David Ratliff: Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon in Northampton

Training and experience

Mr David Ratliff qualified in medicine from the University of Birmingham in 1977 and undertook his higher surgical training in the West Midlands. After completing his training on a Fellowship in Vascular Surgery in Vancouver, Canada, he was appointed as a Consultant Surgeon and Senior Lecturer in Surgery at the Leicester Royal Infirmary in 1991.

Since 1994, David has been a Consultant General and Vascular Surgeon at the Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. During this time, he has led the progressive development and delivery of the general, endocrine and vascular surgical services in Northampton as high quality services with very good outcomes and a national reputation for clinical excellence.

David led the vascular service at the Northampton General Hospital (NGH) for over 20 years, introducing a wide range of new procedures and the latest technology and techniques. This resulted in major improvements and the formation of the Northamptonshire Vascular Service in 2012 with Northampton as the vascular centre.

Throughout his career, David has maintained a strong commitment to high professional standards and continuing professional development with up-to-date specialist knowledge. He was an Examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons and Intercollegiate Specialty Board in General Surgery for 16 years and Clinical Director of the Department of Surgery at NGH from 2001-2005.

David was awarded a National Silver Award for Clinical Excellence in 2008 and before that a National Bronze Award for Clinical Excellence in 2004.

Approach

David's approach is very professional and patient-focussed. He communicates well and keeps his patients fully informed and involved in decision making at every stage. He concentrates his considerable knowledge and experience to offer his opinion and expert treatment, based on each individual's needs and requirements. His primary objective is to provide his patients with the best possible outcomes for their problems.

Consultation

With over 27 years’ experience as a consultant in the fields of general, vascular and endocrine surgery, David provides private treatment for a range of conditions including hernias, gallstones, varicose veins and thyroid disorders at BMI Three Shires Hospital in Northampton.

Consultation fee: £190

Treatments

David has extensive experience in managing all general surgical conditions including hernias, gallbladder disease, anorectal problems including haemorrhoids and anal fissure, abdominal pain, pilonidal sinus, and removal of lumps and bumps. He is an expert in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and hernia repairs of all types.

A high volume endocrine surgeon, David carries out thyroid and parathyroid surgery with excellent results and an activity in the top 10-15% procedures nationally. He is a leading specialist in the management of thyroid cancer.

David is highly experienced in the diagnosis and management of all vascular problems including circulatory and venous conditions. He is an expert in the treatment of varicose veins by keyhole surgery and injection sclerotherapy, and also of spider and thread veins. He has wide experience in vascular access and the insertion of portacaths and central lines for chemotherapy.

Areas of interest

• Laparoscopic inguinal hernia and sports hernia repair
• Hernia repairs of all types, including inguinal, femoral, epigastric and umbilical hernia repair under GA and LA
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery)
• Thyroid nodule
• Goitre
• Thyroid surgery
• Parathyroid surgery
• Varicose vein treatments of all types, particularly the keyhole Venefit procedure and injection sclerotherapy
• Microsclerotherapy (cosmetic injection treatment) of spider and thread veins
• Vascular access including Portacath and Goshong line insertion
• Haemorrhoidectomy
• Excision of lumps and bumps
• Botox injection for axillary hyperhidrosis (excess sweating)

Research interests

During his career, Mr Ratliff has maintained an active interest in clinical research in the fields of endocrine surgery, general surgery and vascular surgery and has authored over 35 publications.

What patients say about David Ratliff

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