Surgery.

General Surgery.

Professor Hakim has expertise in a wide range of general surgical procedures. He uses both traditional ‘open’ techniques as well as minimally invasive ‘keyhole’ approaches. His regular operative lists include procedures such as:

  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

  • Hernia repairs

  • Appendicectomy

  • Abdominoplasty

  • Haemorrhoidectomy

  • Varicose vein surgery

  • Excision of skin lesions

  • Abscesses

Transplantation.

Professor Hakim has a particular expertise in kidney and pancreas transplantation.

Since starting the first Pancreas Transplant Program in the South East of England, he helped develop the Transplant Unit at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and was its former surgical director.

Professor Hakim pioneered the finger-assisted nephrectomy technique (1½in incision below the ribcage), which has attracted patients from around the world. It reduces the operating time from 2-3 hours to approximately 45 minutes. According to new research, the donor is at lower risk of complications. The reduced operating time also means the kidney is optimised for transplant and allows the donor to be discharged sooner.

Professor Hakim’s expertise is highly sought after and he regularly performs transplants globally. Additionally, he has helped develop transplant units abroad and has established an international practice.

With the help of an expert nephrology team, transplant patients are offered a streamlined and bespoke service both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

Bariatric Surgery.

Professor Hakim has a busy bariatric service and regularly inserts gastric bands (LapBand ®) and balloons.

The gastric band is a surgical option and can be used to reduce food portions. The gastric band is placed around the upper stomach and is adjustable to control how fast food enters the stomach.

Adjustments are made by adding or removing fluid from the Gastric Band. It is normally adjusted six to eight weeks following the procedure by injecting or removing saline solution into a small port which is located just under the skin.

This is a key-hole operation which is done through five small incisions in the upper abdomen. When food passes into the stomach, the pouch fills very quickly, ensuring that any food passes slowly into and through the narrow opening which the band creates in the lower stomach. The food will then pass as normal through the digestive system.

Eligibility requirements: > 18 years old, BMI > 35 with a co-morbidity and failed to lose weight after 6 months on a supervised programme, BMI > 40 and failed to lose weight after 6 months on a supervised programme, BMI >50.

Bariatric Non-Surgical Solutions.

The gastric balloon aids weight loss quickly, safely and without surgery. The gastric balloon is a soft pouch made of silicone inserted through the mouth into the stomach endoscopically.

This is not a surgical procedure and does not require general anaesthesia. The procedure is performed under light sedation for comfort. When filled, the balloon takes up space in the stomach, to create a permanent feeling of fullness. The lack of appetite will help cut down portion sizes, thereby consuming fewer calories. The balloon only stays in place for 6 months and is then endoscopically removed. The gastric balloon procedure may be particularly useful for people considered too overweight to undergo surgery. The use of the balloon to successfully reduce weight prior to surgery can also help to reduce the risks associated with surgical procedures on overweight patients.

Another popular solution is the ‘procedure-less’ Allurion Elipse™. Similarly, this balloon fills the stomach and enhances satiety. However, the Elipse™ is swallowed via a small capsule during a brief office visit without endoscopy. X-ray is then used to confirm accurate placement in the stomach. The balloon is filled through a tiny tube that is removed. The procedure usually takes less than 15 minutes. Months later, the balloon deflates and passes naturally without the need for endoscopic removal.

Special Interests & Investigations.

In addition to his main practice, Professor Hakim has a specialist interest in the following:

  • ‘Veinwave’ - a popular non-surgical treatment to eliminate spider veins.

  • Paediatric surgery: hernias, appendicectomies, circumcisions, hydroceles.

  • Endoscopic investigations: gastroscopy, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy.

  • Expert second opinions.

  • Medico-legal opinions.