Mr Akeil Samier is a Consultant General and Upper GI Surgeon at Woodlands Hospital in Darlington. He welcomes both NHS and self-funding patients.

In his NHS practice within County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust, he practices as a Consultant Robotic, Laparoscopic and Endoluminal Bariatric/Upper GI Surgeon. He works within the bariatric unit of Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Please note: Bariatric Surgery is not currently available at Woodlands Hospital.

Mr Samier has a passion for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes. He has experience in a whole range of effective bariatric and metabolic procedures, including:

• Gastric bypass
• Mini bypass
• Gastric sleeve
• Revisional bariatric surgery

He has specific interest in minimal invasive approach in bariatric surgery, such as:

• Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)
• Gastric balloons

He set up the 3rd UK national centre for endoscopic sleeve, as well as robotic surgery in Darlington Memorial Hospital with colorectal and gynaecology consultant colleagues.

In addition to bariatric surgery, he has experience in Upper GI surgery, including:

• Anti reflux surgery
• Achalasia (s swallowing disorder)
• Hernia surgery
• Advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) general surgery
• Abdominal wall hernia
• Gallbladder surgery

After completing his training in 'General Surgery and Upper GI' in the Netherlands, he did a fellowship in 'Bariatric Surgery' in Newcastle. Mr Samier was privileged to worked as a Consultant Bariatric Surgeon at the South West Bariatric Surgery Group in Taunton. This is recognised as a 'Centre of Excellence' in bariatric weight-loss surgery. Following this, he moved to Darlington to set up a bariatric unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital in 2011.

His basic, advanced and sub-specialty surgical training was in the outstanding 'GIT Centre' in the Netherlands. This was in the academic medical centre in Amsterdam, which is the European post-graduate school in 'Gastrointestinal Surgery'. He has also been trained in international centres in Belgium, France, Germany and Switzerland.

Mr Samier is a trainer in the North East Deanery for surgical trainees of the 'Royal College of Surgeons'. He is also a faculty in numerous courses, such as advanced laparoscopic surgery and
bariatric surgery. Mr Samier is the organiser of basic and advanced laparoscopic training courses in both the UK and abroad.

He has been involved in the teaching and training of undergraduates and post-graduates. Mr Samier is also is actively involved in educational and clinical research, presentations and publications in major national and international conferences and journals.

Clinical Interests

• Benign Upper GI treatment (anti-reflux surgery/hiatal hernia surgery)
• Gallbladder surgery
  
• Hernia surgery
• Gastroscopy

• General Medical Council
• Royal College of Surgeons
• Dutch General Surgery Society