Hasitha Balasuriya

Current position: Colorectal Fellow CSSANZ

Contact: Balasuriya.hasitha@gmail.com

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After completing my general surgical fellowship in Australia, I applied for the competitive colorectal fellowship at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital, Europe’s largest colorectal unit, performing over 500 resections a year, plus another 150 IBD resections. The centralised model of care, sees nearly all colorectal pathology in the south east of Scotland, come through the unit, allowing for an extensive breadth of exposure during a 12 month fellowship.

The consultant surgeons quickly become your mentors, with extensive experience, many having undertaken overseas fellowships themselves. Techniques vary from open, laparoscopic, to TEMS procedures and concrete plans are in place to start a robotic unit in the near future. You will be expected to immerse yourself within the caseload, and make decisions both on the ward and operatively, with uniquely available senior supervision.

After a slow start, my operative logbook rapidly increased, performing over 200 major procedures, including 70 resections as primary operator, plus over 250 minor procedures. Clinics were well supervised and not over booked, and endoscopy lists allowed me to maintain my skills, and perform multiple procedures, including colonic stents and advanced polypectomy. Furthermore, the use of minimal sedation, and Scope Guide were additional facets of the NHS experience.

It would be inexcusable not to mention the beautiful city of Edinburgh, and the easy access to amazing destinations throughout Europe. My family and I travelled to over twelve countries in the last year, with an additional four short breaks in Scotland itself. The hospital is located in the northwest of a geographically very small city, and it was a delight running to work each day through the picturesque Inverleith Park, with city skyline views, made particularly spectacular during a colourful Autumn and in the snow!

This fellowship has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience. It would be ideal for a new fellow, looking to specifically improve their skills in colorectal surgery, dealing with advanced pathology whilst on call, and gaining a full armamentarium of skills during the elective weeks. This fellowship comes highly recommended, well recognised, and I will be very happy to be contacted to provide further information.