General surgery is carried out on all four hospital sites, with more complex cases seen at Lincoln County Hospital and Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.
Lincoln County Hospital
Lincoln’s general surgery department has seven surgeons on site, of which five specialise in colorectal surgery, one specialises in upper gastro-intestinal surgery and the other has a special interest in emergency surgery.
We perform a range of surgical operations including surgery for groin, hernia, gall bladder surgery, incisional hernia and lumps and bumps ranging from minor cases to highly complex surgery.
We also provide a very comprehensive range of laparoscopic (key hole) surgical services both for elective and emergency cases.
Our colorectal unit comprises of seven surgeons (two from Grantham) supported by five specialist nurses. These nurses take on the role of “key worker” for patients that have been diagnosed with cancer of the colon. They provide high level support and care for the patient throughout their pathway. We also provide fully fledged oncology services to offer a comprehensive range of treatments for bowel cancer.
Over the past five years we have made significant changes to our surgical procedures and now over 60% of our major operations are carried out using state of the art key hole surgery techniques. This provides for a far better patient experience with enhanced outcomes.
We have a dedicated surgical emergency admissions unit with 28 beds and a separate assessment room supported by three specialist acute surgical care practitioners
The department provides a comprehensive service for benign rectal conditions such as fistulas, haemorrhoids, rectal prolapse, anal tag and surgery for pilonidal sinuses.
Pilgrim Hospital, Boston
The general surgery department provides assessment, investigation, treatment and follow-up for all surgical conditions. The service is provided by a multi-disciplinary team including consultants, nurses and diagnostic staff, radiology and oncology. There exists a patient centred ethos of care.
The services are provided are for general surgery and colorectal cancer out of Pilgrim Hospital, Johnson Hospital and Skegness District Hospital from outpatients, theatres, day surgery units, endoscopy unit, critical care unit, wards and diagnostic facilities.
Colorectal surgery
There are four specialist colorectal surgeons at present and they provide a full range of colorectal surgical procedures including flexible sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, all colorectal cancer resections including low and ultra-low anterior resections, complex perineal reconstruction in collaboration with the plastic surgeons, laparoscopic colonic resections, surgery for inflammatory bowel disease including pouch reconstructions and all minor colorectal procedures.
Paediatric surgery
Pilgrim has a well-established paediatric surgical service operating in collaboration with the paediatricians, anaesthetists with paediatric interest. We provide local service for minor procedures like hernia repair, hydrocoeles, circumcision etc.
Grantham and District Hospital
Grantham and District Hospital has an accredited surgical hub, which has been recognised nationally for its high standards in clinical and operational practice.
Surgical hubs, which are separated from emergency services, are part of plans nationally to increase capacity for elective care with more dedicated operating theatres and beds.
The hubs exclusively perform planned surgery and mainly focus on high volume, low complexity (HVLC) surgery across various specialties including ophthalmology, general surgery, orthopaedics, gynaecology, ear nose and throat, and urology.
Learn more about elective surgical hubs on the Patients Association website.
General Surgery services delivered at Grantham include outpatient clinics, upper and lower gastro-intestinal endoscopy and a wide range of general and colorectal operations, a significant number of which are performed with keyhole techniques. These can be day case but we also undertake inpatient surgery ranging from hernias to major colorectal operations. Grantham is the only site in the Trust currently offering laparoscopic hernia repair and our well established day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy service compares well with national standards. If an intensive care bed is required for surgery, your surgeon will arrange your surgery at Lincoln. You may need to travel there to see the anaesthetist beforehand.
County Hospital Louth
General surgery at Louth includes outpatient endoscopy and simple non-complex day surgery with the delivery of inpatient services when needed.