Mr David Smith

Mr David Smith is a Consultant Colorectal and General Surgeon with extensive expertise in the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of both benign and malignant colorectal disease. He completed Higher Surgical Training on the Manchester Rotation before undertaking an Ethicon-sponsored Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.

His specialist practice encompasses colorectal cancer surgery, advanced minimally invasive techniques including robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery, and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes that optimise patient outcomes, reduce complications, and facilitate earlier discharge. He has a particular interest in the management of early rectal cancer and complex colorectal polyps, with expertise in Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery (TAMIS), allowing selected patients to avoid more radical surgery where appropriate.

Mr Smith manages the full spectrum of colorectal conditions, including colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), and a wide range of anorectal disorders such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal fistulas, and pilonidal disease. He offers the complete range of modern haemorrhoid treatments, including rubber band ligation, haemorrhoidal artery ligation (HALO/THD), stapled haemorrhoidopexy, conventional haemorrhoidectomy, and the Rafaelo® radiofrequency procedure, tailoring treatment to each patient’s individual needs.

He is a highly experienced therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopist, performing gastroscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy across both NHS and independent practice. He undertakes more than 500 colonoscopies annually and performs over 60 major colorectal resections each year, encompassing both elective and emergency surgery.

Alongside his clinical practice, Mr Smith has a strong commitment to clinical leadership, service development, and surgical education. Since 2022, he has served as Clinical Lead for General Surgery, providing strategic and operational leadership for the department, driving service improvement, workforce development, quality assurance, and the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred surgical care. He has played a key role in developing surgical services, supporting innovation, and promoting excellence in clinical governance.

Mr Smith also serves on the Health Education North West Higher Surgical Training Committee, contributing to regional surgical training and curriculum development. In recognition of his commitment to education, he was awarded the Health Education North West Excellence in Training Award in 2016. He is an accredited endoscopy trainer and regularly supervises higher surgical trainees and endoscopy fellows, helping to develop the next generation of colorectal surgeons and endoscopists.

In addition to his clinical and leadership roles, Mr Smith has extensive experience in medicolegal practice. He prepares independent expert reports for both claimant and defendant instructions in cases involving colorectal and general surgery, providing clear, balanced, and evidence-based opinions on breach of duty, causation, condition and prognosis. His reports are produced in accordance with the requirements of Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules, reflecting his overriding duty to the Court.

Mr Smith is recognised for delivering evidence-based, patient-centred care, combining technical excellence with compassionate communication, strong clinical leadership, and an objective, analytical approach to medicolegal work. His practice is centred on providing the highest standards of modern colorectal surgery while ensuring every patient and professional client receives a high-quality, personalised service.