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Written by a NHS patient at Oaks Hospital
16th August 2023


Following a DVT behind my right knee in May 2020, I began to get eczema on my lower right leg. I was referred to the Dermatologist who examined my leg and then referred me to a Vascular Surgeon. My first appointment with Mr Adam Howard was at the beginning of March, 2023 and I felt immediately comfortable and confident with this young man. After examination and completing a Doppler test on both legs, he explained what he considered to be my best option; he took time to explain a procedure called an Ablation. I was also given a leaflet which explained the procedure and risks that could/may occur. I felt confident in his diagnosis so agreed to have this procedure done under a local anaesthetic. I signed the paperwork at the end of the appointment A few days later I had a further Doppler test with a Technician who confirmed the areas on my legs that needed attention. A letter arrived from Mr Howard explaining what would be involved for the Ablation. Following the second Doppler test, I had a telephone consultation with Howard in April when he confirmed that it was safe for me to go ahead to have the procedure. He also explained that if the procedure was not done, there could be a risk associated with ulceration of my legs which would be hard to treat. This comment galvanised my decision to go ahead with the procedure which was booked for the 6th June, under a local anaesthetic. In preparation, I ceased taking Warfarin 5 days prior to the procedure. On the 5th June I had a Clexane injection. I woke early on the 6th June, had a shower, enjoyed my breakfast and was driven to the Oaks Hospital, feeling both excited and apprehensive as I arrived at 7.45a.m. I was taken to the day ward and given a single room to await the procedure. Mr Howard arrived, chatted about the procedure and then marked my legs ready for the procedure to be done. I was by still experiencing a mixture of emotions but it was time to relax, gather my thoughts and be happy that today I was going to have the Ablation done. A nurse came into the room to ask questions, confirm my name and date of birth etc and then I was asked to put on a gown that been laid on the bed ready for me to put on. I was left at this point, found it difficult to figure out which way I should wear it and how to secure it, so called the nurse. We both giggled when we saw the size of the gown that had been left, it was big enough to cover both of us. She hastily replaced it with a smaller version - much better and comfortable. Later on, I was given a painkiller and asked to lay on the bed as I might feel a bit woozy. I listened to the voices beyond my room as I waited. Then, it was time for my procedure, I was taken by a young man, who was one of the theatre staff, in a wheelchair to the theatre. That young man helped me to transfer to the operating table and remained by my left shoulder throughout the procedure. It was fascinating as I laid looking around the theatre, chatting and feeling relaxed during the time that they got me ready to have the procedure. Mr Howard made sure that I was in the correct position for his work to be carried out, he was also aware if I was experiencing any discomfort so assured he me that he would give me another injection if required. Mr Howard and his team made me feel at ease and during the procedure the young man next to me chatted about living near the sea. Once the procedure was complete the table was adjusted - I could see all the protective dressings that were in place on both legs. I chuckled when Mr Howard said they were wrapping me up like a Mummy so I said, "In my case you will be wrapping me up like a Granny!" Mr Howard left the theatre at this point, so the young man helped me to transfer to the wheelchair to return to the ward. Mr Howard came into my room after a while and said that the procedure had gone well so gave me Post Operation Notes so that I knew when the dressings were to be removed and when to change from surgical stockings to compressions stockings. I lay with my legs elevated for an hour and a half following the procedure - during that time I tucked into a sandwich and some water. I was discharged from the Ward just after 2.00p.m. and collected to be driven home. I slept nearly all the way home. I began to feel a little pain near to bedtime so took 2 paracetamol; I had a 'cat-nap' night as I tried to get comfortable in either my bed or a chair, but eventually fell asleep in bed and was surprised that my legs were more comfortable than I thought they would be when I awoke the next morning. I did my first 'rehab walk', with my Nora Batty dressings covered by trousers, on the 7th June. Those dressings were removed after 2 days; the rest of the dressings came off after 5 days and I was in my Class 2 compression stockings by the 13th June. All of this post operative regime was as prescribed following the Ablation. It is essential, and a courtesy to the medical team, to make sure that we carry out their instructions to the letter and to get advice if we not certain. There is plenty of information available and the post operative booklet has been helpful too. I would like to express my hearfelt thanks to Mr Howard for his expertise and skill. His gentle manner with great ability to explain why the Ablation should be done was very reassuring and informative. I had my follow-up appointment recently - Mr Howard is pleased with the results of the Ablation. Compression stockings and emollient cream for life to protect my skin and support my legs is definitely in my daily routine now. I was extremely surprised and grateful to have the Ablation under local anaesthetic and would recommend it when offered to others. I am pleased to report that I walk daily, even up to 15,000 steps sometimes; my skin has improved, so I am happy with my experience on the 6th June. A big THANK YOU once again for all Mr Howard and his team have done for me. Best wishes, Val (79 years old!)

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Written by a NHS patient at The Lakes (Colchester Hospital)
1st March 2023


My personal experience with Mr Adam Howard has been a life changing one. I underwent a CERAB procedure at Colchester hospital in January 2023. Before my surgery I was not able to walk any great distance or climb stairs at all. My life had been on hold, incapacitated for 15 years due to the narrowing / stenosis that I had in several places. The impact on my life was truly awful. I can look back and honestly say I had been depressed for more than a decade because of the lack of use of my legs, Mr Howard has given me my life back. Learning to walk again is not like the saying "Once you know how to ride a bike you always know how to ride a bike'' its better, but a conscious effort has to be in play at first so as to not over do things, its quite tiring but just the fact that i can walk unaided and stand alone without wobbling or looking as though i am inebriated is indeed overwhelming. Yes this surgery has to be carefully thought through but, with my experience of having CERAB I can honestly say you will not regret the decision of going ahead with this new pioneering surgery. You will be in very good, capable and caring hands. I thank you Mr Howard from the bottom of my heart as at the age of 56, i didn't think i would be looking forward to and also doing the things i missed so much. Your most grateful patient Loraine Askari

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Written by a private patient at Oaks Hospital
31st January 2023


I had an ongoing problem with leaking legs for well over a year. At worst the dressings needed to be changed five times a day. Fortunately, I was referred to Mr Adam Howard at The Oaks Hospital, Colchester in September 2022. Mr Howard suggested a SIGVARIS wrap for my left leg. When I saw him for a follow up appointment, he suggested a compression sock on my right leg as well. Best thing possible was to see Mr Howard, such a helpful and understanding consultant. My legs have now completely healed. A district nurse was coming daily to dress my legs, over recent weeks with SIGVARIS wrap and socks my legs improved and today the district nurse has been discharged. I suggested to the team leader, who came today, to encourage anyone who has an ulcerated leg to give SIGVARIS a try. Elizabeth Kettle 25th January 2023

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Written by a NHS patient at Oaks Hospital
20th December 2022


I cannot recommend Adam Howard more highly. He explained the procedure ( Varicose Veins/foam sclerotherapy) thoroughly and he was clear in explaining the before and aftercare. The procedure was carried out in a calm and professional manner and I was left at ease throughout the virtually pain free experience. Absolutely fantastic and I left with legs feeling 20 years younger ! Not only was Mr Howard professional in his manner but was charming and polite with the patients interest close to his heart. An outstanding consultant I was lucky to have.

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Written by a private patient at Oaks Hospital
8th December 2022


I found Mr Howard extremely professional who after looking at my problem reassured me that he would be able to sort things out for me, which he has done. I found him a very pleasant man to deal with and he involved my wife regarding the aftercare as to what needed to be done which I found very helpful.

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Specialises in

  • General surgery
  • Vascular and Transplant Surgery

Profile

Mr Howard's clinical interests are:
- Varicose vein treatments (minimally invasive endovenous laser, VNUS radiofrequency and foam sclerotherapy together with traditional surgery),
- Keyhole surgery for herniae and gallstones,
- Treatments for excessive armpit sweating (Botox & ETS),
- General surgery (including open hernia repair, in growing toe nails, lumps and bumps surgery),
- Aortic aneurysm repair (laparoscopic, open and stent grafting),
- Arterial bypass surgery,
- Diabetic foot surgery, l
- Leg ulcers and lymphoedema.

Mr Adam Howard acquired his MBBS and BSc at the London Hospital Medical College in 1994 and later graduated as Doctor of Medicine, Imperial College in 2005 studying ‘The prevention of deep vein thrombosis in surgical patients’. His surgical training was mainly in major London centres under Professor Thompson (St Georges Vascular Unit), Professor Greenhalgh (Charing Cross Hospital) and Professor Lumley (Royal London Hospital).

Mr Howard has been a consultant surgeon at Colchester (and Honorary Consultant at St. Georges Hospital, London) since 2007 and during this time has set up a nationally recognised Laparoscopic Aneurysm Surgery Programme, Endovenous radiofrequency varicose veins service, Fast track carotid surgery service, VTE (Venous Thromboembolism) Prevention programme and a Multidisciplinary diabetic foot vascular clinic.

Mr Howard is the Clinical Lead for the Regional Colchester and Ipswich Five Rivers Vascular Unit and Senior Lecturer in Minimally Invasive Surgery and Robotics at Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford and Cambridge

He is a laparoscopic vascular surgeon who specialises in laparoscopic and stentgraft aortic aneurysm (EVAR) repair at Colchester General Hospital, a renowned laparoscopic minimally invasive surgery and training centre. Mr Howard performed the world’s first total laparoscopic repair of cyclists’ pelvic arteries and leaking aneurysm stentgrafts (Type One Endoleak repair). He also pioneered robot assisted laparoscopic surgery for elite cyclists.

His other main interests are in the prevention of VTE and patient safety in hospitalised patients. Mr Howard and his colleagues have developed a new online VTE risk assessment programme for all admissions that was awarded the NHS Innovations Award 2010 for Patient Safety. In 2014, Mr Howard developed an infection control electronic iPad tool to use in hospitals that was shortlisted for the National NHS Challenges Innovation Awards Dragon's Den.

In addition to vascular surgery, Mr Howard regularly performs general laparoscopic surgery for all types of abdominal herniae and sympathectomy for hand/axillae sweating.