GASTRIC BALLOON - Key Persons
Dr Aathavan Loganayagam is a highly skilled and experienced consultant gastroenterologist with over 20 years of experience in the field. He completed his medical training at Guy's, King's, and St. Thomas' medical schools, followed by rigorous speciality training in gastroenterology and general internal medicine within the esteemed South London training programme. During his postgraduate training, Dr Loganayagam dedicated two years as a research and endoscopy fellow at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospitals in London. His research focused on pharmacogenetics, inflammatory bowel disease, and gastrointestinal malignancy, earning him awards and grants for his outstanding contributions, including the prestigious NHS Innovation London Award. Dr Loganayagam has an extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals, covering various aspects of gastroenterology. He actively participates in clinical research and has developed particular expertise in personalized medicine and the utilization of novel therapeutic agents for complex inflammatory bowel disease. Currently, he serves as the lead clinician for endoscopy at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich. His clinical expertise lies in diagnostic and advanced therapeutic endoscopy, with a specific emphasis on the assessment and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, strictures, polyps, and cancers. Dr Loganayagam is known for his approachable demeanour and excellent communication skills with patients. He places great importance on ensuring patients are fully informed and actively involved in their care. In addition to his roles at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Dr Loganayagam holds positions as the lead clinician for inflammatory bowel disease and nutrition at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, Woolwich, and as a consultant gastroenterologist at Orpington Endoscopy Solutions. Dr Loganayagam's educational background includes clinical fellowships in inflammatory bowel disease and endoscopy at Guy's and St. Thomas' Hospitals. He obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the Guy's, King's & St. Thomas' School of Medicine at King's College London, and holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) from King's College London. Throughout his career, Dr Loganayagam has been recognized for his achievements and received various prizes and awards, including travel grants, research fellowships, and the NHS Innovation London Award. His dedication to excellence in patient care is further demonstrated by his Level 5 NHS Clinical Excellence Award, which he received annually from 2012 to 2020.
Qualifications
BSc King's College London
Dr Devinder Bansi is a highly esteemed gastroenterologist based in London, renowned for his expertise in various areas of gastroenterology. With over 30 years of experience, he has established himself as one of the UK's leading specialists in the field. Dr Bansi's practice spans across prestigious institutions in the capital, where he provides comprehensive care in endoscopy, abdominal pain, bowel problems, cancer screening, liver disease, and heartburn.
Dr Bansi's academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Medicine from Southampton University in 1988. He then embarked on a series of junior medical posts before being awarded a fellowship in gastroenterology from John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, in 1993. In 1997, he successfully completed his MD thesis, following which he pursued further advanced training in London.
As a consultant gastroenterologist and honorary senior lecturer in Medicine, Dr Bansi served at Hammersmith Hospital and the Royal Postgraduate Medical School, now part of Imperial College. He conducts a substantial number of procedures annually, including over 1000 gastroscopies, 700 colonoscopies, and more than 100 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs).
Dr Bansi's contributions to the field of gastroenterology extend beyond clinical practice. He has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and actively participates in national and international studies focused on weight loss techniques employing endoscopy instead of surgery. He holds memberships in esteemed research committees and societies, such as the Hammersmith Hospitals Research Committee, the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), the British Association for the Study of Liver Disease (BASL), and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)."
Dr Konstantinos Mantzoukis is a highly skilled medical professional specialising in the fields of gastroenterology, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy, and hepatology. He obtained his qualification in Gastroenterology in 2011 in Greece and subsequently received a scholarship to further advance his expertise in Hepatology. With a strong dedication to his field, Dr Mantzoukis has become a JAG (Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy) accredited trainer in endoscopy in the UK.
Dr Nimal Balaratnam is an experienced Consultant Gastroenterologist specialising in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. With over two decades of practice, he provides private patient care at St Joseph's Hospital. Dr Balaratnam obtained his medical qualification from Nottingham University in 1991. He then joined the Welsh Deanery as a Specialist Registrar in 1995, where he furthered his research and training in endoscopy at Swansea University. His research focus included Helicobacter pylori, colonoscopy, and endomucosal resection. In 2003, he was appointed as a Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Royal Gwent Hospital, where he gained recognition for his pioneering work and leadership in establishing the Capsule Endoscopy service. Within gastroenterology, Dr Balaratnam holds the role of clinical leadership in clinical governance, undergraduate teaching, and endoscopy training at the Royal Gwent Hospital. He actively contributes to postgraduate teaching, sharing his expertise and knowledge with fellow healthcare professionals. Dr Balaratnam's qualifications include an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree and he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP). He is a member of the Royal College of Practitioners, highlighting his commitment to professional development and adherence to high standards of medical practice.
Qualifications
MD. University of Nottingham Medical School
Dr Noor Mohammed is a lead consultant gastroenterologist for Allure Weightloss, and is currently also the lead clinician for endoscopy at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Dr Mohammed provides both Allurion and Orbera 365 12 month gastric balloon placements in Leeds.
Dr Theodore Ngatchu is a highly skilled Consultant Gastroenterologist with a broad range of expertise. He completed his medical studies at the University of Padua, known as the oldest medical school in the world, where he focused his undergraduate thesis on viral hepatitis. He then pursued postgraduate training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the same institution, earning an MD thesis for his research on Liver Chemistry in heart transplant patients.
Mr Arul Immanuel is a highly regarded consultant specialising in General and Upper Gastrointestinal surgery. He holds the position of Head of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery at the prestigious Northern Oesophago-Gastric Unit located at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary. Mr Immanuel joined the Newcastle team in 2011 after completing a two-year fellowship at the Upper Gastrointestinal and Hepato-Pancreatic and Biliary Unit at the Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide, Australia. In his pursuit of expertise, he has undergone further training in minimally invasive cancer surgery in Japan, Hong Kong, and China.
Mr Brijesh Madhok is a highly skilled General Surgeon specialising in laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, General and Upper GI surgery, and Bariatric/Metabolic (weight loss) surgery. With extensive training and experience, he offers a wide range of services including Bariatric surgery, Weight loss surgery, Gastric bypass, Sleeve gastrectomy, Gastric band, Mini gastric bypass, Gallstones, Gallbladder surgery, Hernia repair, Gastroscopy, Heartburn, Acid reflux, and Hiatus Hernia. Mr Madhok completed his medical education at Maharaja Sayjirao University of Baroda, India, obtaining his MB BS degree in 1999. Following his undergraduate studies, he underwent rigorous surgical training in different hospitals in Yorkshire, UK. He further specialized in Bariatric surgery by completing a prestigious fellowship at Sunderland, which was approved by the Royal College of Surgeons, England. Currently, Mr Madhok serves as a substantive NHS Consultant at Royal Derby Hospital, where he provides high-quality care to patients. He also offers private consultations and treatments at the Nuffield Health Derby Hospital and Derby Private Health, both located at Royal Derby Hospital. In addition to his clinical practice, Mr Madhok is actively involved in medical education and training. He holds an Honorary Assistant Professor position at the School of Medicine, University of Nottingham. He plays a crucial role in teaching and training medical students, as well as mentoring junior doctors in advanced laparoscopic procedures and surgical training. Mr Madhok is a valued educator for medical students at the University of Nottingham and contributes to surgical courses organized by the Royal College of Surgeons, England. With a focus on providing comprehensive care, Mr Madhok's qualifications include an MB BS from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, MS (General Surgery) from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, MRCS from The Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, PG Diploma in Health Research from the University of Leeds, MD from the University of Leeds, and FRCS from The Royal College of Surgeons, England. As a testament to his expertise and professional affiliations, Mr Madhok is a member of esteemed organizations such as The Association of Upper GI Surgeons, The Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, the British Obesity and Metabolic Surgical Society, and British Hernia Society. Mr Brijesh Madhok's commitment to delivering excellent surgical care, combined with his dedication to teaching and training the next generation of surgeons, makes him a respected and sought-after consultant in the field.
Qualifications
FRCS The Royal College of Surgeons, England
Job Titles:
- Consultant General and Gastrointestinal Surgeon
Mr Gareth Hewitt is a highly respected Consultant General and Gastrointestinal Surgeon practising in Belfast. He provides his expertise at the renowned Hillsborough Private Clinic and also holds an NHS post at Craigavon Area Hospital. Mr Hewitt's clinical focus encompasses a range of specialities, including colorectal surgery, gastric balloons, upper and lower GI endoscopy, gallbladder surgery, and hernia repair. He holds fellowship status with the Royal College of Surgeons in both Ireland and Edinburgh, reflecting his exceptional qualifications and expertise. Mr Hewitt offers comprehensive treatments for various conditions, including bowel cancer, obesity treatment using gastric balloons, diagnosis and treatment of changes in bowel habits, diagnosis and treatment of blood in bowel motion, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain. With his extensive experience and qualifications, he provides exceptional care and surgical interventions for patients.
Qualifications
FRCS(I) Royal College of Surgeons Dublin
Mr Hasan Kasem, a highly accomplished Consultant Surgeon, has deep roots in Lanarkshire, where he grew up and attended school. He obtained his BSc (Med Sci) and MBChB degrees from the University of Edinburgh in 1991. Following graduation, he returned to the West of Scotland for his training, eventually earning his Specialist Consultant qualification in 2003 (FRCS Gen Surg, Upper GI). Mr Kasem's commitment to his local community led him to take up a consultant post at his hometown hospital, where he has been serving as a Consultant Surgeon at the University of Wishaw since 2004. Alongside his NHS work, he also provides private consultations. With a specialized focus on diseases of the oesophagus, stomach, and gallbladder, Mr Kasem actively contributes to the West of Scotland Upper GI Cancer network. He is an integral part of the West of Scotland Complex Hernia network, overseeing various types of hernia cases and employing different repair methods. In 2004, he established and developed the Lanarkshire weight management service, assuming the role of Clinical Lead. Mr Kasem's expertise in laparoscopic surgery, commonly known as keyhole surgery, is a particular area of interest. He consistently attends specialist conferences, staying updated on the effectiveness of different treatments and the latest techniques, be they traditional, laparoscopic, or novel. This extensive knowledge enables him to discuss various options with his patients, ensuring they make informed decisions about the most suitable and effective treatment for their condition. His professional affiliations include the General Medical Council, Medical Protection Society, Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow, Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, British Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society, Society of Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Association of Upper GI Surgeons, and the British Hernia Society. Mr Hasan Kasem's expertise and dedication to his field have earned him a reputable standing in the medical community.
Qualifications
FRCS (gen) Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- Consultant Upper GI
Mr Jamie Kelly is a Consultant General Surgeon with a specialist interest in laparoscopic and minimal access surgery. He obtained his BM and BSc (Hons) degrees and qualified in 1995. Mr Kelly has undergone extensive training in the field of obesity surgery, both in the UK and abroad, focusing on procedures such as gastric banding, gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and revisional surgery. Following his surgical training in the Wessex area, Mr Kelly pursued a two-year Australian surgical fellowship before returning to the UK in 2007. He was appointed as a Consultant General Surgeon at Southampton University Hospital NHS in 2008 and has since established himself as a highly respected bariatric surgeon. Mr Kelly is skilled in advanced interventional endoscopic techniques and has been a pioneer in the development of scarless endoscopic surgical procedures. He continues to refine and advance these techniques within the UK and actively participates in national and international research trials to improve patient treatment and care. In addition to his clinical role, Mr Kelly is a member of the Medical Advisory Committee for Spire Southampton Hospital, where he performs a range of general and bariatric surgical procedures. Some of the principal treatments offered by Mr Kelly include gastric bypass surgery, gastric band surgery, gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy), hernia surgery, and the LINX system. He also carries out the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) procedure, which provides weight loss benefits without traditional surgery or visible scars. The ESG is a safer, lower-risk procedure performed as a day case under general anaesthesia, typically taking around two hours.
Mr. Ahmed Hamouda, an Upper GI Consultant at Maidstone/Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust since 2010, has a wealth of experience in surgical treatments for obesity, gallstone disease, and reflux surgery. He is an active member of BOMSS and AUGIS, with numerous publications and participation in annual conferences. His primary focus is on laparoscopic and minimally invasive Bariatric techniques, including sleeve gastrectomy, gastric banding, balloons, and gastric bypass. He also shows interest in innovative methods like endoscopic sleeve procedures. Additionally, he is working to introduce these techniques at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Furthermore, Mr. Hamouda is involved in the development of enhanced recovery programs following Upper GI Surgery and explores the effects of bariatric surgery on metabolic syndrome. He offers single-session management for biliary stone disease.
His services at Nuffield Health include gastric banding, gastric balloons, sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal).
Qualifications
Ain Shams University
Mr. Anupam Dixit is a highly experienced General Surgeon, specialising in upper gastrointestinal surgery. He offers his services at Prime Health Surrey Medical Center and The London Independent Hospitals, where he provides expert care for various conditions including gallbladder diseases, groin and abdominal wall hernia repair (including hiatus hernias), acid reflux disorders, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. With extensive experience in the field, Mr Dixit has successfully performed over 500 inguinal hernia repairs, including over 100 complex incisional hernias, a majority of which were completed using laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery techniques. Additionally, he offers the Elipse gastric balloon, a non-surgical weight loss procedure, and performs complex weight loss surgeries at The London Independent Hospital. Mr Dixit underwent comprehensive training at teaching hospitals in London, followed by a fellowship in bariatric surgery at The Homerton Hospital. He further honed his skills at a renowned bariatric unit in Brugge, Belgium, recognized as one of the best in Europe. Prior to his current roles, he served as a Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at Homerton Hospital and later was appointed as Consultant Surgeon at Western Sussex Hospital. As part of Alliance Surgical plc, a national healthcare provider, Mr Dixit contributes his expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality care. He has a strong academic background and has published and presented extensively both nationally and internationally on various topics in bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgery. Mr. Dixit is affiliated with prestigious organizations including the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and England, the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, the Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland, the British Obesity & Metabolic Surgery Society (BOMSS), the International Federation for Surgery of Obesity (IFSO), and the British Medical Association. Mr Dixit adopts a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing comprehensive assessment, appropriate surgical interventions, and dedicated aftercare and support. With his expertise and commitment, he strives to provide the highest level of care and improve the well-being of his patients.
Qualifications
MB BS Rani Durgavati University
Mr. Dixit is a highly experienced General Surgeon, specialising in upper gastrointestinal surgery. He offers his services at Prime Health Surrey Medical Center and The London Independent Hospitals, where he provides expert care for various conditions including gallbladder diseases, groin and abdominal wall hernia repair (including hiatus hernias), acid reflux disorders, and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. With extensive experience in the field, Mr Dixit has successfully performed over 500 inguinal hernia repairs, including over 100 complex incisional hernias.
Mr. Paul Marriott's professional journey spans from studying in Manchester to serving as an SHO in London and undergoing surgical training in the West Midlands. Presently, he holds the esteemed position of Consultant General and Upper GI surgeon at Warwick Hospital. His research pursuits primarily focus on clinical practices and enhancing health service delivery. Mr. Marriott is deeply invested in collaborative research endeavors and has showcased his leadership as the former chair of the West Midlands Research Collaborative.
Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital is a distinguished healthcare institution, deeply rooted in the community and devoted to delivering exceptional medical services.