Private London Gastroenterologist
020 7616 7645
Dr Philip Woodland
BSc PhD MBBS MRCP
Gastroenterologist
Dr Philip Woodland, London Gastroenterologist
I am a Consultant Gastroenterologist and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the Royal London Hospital (Barts Health NHS Trust), a top London teaching hospital. My private gastroenterology practice is at the Princess Grace Hospital, in London's premier medical district around Harley Street. I work as part of the London Digestive Health group of top gastroenterologists.
I completed my medical training at University College London Hospital, and have obtained a PhD in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease from Queen Mary University of London. I am a member of the Royal Collegel of Physicians, the British Gastroenterology Society and the American Gastroenterology Association.
My approach is to ensure patients feel at ease, giving them the time they need to explain their symptoms, and the impact this has on their lives. I am skilled at reaching the correct diagnosis and recommending the right treatments.
In my practice as an NHS and private gastroentetrologist, I diagnose and treat a wide range of gastrointestinal illness, including acid reflux (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease), Barrett’s oesophagus, difficulty swallowing, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and gastrointestinal cancers. I am an advanced endoscopist, meaning I am skilled at performing diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy, colonoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound.
I have an active research portfolio at Barts & The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, with a particular focus on research into gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and difficulty swallowing. I regularly give talks at international meetings on these subjects. I am on the British Society of Gastroenterology Neurogastroenterology Committee, am a member of the editorial board for the Neurogastroenterology & Motility Journal, and I peer review research proposals for the Bowel and Cancer Research Grants committee and the National Institute of Health Research.
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (acid reflux)
This is a very common condition, affecting around 1 in 5 of the country's population. It occurs due to acid from the stomach moving up (refluxing) into the oesophagus. Dr Woodland is an internationally renowned gastro-oesophageal reflux disease specialist and has published multiple journal articles about the disease.
Barrett's oesophagus
Barrett's oesophagus is an important consequence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. It means that the cells in the lower oesophagus change to be more like those in the stomach. Barrett's oesophagus carries a small but increased risk of oesophageal cancer, so it is important it is evaluated by an expert endoscopist in the field. Dr Woodland is a designated Barrett's oesophagus endoscopist in his NHS practice and is skilled in Barrett's endoscopy and treatment.
Dyspepsia and peptic ulcer disease
Dyspepsia is a very common condition, describing symptoms such as upper abdominal pain and bloating, nausea and indigestion. There are many causes, with an important cause being a stomach or duodenal ulcer. Dr Woodland has wide experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating dyspepsia.
Swallowing problems (dysphagia)
Swallowing problems are common and often extremely troublesome. Difficulty swallowing may be due to a blockage in the oesophagus (gullet), due to a problem with oesophageal contractions, or due to an increased sensitivity of the nerves. Dr Woodland is a dysphagia specialist (specialist in swallowing problems), and runs an oesophageal clinic in his NHS practice. He has skills in the most up to date diagnostic techniques to diagnose and treat swallowing problems.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common and frequently misunderstood problem. Although tests to investigate for other problems are normal, severe irritable bowel syndrome can be extremely debilitating. Dr Woodland sits on the Neurogastroenterology and Motility committee of the British Society of Gastroenterology, whose role is promoting education and research into conditions such as IBS. He strongly believes in individualised treatments for IBS.
Gastroscopy test
A gastroscopy is a camera test that examines the oesophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small bowel (duodenum). It is the best test for visualising the upper gastrointestinal tract, and as such is the best test for ruling out cancers and ulcers.
Dr Woodland is an expert in diagnostic and therapeutic gastroscopy.
Colonoscopy test
A colonoscopy is a camera test that examines the large bowel. It is the best test for visualising the large bowel, and as such is the best test for ruling out bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. For this reason it is an excellent test for bowel cancer screening. It is also possible to identify and remove polyps, which if left alone can develop into bowel cancer.
Dr Woodland is an expert in diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition where the body's own immune system causes inflammation in the bowel. The most common types of the this are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The main symptoms can be diarrhoea, abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. Dr Woodland has experience in diagnosing and treating inflammatory bowel disease
Examples of conditions treated and tests performed by Dr Woodland
Private Office:
tel: 020 7616 7645, fax: 020 3219 3289
email: ldh@hcahealthcare.co.uk
post: London Digestive Health, 41 Welbeck Street, Marylebone, London W1G 8DU