Professor Sauid Ishaq

Prof. Saeed Ishaq is a distinguished consultant Gastroenterologist with interest in advanced endoscopy in Birmingham. He is a nationally recognized bowel cancer screening colonoscopist, specializing in advanced endoscopy and the treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders. His areas of expertise include gastrointestinal cancers, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Barrett's Oesophagus, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Coeliac disease, dietary intolerances, dyspepsia, Helicobacter Pylori infection, inflammatory bowel diseases, and anaemia. He is also a Visiting Professor at Birmingham City University (BCU), a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of London, and a member of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE).

Endoscopy Innovation :

Prof. Ishaq is known for his innovative work in the field of endoscopy. He introduced the technique of underwater colonoscopy and polypectomy in the UK, a method that involves a lukewarm water blast to reduce pain during colonoscopy procedures. He collaborates closely with international experts on this technique and has published extensively on it. Additionally, he regularly demonstrates this method in live settings both in the UK and internationally.

· Daily Mail Online – Read the article here

· Underwater Colonoscopy Video – Watch here

In the UK, Prof. Ishaq pioneered the flexible endoscopic treatment of Zenker's Diverticulum, establishing a National Centre for referrals from across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. His work has been featured in live demonstrations and has included treatments at Russells Hall Hospital. Additionally, he has introduced the flexible endoscopic treatment of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) using GEDX in the UK. He was the first in the UK to perform a full-thickness resection of early-stage cancer.

· Endoscopic Treatment of Zenker Diverticulum at Russells Hall Hospital – Watch here

· Flexible Endoscopic Treatment for GERD – Watch here

Prof. Ishaq also contributed to endoscopic Zenker Diverticulum treatment in Japan in 2019.

Later in 2024, he is set to introduce flexible endoscopic Zenker Diverticulum treatment at Harborne Hospital in Birmingham, UK, under HCA Healthcare.

Advisory and academic role

In addition to his clinical work, Prof. Ishaq has served as an advisor for NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) on interventional procedures and has contributed to the National Clinical Advisors' NCEPOD (The National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death): GI Bleed Study. He is an active reviewer for high-impact scientific journals and has authored or co-authored over 195 peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters.

Programme Director Birmingham International endoscopy symposium:

As the Director of the Birmingham International Endoscopy Symposium, Prof. Ishaq provides a platform for national and international experts in the field to share their knowledge. He is regularly invited to perform live endoscopy demonstrations and is a frequent faculty member at both national and international medical conferences.

He also maintained strong collaborative ties with several prestigious institutions worldwide, including Fudan University (China), Bezmi Alem University (Istanbul), and St George’s University (Grenada, Caribbean).

Medical Services Offered

· Colonoscopy

· Underwater Colonoscopy

· Bowel Cancer Screening

 · Gastroscopy

· Endoscopic Treatment for Zenker Diverticulum

· Coeliac Disease

· Inflammatory Bowel Disease

· Anaemia

· Dietary Intolerances

· SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth)

· Liver Disease