Mr Shahid Farid
Private Keyhole Gallbladder Removal
Mr Shahid Farid FRCS is a consultant hepatobiliary surgeon at St James's University Hospital, Leeds, performing one of the highest volumes of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Yorkshire. Private patients are seen within days and operated on within two weeks.
Years Experience
Peer-reviewed Publications
Typical Wait to Surgery
Verified Patient Reviews
Could your pain be gallstones?
Gallstones are one of the most common surgical conditions in the UK. They form when bile in the gallbladder hardens into stones — sometimes the size of a grain of sand, sometimes as large as a golf ball. When they obstruct the bile duct, the pain can be severe and debilitating.
Many patients spend months being investigated or waiting on NHS lists before getting a diagnosis and treatment. With private care through Mr Farid, you can be assessed and treated quickly, with certainty.
Sudden, severe upper-right abdominal pain
Often comes on after eating, particularly fatty foods, and can last minutes to hours.
Pain radiating to the back or right shoulder
A hallmark of biliary colic — the classic gallstone presentation.
Nausea and vomiting
Frequently accompanies gallstone attacks, especially after meals.
Jaundice or yellowing of the skin
Indicates a stone may have passed into the bile duct. Requires prompt assessment.
Bloating and indigestion
Persistent, unexplained digestive discomfort that doesn't resolve with antacids.
Fever and chills
Suggests possible infection of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) — seek urgent review.
Your Questions Answered
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An initial consultation with Mr Farid starts from £195. Fixed-price surgery packages are available and a quote will be provided after your consultation. Mr Farid is recognised by all major UK insurers including BUPA, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and Cigna — many patients have their surgery fully covered.
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Most patients are seen within a few days of their initial enquiry. Where surgery is recommended, this is typically arranged within two weeks — significantly faster than NHS waiting lists, which currently exceed several months in many areas.
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No. You are welcome to self-refer and contact the practice directly. If you have private health insurance, you should contact your insurer first to obtain a pre-authorisation number.
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Most patients return to light activities within one to two weeks. Those with desk-based jobs typically return to work within this period. Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided for four weeks. Mr Farid's team provides detailed post-operative guidance tailored to your lifestyle.
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Yes. Mr Farid regularly takes on complex cases including acute cholecystitis, bile duct stones, previous abdominal surgery, obesity, and patients who are immunosuppressed. His hepatobiliary and transplant training makes him particularly well-suited to anatomically challenging cases.
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Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery uses four small incisions and a camera, resulting in less pain, smaller scars, shorter hospital stay, and faster recovery. Open surgery uses a single larger incision and is now reserved for cases where keyhole surgery is not possible. The vast majority of Mr Farid's patients have keyhole surgery.
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Private surgery is performed at Spire Leeds Hospital. Consultations are available at Spire Leeds Hospital and can also be arranged at other locations. Contact the secretary for details of the most convenient clinic for you.
Mr Shahid Farid is a highly accomplished consultant general, hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgeon who possesses expertise in gallbladder surgery for gallstone disease, liver surgery, abdominal hernias and the investigation/treatment of abdominal pain. He currently is a Consultant Surgeon at internationally renowned St James’s University Hospitals, Leeds. He also has a private practice at the Leeds Spire Hospital, providing expert care to patients and acts as Expert Witness in medical–legal matters.
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