Andrew C de Beaux

MD FRCS MBChB FEBS AWS

General, Bariatric, Laparoscopic and Upper Gastro-intestinal Surgeon

Brought up, (but not born) in Scotland, I graduated in medicine with Honours from Aberdeen University in 1988. My surgical training was mainly in Scotland with my final year in Adelaide, South Australia. I was appointed Consultant General and Upper GI Surgeon at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in 2001. Whilst now “retired”, I continue to work within the NHS across the UK, holding a number of zero hour contracts, mainly helping and training other surgeons undertake more complex surgery. I began my training in Bariatric or weight loss surgery in 2005 and was one of two surgeons (along with my colleague Mr Bruch Tulloh) who established a Bariatric Surgery Service in Edinburgh for both the NHS and private sector. We operated on our first patient in 2007. I have served on a number of government committees advising the national planning forum on weight loss management planning. I am the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh spokesperson for bariatric surgery. And I am one of the Associate Editors for the Journal, Obesity Surgery.

My main surgical interest apart from Bariatric Surgery is the repair of abdominal wall hernias of all types. I perform surgical repair of hernias either by laparoscopic (keyhole) or by open surgery depending on the particular hernia. I have a special interest in the repair of large or complex abdominal wall hernias. I am General Secretary of the European Hernia Society, and a past President of the British Hernia Society. I lecture regularly on hernia surgery at National and International Meetings, collaborate on research with other hernia surgeons in Europe, and have published numerous scientific papers and guidelines, as well as book chapters in this area of surgery.

In my spare time, I enjoy a variety of hobbies and interests. My two boys keep me fit and in addition. I have a very keen interest in Formula 1 motor racing and I was a member of the trackside medical team at the 2000 Melbourne Grand Prix. For relaxation, I enjoy using my hands at embroidery and gardening. As an adopted Scotsman, I have an interest in whisky, and the period of Scottish History that ended at the Battle of Flodden.