About me
Mr Josef Watfah is an accomplished Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon with over two decades of experience in advanced abdominal, colorectal, and minimally invasive surgery.
Renowned for his precision, calm authority, and evidence-based approach, he provides world-class surgical care for patients with both routine and complex gastrointestinal conditions.
Mr Watfah completed his general surgical training in Austria, followed by two and a half years as a consultant at the University Hospital in Salzburg, where he worked in a high-volume colorectal unit delivering comprehensive care for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer.
In 2010–2011, he joined St Mark’s Hospital in London—a global centre of excellence for bowel disease—working under the mentorship of Prof. Phillips, Miss Vaizey, and Mr Wausavitarne as a Clinical Fellow and Resident Surgical Officer.
Since 2014, Mr Watfah has held a substantive consultant post at Northwick Park and St Mark’s Hospitals, where he leads emergency general surgery (both open and laparoscopic) and provides complex abdominal and colorectal interventions.
His dual exposure to European and British surgical systems gives him a uniquely broad perspective, blending technical mastery with an unwavering commitment to patient safety and comfort.
At LSDC Healthcare, Mr Watfah offers expert assessment and treatment for patients seeking discreet, consultant-led surgical care in the City of London—spanning colorectal disease, hernia repair, gallbladder surgery, and minor surgical procedures.
Professional Experience
Mr Watfah is currently based at Northwick Park and St Mark’s Hospitals, where he serves as Clinical Lead for Surgical Clinical Governance and Lead for the Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU).
He is a Recognised Trainer by the GMC, and a PACES examiner for final-year medical students.
In addition to his clinical duties, he is an Educational and Clinical Supervisor for junior doctors, a Core Trainee Interview Panel Member, and a faculty member for the CCrISP (Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patients) course.
His commitment to surgical education and research is reflected in his organisation of key meetings such as St Mark’s Meets Salzburg (2013) and Emergency Surgery – an Emerging Speciality (Royal Society of Medicine, 2016).
Qualifications & Academic Background
Mr Watfah holds an MD and trained extensively in general and colorectal surgery in Austria, completing his consultancy at the prestigious University Hospital Salzburg.
His international credentials were enhanced by his Clinical Fellowship at St Mark’s Hospital, one of the most respected centres for gastrointestinal and colorectal research in the world.
He is a Fellow of the European Board of Surgery (FEBS) and holds memberships with multiple leading professional bodies, including:
Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI)
European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO)
European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP)
Royal Society of Medicine (RSM)
British Hernia Society (BHS)
European Hernia Society (EHS)
Specialist Expertise
Mr Watfah is a recognised authority in coloproctology and abdominal wall surgery, performing both open and laparoscopic techniques.
He treats conditions such as haemorrhoids, anal fistulae, fissures, and pilonidal sinus disease, tailoring surgical plans to minimise discomfort and recurrence.
His advanced hernia practice includes inguinal, femoral, and umbilical repairs, with both keyhole and open approaches depending on patient anatomy and recovery goals.
He also undertakes laparoscopic gallbladder surgery for gallstones and biliary colic, ensuring rapid return to normal activity.
In colorectal surgery, he offers procedures such as bowel resection (colectomy), stoma formation and reversal, and sigmoid colectomy for diverticular disease, with a focus on patient-centred outcomes and postoperative recovery.
Mr Watfah also provides minor surgical procedures for skin lesions, lipomas, and sebaceous cysts, performed under local anaesthetic in a safe and private outpatient environment at LSDC.
Present Moment
At present, Mr Josef Watfah divides his time between his NHS consultant role at Northwick Park and St Mark’s Hospitals and his private practice at LSDC Healthcare in the City of London.
This dual appointment allows him to maintain the highest clinical standards while offering patients rapid, consultant-led access to care within a private, boutique environment.
Within the NHS, he continues to lead the Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) and oversee Clinical Governance for the department, ensuring safe and evidence-based practice.
At LSDC, his focus is on delivering seamless, one-to-one surgical care—from assessment and diagnostics to post-operative recovery—supported by the clinic’s integrated imaging, endoscopy, and anaesthetic services.
His current work encompasses:
Minimally invasive hernia and gallbladder surgery, providing short recovery times and reduced scarring.
Comprehensive colorectal diagnostics and treatment, including management of benign disease, haemorrhoids, and anal fistulas.
Same-day minor procedures for skin lesions, cysts, and lipomas in a calm, private setting.
Second opinions and complex case reviews for patients seeking clarity before major surgery.
Mr Watfah remains deeply committed to surgical education and innovation, mentoring junior surgeons and contributing to multicentre discussions on enhancing emergency surgery pathways.
His present focus at LSDC is to combine precision surgery with a discreet, patient-first experience, ensuring every individual receives world-class care with efficiency and reassurance.
Subspecialities
Mr Watfah’s subspecialist expertise covers a full range of colorectal and general surgical conditions, including:
Coloproctology: PR bleeding, haemorrhoids, anal fissure, pilonidal disease, perianal abscess, and complex anal fistulas.
Hernia Surgery: Open and laparoscopic repair of inguinal, femoral, umbilical, epigastric, and incisional hernias; abdominal wall reconstruction.
Gallbladder Surgery: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones and biliary pain.
Colorectal Disease: Diverticular disease, stoma formation and reversal, sigmoid colectomy, and bowel resection for benign conditions.
Lumps and Bumps: Excision of lipomas, sebaceous cysts, and benign skin lesions.
Emergency Surgery: Management of acute abdominal and perianal conditions requiring urgent intervention.
Patient Approach
Mr Watfah’s philosophy centres on precision, transparency, and trust.
Patients value his calm demeanour, clear explanations, and focus on comfort and recovery. He ensures every individual understands their treatment options, combining state-of-the-art surgical methods with genuine compassion and attentiveness.
Whether performing complex colorectal surgery or a straightforward hernia repair, his goal is always the same: to deliver safe, minimally invasive, and durable outcomes in a private, reassuring setting.
At LSDC Healthcare, consultations are conducted with discretion and efficiency—ideal for patients who value time, clarity, and exceptional care in the heart of London.
Why Choose Mr Josef Watfah at LSDC Healthcare
Choosing Mr Josef Watfah at LSDC Healthcare gives patients access to world-class surgical expertise within an environment of refinement and trust.
Located near Liverpool Street Station, the clinic provides swift access to diagnostics, imaging, and coordinated multidisciplinary support in gastroenterology, urology, and anaesthetics.
Mr Watfah is recognised by all major UK insurers and welcomes self-pay and international patients seeking second opinions or surgical consultations.
For patients requiring skilled, discreet, and compassionate management of hernia, gallbladder, or colorectal conditions, Mr Josef Watfah at LSDC Healthcare exemplifies the standard of surgical excellence that defines London’s most distinguished consultants.
Locations
LSDC Healthcare
A couple of minutes outside Liverpool St Station, this excellent facility is conveniently located for Surgery consultations in London. This facility is open during the evenings making it an excellent choice for busy professionals.
