MB BS, MS, FRCS(Ed), FRCS (Gen)
Specialises in
I have been an accredited colorectal consultant since 2010 specialising in laparoscopic colorectal cancer resections, inflammatory bowel diseases, pelvic floor disorders, proctological disorders, day surgery and all endoscopic procedures (colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy and gastroscopy).
I did my surgical training initially in India and then my specialist training in the South Thames London deanery. I topped this off with an 18 month fellowship at the Guys and St Thomas' Hospital in London before taking up my consultant post at the East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust.
My expertise is in colorectal cancers especially locally advanced low rectal cancers and have had excellent results over the years. Majority of my private workload is in repairing all types of hernias mainly as day surgery cases.
I do a significant amount of surgery for perineal problems like haemorrhoids, fissures and fistulas. I am also an experienced and an accredited trainer in colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy including doing therapeutic procedures.
I have performed over 500 cancer resections with over 60% being done laparoscopically. I do an average of 150 - 200 day surgery hernia operations every year besides complex reconstruction of abdominal wall hernias.
I do about 250 endoscopic procedures every year in addition to the number of procedures I train other endoscopists.
I am the lead clinician for the project implementing a revolutionary new diagnostic test for colorectal cancer detection. We are the first in the country incorporating this in the colorectal cancer pathway. I am proposing the more widespread use of this test to improve early detection of colorectal cancer which is the second most common cancer in the UK.
An innovative approach and more easily accessible pathway is being offered. I was recently awarded the award for Outstanding achievement by the East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust in their Pride of ESHT 2019 awards.
Some of the principal treatments carried out by Mr Raj Harshen at Spire include:
Colorectal surgery
General surgery
MB BS / Medical College Trivandrum, India / 1989
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons
General Medical Council
Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland
Medical Defence Union
Lead for Implementation of FIT(Faecal Immunochemical Test) and Direct To Test Colonoscopy. Deputy Lead of the Colorectal Multidisciplinary Team
Named best trainer
February 2017
Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Eastbourne District General Hospital, Conquest Hospital, Uckfield Community Hospital
I live in Tunbridge Wells with my wife who is a consultant Clinical Oncologist working in the hospital there. I have a daughter who is a doctor as well and starting specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. We have travelled extensively and enjoy learning and exploring local history and culture.
I am a cricket lover and play for a local cricket club in Eastbourne.
I am a Formula 1 racing and football enthusiast as well.
In my free time I am an avid gardener and enjoy reading.