I am a enthusiast and leading proponent of Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery and have pioneered a number of procedures in the East Midlands. I perform over 400 laparoscopic procedures for hernias and gallstones every year with very low complication rates. Virtually all patients are suitable for Keyhole surgery, the most important thing is to find the right surgeon! I have been President of the Association of Upper GI Surgeons and on the Councils of the British Obesity Surgery Society and Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons. I run local and national training courses for hernia and gallstone surgery. I am an examiner in the final fellowship surgery exams. I have recently set up SWORD - a National Database for Surgeons which allows access to results and complications and will hopefully further raise standards in General surgery