If you are experiencing symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, or a change in bowel habits, an endoscopy or colonoscopy is the “gold standard” for diagnosis.
Gastrointestinal endoscopies are minimally invasive procedures used to visually examine the interior of your digestive tract. Utilizing a thin, flexible tube equipped with a high-definition camera and light source, these procedures allow for precise diagnostic assessment. As an accredited endoscopist, Mr Nizar provides expert diagnostic and therapeutic evaluations of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.
This procedure involves inserting the endoscope through the mouth to examine the oesophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine (duodenum). It is commonly used to investigate symptoms like persistent indigestion, difficulty swallowing, or upper abdominal pain.
This procedure examines the entire length of the large bowel (colon) and rectum by passing a colonoscope through the back passage. It is the gold standard investigation for changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, or iron-deficiency anaemia.
Many gastrointestinal symptoms overlap across various conditions, making an accurate visual assessment vital. Diagnostic endoscopy and colonoscopy allow Mr Nizar to identify the root cause of your symptoms, screen for bowel cancer, and monitor known conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). These procedures allow Mr Nizar to see exactly what is happening inside. He can take biopsies (small tissue samples) or remove polyps (pre-cancerous growths) immediately, often preventing cancer from ever developing.
Furthermore, these procedures are preventative; during a colonoscopy, pre-cancerous growths called polyps can be identified and removed safely before they have the chance to develop into a malignancy.
Mr Nizar performs these investigations as day-case procedures, meaning you will be able to return home on the same day.
Comfort and Sedation: To ensure the experience is as comfortable as possible, procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic throat spray, conscious sedation, or light intravenous sedation, depending on your preference and the specific investigation.
Therapeutic Interventions: If a polyp is detected or a tissue sample (biopsy) is required, Mr Nizar can perform this safely through the scope during the procedure. This is entirely painless.
Advanced Polyps: For larger or early-stage rectal growths, Mr Nizar specialises in Transanal Micro-surgery (TAMIS) to remove complex polyps without the need for traditional major surgery.
Because these are minimally invasive, recovery is typically swift. If you opt for sedation, you will need a responsible adult to escort you home and stay with you for 24 hours. Most patients are back to their normal diet and light activities by the following day, with official biopsy results discussed at a follow-up consultation.
Investigating gastrointestinal symptoms requires a personalized, patient-centric approach. As a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon with extensive expertise in both benign and malignant bowel conditions, Mr Nizar ensures your diagnostic journey is tailored to your specific symptoms, medical history, and comfort preferences. Whether investigating persistent bloating, rectal bleeding, or screening for peace of mind, your care is designed to deliver clear answers and a precise management plan swiftly.
Mr Nizar is a JAG-accredited endoscopist, a certification that reflects the highest standards of safety and technique in the UK.
Endoscopy is a vital diagnostic tool that allows for a direct visual examination of the digestive tract.
Mr Nizar uses a laparoscope—a thin tube with a high-definition camera and light—to view the inside of the abdomen on a monitor. Specialized, high-precision instruments are then inserted through other tiny incisions to perform the operation.
Where appropriate, Mr Nizar also utilizes state-of-the-art Robotic Surgery. This advanced evolution of keyhole surgery provides the surgeon with a 3D, magnified view and highly maneuverable robotic wrists, offering unparalleled precision, especially in complex colorectal cancer treatments.
Compared to traditional open surgery, keyhole (and robotic procedures) offer significant advantages for patients, including:
Less Post-Operative Pain: Smaller incisions mean significantly less trauma to the abdominal muscles and tissues.
Faster Recovery and Return to Daily Life: Patients generally spend less time in the hospital and can return to work, exercise, and normal activities much sooner.
Reduced Risk of Complications: Smaller wounds drastically reduce the risk of post-operative wound infections and long-term incisional hernias.
Minimal Scars: The tiny incisions heal quickly, leaving only small, faint scars.
As a specialist Colorectal and General Surgeon, Mr Nizar utilizes keyhole and robotic techniques to treat a wide range of conditions, ensuring the highest standards of care.
Colorectal Cancer: Advanced keyhole and robotic resections to precisely remove bowel tumors while preserving healthy tissue and optimizing recovery.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) & Diverticulitis: Surgical management of Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and severe diverticular disease.
Abdominal Wall & Groin Hernias: Reinforcing weak spots in the abdominal wall with high-quality mesh through a minimally invasive approach.
Emergency Abdominal Conditions: Rapid, emergency keyhole assessment and treatment for acute surgical issues to avoid large, open incisions.
Recovery timelines depend on the specific procedure performed. While many minor keyhole procedures (like hernia repairs) are completed as day-case surgeries, more major bowel surgeries will require a short hospital stay. Because Mr Nizar is the Lead for Colorectal Enhanced Recovery at Frimley Park Hospital, your post-operative plan will be carefully structured to optimize your nutrition, mobility, and comfort, ensuring you get back on your feet as safely and quickly as possible.
"I am proud to work at Spire St Anthony's Hospital and Frimley Park Hospital, utilizing excellent facilities that include state-of-the-art integrated theatres and dedicated intensive care support."
Mr Nizar believes in tailoring every surgical intervention to the individual patient. By combining years of specialist training in London and Surrey with the latest innovations in laparoscopic and robotic technology, he provides highly precise, low-impact surgical solutions designed around your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term health.