Mr Ashraf Elmetwally is a General and Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Surgeon with more than 25 years of surgical experience and over 12 years as a consultant. He specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of gallstones and gallbladder disease, hernias, with particular expertise in advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (gastroscopy/OGD) and complex abdominal wall reconstruction.

Mr Elmetwally qualified in medicine in 1998 before completing comprehensive postgraduate training in General Surgery. He subsequently obtained both a Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) in General Surgery, reflecting his commitment to clinical excellence and academic achievement. Following completion of his higher surgical training, he undertook advanced fellowship training in  Surgery at North Middlesex University Hospital, London, where he gained extensive experience in gallbladder surgery, hernia surgery.

He is on the General Medical Council (GMC) Specialist Register and currently practises as a General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. Throughout his NHS career he has been committed to improving surgical services and patient outcomes by introducing innovative techniques, including laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LBDE) and intra-operative laparoscopic ultrasound (LUS) for the management of gallstones and bile duct stones, as well as developing specialist pathways for complex abdominal wall reconstruction (Incisional hernias). These advances have enabled many patients to receive definitive treatment during a single admission, reducing the need for multiple procedures and promoting faster recovery.

Mr Elmetwally has a particular interest in the treatment of inguinal, femoral, umbilical, epigastric and incisional hernias, including complex and recurrent abdominal wall hernias. 
In addition to his surgical practice, Mr Elmetwally is a JAG-certified diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopist, providing high-quality diagnostic gastroscopy (OGD) to nationally recognised standards. 

Mr Elmetwally is committed to delivering patient-centred, evidence-based care. He believes that every patient should fully understand their condition and treatment options before making decisions about their care and works closely with each individual to develop a personalised treatment plan. Whenever appropriate, he uses minimally invasive (keyhole) surgical techniques, helping patients benefit from smaller incisions, reduced pain, shorter hospital stays and a faster return to normal activities.

Alongside his clinical practice, Mr Elmetwally has a strong commitment to surgical education, training and continuous professional development. He is a GMC-recognised Trainer, College Tutor, Royal College of Surgeons of England Examiner and Course Director for the Royal College of Surgeons of England Basic Surgical Skills (BSS) Course. He regularly teaches medical students, foundation doctors and higher surgical trainees and is actively involved in clinical governance, research and quality improvement. He is also undertaking advanced robotic surgery training, supporting the introduction of robotic general surgery services and ensuring his patients continue to benefit from the latest developments in minimally invasive surgery.

Patients value Mr Elmetwally's approachable manner, clear communication and meticulous attention to detail. His aim is to provide safe, compassionate and individualised care, ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of treatment from their initial consultation through to recovery.

Clinical Interests

• Gallbladder surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
  Gallstones and bile duct stones
• Diagnostic gastroscopy (OGD)
• Inguinal hernia repair
• Femoral hernia repair
• Umbilical hernia repair
• Epigastric hernia repair
• Incisional hernia repair
• Complex abdominal wall reconstruction
• Advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery
  
   

• Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSEng).
• British Hernia Society (BHS).
• International Society for Diseases of the Oesophagus (ISDE).
• European Society for Diseases of the Oesophagus (ESDE).
• European Association of Endoscopic Surgeons (EAES).