Alan Woodward surgical group

28/05/2026

That pain after a fatty meal might be more than just indigestion.

Gallstones are surprisingly common, and once symptoms start, waiting isn't always the safest option. Left untreated, they can lead to serious complications including infection and emergency admission.

Mr Alan Woodward's new article explains the warning signs, when surgery is the right call, and what keyhole gallbladder removal actually involves. Read it here > https://awsg.co.uk/news/gallstones-and-gallbladder-disease-do-i-need-surgery/

05/05/2026

Struggling with persistent haemorrhoids? The Rafaelo procedure uses radiofrequency energy to shrink haemorrhoidal tissue from within – no cutting, minimal discomfort, and most patients are back to normal within days.

Mr Alan Woodward is the only surgeon in Wales offering Rafaelo. Our new article explains how it works, who it's suitable for, and how it compares with traditional surgery.

Read the article here > https://awsg.co.uk/news/the-rafaelo-procedure-is-changing-how-we-treat-haemorrhoids/

16/04/2026

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK – and cases are rising in people under 50.

If you're not yet part of the NHS screening programme, that makes knowing the warning signs even more important. Symptoms like re**al bleeding, a persistent change in bowel habits, unexplained bloating, or unintentional weight loss should never be put off or put down to something less serious without proper assessment.

The good news is that bowel cancer is highly treatable when caught early.

Mr Alan Woodward sees patients experiencing exactly these kinds of symptoms and offers fast, thorough, and discreet private assessment, including colonoscopy where appropriate.

Our new article covers the key bowel cancer warning signs:

https://awsg.co.uk/news/bowel-cancer-warning-signs/

04/03/2026

Not all groin pain is a simple strain, especially if it is stopping you from training or playing sport. In his latest article, Consultant Surgeon Mr Alan Woodward explains how imaging such as ultrasound and MRI can help diagnose sports hernias and related injuries that do not always show up on a physical examination.

In this article you will learn:
✅ When imaging is helpful for groin or sports related injuries
✅ How scans distinguish between muscle strains, core injuries and hernias
✅ Why an accurate diagnosis matters before considering surgery

If you have ongoing groin pain that is not settling with rest or physiotherapy, this article explains when further investigation may be needed. Read more - https://awsg.co.uk/news/when-imaging-helps-with-sports-hernias/

04/02/2026

New studies suggest that eating a lot of ultra-processed foods – like ready meals, crisps, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks – may raise the risk of developing colore**al cancer.

If you’re concerned about long-term digestive health or have family history of bowel cancer, this is an important read. We break down:

✔️ What ultra-processed foods are
✔️ How they may affect your gut health
✔️ Why a balanced diet matters for colore**al cancer risk

> https://awsg.co.uk/news/ultra-processed-foods-and-colore**al-cancer/

12/01/2026

Not all lumps and bumps need surgery, but some do. Whether it’s a growing lump, one that’s painful, changing in shape, or just won’t go away, it’s important to know when it’s time to get it checked.

In his latest article, Mr Alan Woodward explains:

– Common types of skin lumps and bumps
– Signs that warrant a surgical assessment
– What happens during an excision procedure
– How removing a lump can give you peace of mind

Early assessment can make all the difference.

Read the full article here:

For expert assessment of lumps and bumps and to discuss options including private excision with flexible appointment times, get in touch.

02/12/2025

Losing weight quickly – whether through dieting, weight-loss injections, or intense training – can have surprising effects on your gallbladder. One of the most common complications is gallstones, which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea and, in some cases, require surgery.

In the latest article, we look at:

⦁ Why gallstones form during rapid weight loss
⦁ Who is most at risk
⦁ Key symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

If you’re on a weight-loss journey or experiencing new digestive symptoms, this is an important read. >
https://awsg.co.uk/news/rapid-weight-loss-and-gallstone-risk/

06/11/2025

Persistent groin pain with no visible or obvious cause can be frustrating and difficult to diagnose. In our latest blog, we look at why modern imaging, such as ultrasound and MRI, plays a crucial role in distinguishing between hidden hernias, muscle/tendon injuries, and other causes.

Accurate imaging helps tailor the right treatment path: whether surgical repair, physiotherapy, or another specialist referral.

If you’ve been struggling with groin pain that’s not improving, this could be the link you need. Read more > https://awsg.co.uk/news/imaging-for-groin-pain-before-hernia-surgery/

06/10/2025

Padel has exploded in popularity across the UK. Sudden twists, lunges and rapid direction changes can strain the groin muscles or even lead to a sports hernia (Gilmore’s groin).

In our latest article, we look at:

✅ Why groin pain is increasingly common among padel players
✅ The difference between a simple muscle strain and a sports hernia
✅ When surgical treatment may be needed

If you’re an active padel player and struggling with persistent groin pain, it’s worth getting checked.

Take a look at the article here > https://awsg.co.uk/news/can-you-get-a-groin-injury-from-padel/

15/09/2025

Gallstones are increasingly becoming an issue for women in their 20s and 30s. While traditionally seen as a condition that’s most likely to affect women over 40, changing lifestyles and hormonal influences mean that younger women are now at greater risk than ever before.

Find out more in the latest news article - https://awsg.co.uk/news/why-are-we-seeing-more-gallstones-in-younger-women/