing it doesn’t cause us any problems.
Although an appendicectomy is generally considered a safe operation, it does carry the risk of:
- Bleeding during and after the operation
- Wound infection
- Developing an abscess (collection of pus) in your abdomen
- An ileus, where the bowel temporarily shuts down leading to bloating, pain and vomiting
For most patients, the risks of surgery are far lower than the risks of untreated appendicitis, which can lead to a perforated appendix and life-threatening peritonitis.
It’s normal for your wound to feel sore, swollen and bruised after the operation and regular pain killers can help to keep you comfortable for two to three days until you start to feel better. You might also feel nauseous in the first few days after surgery.
You should expect your wounds to be sore for a couple of weeks, but this will gradually improve over time. You can resume normal activities, including sport, as you feel comfortable, gradually building up intensity.
Laparoscopic and robotically assisted gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy)
A laparoscopic gallbladder removal (or cholecystectomy) is a minimally invasive surgical technique to remove your gallbladder and gallstones using several small keyhole incisions in your abdomen.
Gallstones can cause a range of problems, including inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis), jaundice or inflammation of the pancreas (acute pancreatitis). Surgery can relieve these symptoms and prevent further complications related to gallstones.
Mr Youssef can also perform this procedure with the help of a robotic surgical system, which allows him to operate with enhanced vision and fine control. The benefit to the patient is, typically, less pain, less scarring a faster recovery when compared with traditional open surgical techniques.
Minimally invasive gallbladder removal, with or without robotic assistance, is a common and very safe procedure. However, as with any operation, there are some risks. These can include:
- Wound infection
- Blood clots (DVT)
- Damage to nearby organs or bile ducts
- Bile leaking into the abdominal cavity
- Occasionally, gallstones remaining in the bile ducts
Mr Youssef and them team will take every precaution to minimise these risks.
As mentioned, one of the benefits of both a minimally invasive, and a robotically assisted approach is a faster recovery, and most patients recover quickly. Many will go home the same day, while some may have to stay overnight for observation.
You can usually return to work after about a week. In some cases, this can be sooner, but it will depend on your personal circumstances and your job. You’ll be able to increase your activity levels gradually as you feel comfortable.
Colorectal surgery
Colorectal surgery treats conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and anus, such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and haemorrhoids.
Mr Youssef performs both keyhole (laparoscopic and robotic) and open surgery for all conditions of the bowel – including bowel cancer, diverticular disease and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Like all procedures, colorectal surgery carries some risk. These include:
- Anastomotic leaks from surgical joins in the bowel
- Infections
- Bleeding and blood clots
- Bowel obstruction (from scar tissue)
- Long-term effects such as hernia, changes in bowel function (including incontinence), and sexual or bladder dysfunction.
Mr Youssef’s specialist experience helps minimise the risk of adverse side effects.
After surgery, you’ll be encouraged to gradually increase your activity in hospital. This may include daily walks and gentle activity at home once you’ve been discharged.
We can help you to manage pain with prescribed medication, and we’ll ask you to check your wound for infection and give you guidance on adjusting your diet to manage diarrhoea or constipation.
You should be able to resume light activities within a few weeks, but you should avoid heavy lifting and swimming for 4-6 weeks.
Umbilical hernia repair
This is a relatively simple procedure that normally takes 20 to 30 minutes. It will be carried out under a general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain.
In children, the weak spot in the abdominal wall is usually small enough to be closed with stitches. For larger hernias or in adults, Mr Youssef may use a special mesh to strengthen the area.
As with any surgery, complications are possible, but they’re not common. These may include:
- Bleeding during or after the operation
- Blood clots and DVT
- Infection of the surgical site
- A haematoma (collection of blood) or seroma (fluid build-up) under your wound, which usually settles within a few weeks
- Injury to the bowel
- Infection of the mesh
You should be able to go home on the same day as the operation, though you may feel a bit sore and uncomfortable while you recover.
You’ll need to limit strenuous activities for a few weeks after the operation, and taking some time off school or work is often recommended. Most people can return to all their normal activities within 2 weeks of surgery.
Keyhole hernia repair
Keyhole, also known as laparoscopic, hernia repair is a minimally invasive approach to repair a hernia.
Mr Youssef makes a small incision in your abdomen and inserts a camera called a laparoscope. Mr Youssef will make a small incision in your abdomen and insert a small camera called a laparoscope. This allows him to view the hernia on a screen, push the bulge back into place, and apply a mesh to reinforce the muscle wall.
Because this is a minimally invasive approach, most patients experience less pain and a quicker recovery than with open surgery.
The choice between keyhole and open surgery depends on the type of hernia you have and your general health. All surgery carries some risks and complications do occasionally occur, although most are mild and easily resolved. They include:
Common:
- A small risk of damage to large blood vessels, your bladder or your intestines
- Swelling and bruising of the testicles, scrotum and penis
- Blood or fluid build-up in the groin after surgery making the area swell
Rare:
- Damage to the nerves or tissue during hernia repair may cause long term pain or numbness
- Damage to an affected testis leading to swelling, pain or shrinkage
You may experience mild pain and bruising after laparoscopic hernia repair, and you should be able to return to light activities within a week. Most patients feel back to normal within 2-4 weeks.
Removal of rectum and colon (proctocolectomy)
If you have severe inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer or familial polyposis, Mr Youssef may recommend that you have a proctocolectomy. This is a major surgical procedure to remove your entire large intestine, called your colon, and your rectum.
There are two main types of proctocolectomy. The first is a surgery called an ileostomy, which creates a permanent opening, called a stoma, in your abdomen. The end of your small intestine (ileum) is brought through the skin so that waste can drain into a bag outside your body. The second forms an internal pouch, called a J-pouch, allowing for natural bowel movements.
Mr Youssef can explain the benefits and risks of each and come to decision together with you about the best way forward.
These are well-established procedures and generally safe, but as with all major operations, risk factors will depend on your overall health and can include:
- Damage to nearby organs in your body and to the nerves in your pelvis
- Infection, including in your lungs, urinary tract and belly
- Scar tissue in your belly causing blockages of the small intestine
- Your wound may break open or heal poorly
- Poor absorption of nutrients from food
- A phantom rectum, a feeling that your rectum is still there, similar to people who have had a limb amputated
- Stoma-related complications from skin irritation to a stomal hernia
You’ll need to stay in hospital for several days to a week after surgery while you regain your bowel function. You’ll then need a slow recovery at home over several months, focused on wound healing.
You’ll need to adjust your diet, starting with low fibre meals and you can gradually increase gentle activity like walking. Our team will also help you with management and care if an ileostomy or internal pouch was created.
Sigmoidoscopy
A sigmoidoscopy is an exam to see inside your rectum and part of your large intestine. Mr Youssef uses a thin, flexible tube with a light, camera and special tools, called a sigmoidoscope. You may choose sedation or gas and air for pain relief.
The large intestine is called the colon and the last section of the colon that connects to the rectum is called the sigmoid colon. It’s often where colon problems such as polyps are found. He’ll insert the tube into your anus and guide it through your rectum, sigmoid colon and most of the descending colon on the left side of your body.
The camera helps detect irregular tissues such as polyps, which can sometimes develop into cancer, as well as early signs of cancer itself. He’s also able to remove polyps or small tissue samples with special sigmoidoscope tools.
Complications from a sigmoidoscopy are rare, but the most serious risk is that the scope could damage the lining of your large bowel. This can cause an infection, bleeding or a small hole or tear in the lining of your bowel.
If this happens, your tummy might become painful and bloated, and you might need medicine or surgery to treat the problem.
You may notice a small amount of blood after the test, especially if a biopsy or polyp removal was performed. This usually settles within 24 hours.
You’ll need to rest for a short period, especially if you’ve had sedation. You may experience some temporary bloating and potentially some minor bleeding.
Most people can resume normal activities and return to work the following day, but you should avoid driving, operating machinery and consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours.
Stoma reversal surgery
Stoma reversal surgery aims to close a temporary stoma and restore your normal bowel function, allowing you to pass waste through your anus. This procedure involves rejoining the two ends of your bowel.
It’s important to bear in mind that reversal isn’t always possible or advisable. Mr Youssef will carefully assess whether it’s the right option for you, based on your previous surgery and your recovery.
Stoma reversal carries risks including:
- Anastomotic leaking where your bowel leaks at the join
- Wound infection
- Hernias
- Ileus – temporary bowel paralysis
- Blood clots and DVT
- Chest infections
- Bowel function changes
Most people take at least six weeks to recover from surgery, though it can take up to a year for your bowel habits to fully settle into a new routine. It’s usual to feel weak and tired as you recover, but you should try to do gentle exercise like walking.
You may also experience changes in bowel habits, such as looser stools or a sudden need to open your bowels. These usually improve gradually as your system adapts. It’s crucial to avoid heavy lifting for at least six weeks and to follow a bland, low-fibre diet initially before gradually reintroducing foods.
Transanal haemorrhoid dearterialisation (THD)
THD is a minimally invasive surgical procedure for treating haemorrhoids, also known as piles. It involves reducing or stopping the blood flow to the haemorrhoidal tissue, which causes it to shrink naturally.
Mr Youssef will use a Doppler probe to identify the arteries supplying your haemorrhoids. He’ll then place sutures, which are surgical stitches, to close them, causing your haemorrhoids to shrink. Because the technique doesn’t involve cutting or removing tissue, recovery is usually quicker and less painful than more invasive procedures. It’s also NICE-approved, which means it meets nationally recognised safety and quality standards. You’ll often be able to resume normal activities within a few days.
THD is generally considered a safe procedure with a high success rate and the overall risk of serious complications developing is low. Possible side effects include mild bleeding, discomfort or swelling. Complications such as infection, urinary retention, or the formation of an anal fistula are uncommon and usually treatable.
It’s normal to feel some discomfort in your rectal area for a few days after surgery, but this usually settles within a few days. If any prolapse has been sutured, you may feel a slight urge to defecate but this will gradually disappear as well.
Most people are able to return to work and normal daily activities within 1-2 days.
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