- Dr Anthony Dixon pioneered new techniques for dealing with pelvic problems
- Many of his patients sought help after undergoing a traumatic childbirth
- Patients complain he was failed to warn them fully of the side effects of surgery
- Dr Dixon is also facing investigation by the General Medical Council
Dr Anthony Dixon, pictured, is under investigation by the General Medical Council and is facing legal complaints by around 100 patients
A group of women are planning to sue one of Britain’s top surgeons over claims he has left them in agony following invasive surgical problems.
The woman, who were treated by Anthony Dixon, a consultant colorectal surgeon at South Mead hospital in Bristol believe he was recommended operations which were not in their best interests to deal with pelvic problems.
Also, some of the women claim he made ‘lewd’ or ‘inappropriate’ remarks during consultations.
It is understood approximately 100 women have made complaints against the surgeon.
The surgeon, who is highly regarded and developed pioneering treatment for bowel problems has been suspended and faces a Fitness to Practice inquiry by the General Medical Council.
According to The Guardian, Dr Dixon said he could not comment due to patient confidentiality.
He said: ‘As with any surgical procedure, there may be complications but I would like to reassure patients that the overwhelming majority of operations I have completed have been successful.’
Several former patients of Dr Dixon’s spoke to the Guardian and said they had not been warned adequately about the risks posed by rectopexy – where a plastic mesh is used to repair the pelvic floor.
One patient, Sam van der Heijden, 57, from Hastings, East Sussex said she had suffered a damaged rectum during childbirth and was referred to Dr Dixon.
Dr Dixon performed surgery at the Spire Hospital in Bristol as well as in South Mead hospital
She said following surgery, it appeared everything had worked fine, although she had to undergo several repeated treatments – including the removal of her colon.
She claims Dr Dicon said to her: ‘I don’t do aftercare. You’re costing me money. You’re supposed to be out of here in five days.’
MailOnline has approached North Bristol NHS Trust for a comment.