Bristol surgeon investigated by NHS Trust regarding mesh implants

Colorectal surgeon Anthony Dixon is being investigated by North Bristol NHS Trust after a number of women allege that they were left in severe pain following mesh implant surgery which he conducted. 

The Guardian claims that Dixon, a consultant colorectal surgeon at Southmead hospital in Bristol and the private Spire Bristol hospital, was too quick to recommend invasive surgical procedures to deal with pelvic problems.

According to the newspaper there are also complaints by several of the women that he made lewd or inappropriate comments about their appearance or sex lives.
 
Mr Dixon is said to have worked at the NHS Southmead Hospital and private hospital Spire, both in Bristol.
 
Mr Dixon denies any wrongdoing in relation to the procedures.
 
Mr Dixon had previously been described as a “pioneer” of mesh rectopexy, a procedure used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence, most commonly following childbirth. 
 
North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs Southmead Hospital, confirmed to the BBC that Mr Dixon is not currently performing the procedures at the hospital while it investigates concerns raised over the incontinence repair procedures. Mr Dixon is also not permitted to perform the procedures at the Spire private hospital in Bristol, while the NHS investigation is ongoing.
 
Emmalene Bushnell, solicitor in Leigh Day’s clinical negligence team who is currently investigating potential legal action on behalf of a number of women against Mr Dixon, said:
 
“We welcome the investigation by the NHS trust into the concerns raised by these women many of whom have experienced complications, which have resulted in years of severe pain and further surgery.
 
“It is important that these women’s complaints are now properly investigated and that any failings are identified so that lessons may be learnt.”