He has had broad and in-depth training in urology, with sub-specialist interests in:

• Endourology (minimally invasive surgical techniques to see into the urinary tract)
• Lithotripsy (using shockwaves to treat kidney stones, gallstones or bezoars)
• Surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)

He completed training in India and the UK as a higher surgical trainee within the northern region. This has given him the knowledge and skills to work as a full-time Consultant Urologist within a busy urological centre.

Mr Sakthivel participates fully in the elective and emergency service at South Tees NHS Foundation Hospitals Trust (STFHT). His diverse experience within the NHS and Indian Medical Health System has made him a confident, competent and versatile colleague. He is capable of supervising trainees and other healthcare professionals with full integration into the urology team.

Mr Sakthivel is particularly proud of his contribution to the Endourology team, providing complex stone procedures and upper tract interventions. He has transformed the extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) service at the James Cook University Hospital with the development of a rapid access service and training of the team. They provide excellent and timely care to patients. He has completed the PG Certificate in Medical Ultrasound and incorporated ultrasound into his endourological practice.

He has a strong interest in education and training and regularly supervises clinical and operative training during elective and emergency work. Mr Sakthivel has contributed to the formal (higher surgical training) urology teaching programme and is the lead for the Northern Surgical Skills Training Programme in Newcastle upon Tyne. This is for the Cadaveric PCNL puncture and dilatation course. He has a strong interest in research, having published many journal articles and presented papers in both national and international urological conferences.

• General urology
• Endourology
• Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) - a minimally invasive procedure using shockwaves to break down stones in the urinary tract, pancreas and bile)
• Benign prostatic enlargement, specialised in HOLEP
• Erectile dysfunction

• British Association of Urological Surgeons
• American Urological Association
• Endourology Society
• Urological Society of India