The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland group is the 1000 plus surgeons, nurses, and allied professionals who advance the knowledge and treatment of bowel diseases in Britain and Ireland.

A message from the President

Karen NugentWelcome to the website of The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland. If you have just found this website then maybe you or someone close to you has a bowel problem. We recognise that may be difficult for you because bottoms and bowels remain the ultimate taboo.

Coloproctology is a specialty that deals with diseases of the lower part of the intestines. This includes the small intestine, appendix, colon, rectum and anus. Our members treat a variety of conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, functional disorders of the intestine and a variety of conditions of the anus such as haemorrhoids, fissures and infection. People find these things embarrassing and private and difficult to talk about. Early diagnosis is an important step to effective treatment of these conditions, so if you have a problem, tell your GP today and come to see us. Don’t lock you and your worry behind your bathroom door – the NHS has specialist Association of Coloproctology surgeons, doctors and nurses who are trained and equipped to sort out bowel and bottom problems.

The Association has been in existence for 22 years and has grown to include over 1000 members made up of surgeons, specialist nurses, allied medical specialists involved in the treatment of patients with colorectal diseases and members in training.

The Association has a number of aims that can be summarised as follows:

  • Advancing the science and practice of coloproctology for the public to benefit by ensuring that people suffering diseases of the colon rectum andanus receive the best possible treatment available.
  • Promoting best clinical practice in coloproctology amongst members of the medical and allied professions by education and training in the specialty.
  • Providing and disseminating information and advice to healthcare professionals and members of the public on matters relating to coloproctology.
  • Promoting the study and research into coloproctology and facilitating the dissemination of this research by scientific meetings and publication in the medical literature.

I hope you find the information available on this website helpful and enlightening. Information on a variety of common colorectal problems is available as well as links to other relevant websites. The website is undergoing major re-development to increase the functions available. Soon it will be possible to identify colorectal surgeons in any pat of the country which will make it easier for patients and their families to make sure that the surgeon treating them is a member of this professional organisation dedicated to the specialty of Colorectal Surgery.

Karen  Nugent, MA MS FRCS
President ACPGBI 2013/2014