Mr Obichere was appointed Consultant Laparoscopic/Colorectal Surgeon, University College London Hospital (UCLH) & Hon. Senior Lecturer University College London (UCL) in 2003. He also works at The Harley Street Clinic. He conducted specialist training in Coloproctology at St. Mark’s Hospital London and Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.
He is a Joint Advisory Board (JAG) Accredited Bowel Cancer Screening Colonoscopist and is also Director Bowel Cancer Screening Programme at UCLH. Mr Obichere is president of the West London Chapter of IA (ileostomySurgery that involves bringing part of the small intestine, the ileum, through the abdominal wall. The intestinal contents are collected by a bag worn over the hole, or stoma. & anal pouch) Association and remains passionate in seeking through research, alternatives to abdominalRelating to the abdomen, which is the region of the body between the chest and the pelvis. stoma and to improving the quality of life for these patients.
He is a trained laparoscopicA keyhole surgical procedure. colorectal surgeon with specialist interest in minimal access bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. surgery, colorectal cancer screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to and surgical management of other benignNot dangerous, usually applied to a tumour that is not malignant. disorders of the gastrointestinal tractThe gut, which begins at the mouth and ends at the anus. and pelvicRelating to the pelvis. floor.
He has maintained an active research interest in this field and is a member of Surgical Sub-Group of National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI). He is the Chief Investigator of ISAAC (Initial Surgery in Advanced Asymptomatic Colorectal Cancer) – a National randomised trial exploring the role of early surgical excisionThe removal of a piece of tissue or an organ from the body. of the primary tumourAn abnormal swelling. in patients receiving systemicAffecting the whole body. chemotherapyThe use of chemical substances to treat disease, particularly cancer. for stage IV colorectal cancer. This trial has received funding and support from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and the NCRI respectively.
Philosophy: A multidisciplinaryRelating to a group of healthcare professionals with different areas of specialisation. holistic approach to provide high quality patient care through diligence in diagnosisThe process of determining which condition a patient may have. and cutting edge treatment.
Articles:
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Introduction
Faecal incontinenceThe involuntary passage of urine or faeces. is a major social problem affecting between two and 15% of the population. The condition is known to increase with age and it is estimated that 16% of men and 26% of woman above the age of 50 years will suffer from faecal incontinence. The cost implications for managing this condition in the community is considerable, with up to £100 million spent each year on incontinence pads, plugs or absorbents.
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Early diagnosis of bowel cancer is critical
Bowel cancer is a major health problem in the United Kingdom. Men and women are equally affected by the disease and improved survival is dependent on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of early stage disease (no cancerousMalignant, a tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body. spread to the lymphA watery or milky bodily fluid containing lymphocytes, proteins and fats. Lymph accumulates outside the blood vessels in the intercellular spaces of the body tiisues and is collected by the vessels of the lymphatic system. glands or distant organs). It is now widely accepted that most bowel cancers arise from pre-cancerous polypsGrowths on the surface of a mucous membrane (a surface that secretes mucous), lining any body cavity that opens to the outside of the body., and that early detection of these polyps (screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to) offers the opportunity to prevent bowel cancer developing and to treat the condition before it progresses to an advanced stage. A smaller proportion of bowel cancers are inherited and a detailed family history by the specialist is required to identify those who may be at risk of the disease.
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As the most common cause of death from cancerAbnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body., this article is essential reading for anyone who wants to know more about improving the outcome. In particular, it answers questions such as:
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Do I have symptoms of bowelA common name for the large and/or small intestines. cancer?
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What are the symptoms of bowel cancer?
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Should I be tested for bowel cancer?
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What’s involved in getting tested?
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What has been learned from bowel cancer screeningA way to identify people who may have a certain condition, among a group of people who may or may not seem to trials?
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Does inflammatory bowel diseaseA group of inflammatory conditions of the intestine. The two major forms are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. increase risk of cancer?
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Does the new bloodA fluid that transports oxygen and other substances through the body, made up of blood cells suspended in a liquid. test for bowel cancer work?
