Research

As a dedicated clinical researcher, I bring extensive hands-on experience from St. Mark's Hospital, where I addressed the complex challenges of wound healing in Crohn's Disease. My work has provided crucial insights into immune cell function, leading to transformative recovery strategies. At University College London, I have also developed biodegradable polymers for tissue engineering, merging creativity and science to improve patient care. I have presented my research at numerous national and international conferences and published in several peer-reviewed journals, all aimed at revolutionising patient outcomes and advancing colorectal treatment.

The following represents a selection of my published research and peer-reviewed work.

COLORECTAL SURGERY

[Awaiting formal journal assignment] · 2026

Implementation and Evaluation of a Postoperative Virtual Hospital Pathway for Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Analysis

Whelan H, Thapa B, Massias S, Reza L, Johnson N, Kinross J, Daulatzai N, Patel V. Implementation and Evaluation of a Postoperative Virtual Hospital Pathway for Elective Colorectal Surgery: A Propensity-Matched Analysis. doi: https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.20.26353655

A propensity-matched analysis evaluating the safety, feasibility, and patient outcomes of a structured virtual hospital pathway introduced following elective colorectal surgery.

ROBOTIC SURGERY

Journal of Robotic Surgery · 2025

Transitioning to da Vinci Xi for colorectal cancer surgery: a prospective cohort study of 102 cases from a UK centre with a structured robotic programme.

Massias S, Vadhwana B, Rad AA, Reza L, Franklyn J, Hollingshead J, Daulatzai N, Patel V. Transitioning to da Vinci Xi for colorectal cancer surgery: a prospective cohort study of 102 cases from a UK centre with a structured robotic programme. J Robot Surg. 2025 Sep 29;19(1):644. doi: 10.1007/s11701-025-02832-1. PMID: 41021138. Free PMC article.

A prospective cohort study of 102 consecutive cases reporting the outcomes and learning curve associated with transitioning a structured robotic colorectal cancer programme to the da Vinci Xi platform.

COVID-19 & Cancer Services

British Journal of Surgery · 2020

Colorectal Cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Courtney A, Howell AM, Daulatzai N, Savva N, Warren O, Mills S, Rasheed S, Milind G, Tekkis N, Gardiner M, Dai T, Safar B, Efron JE, Darzi A, Kontovounisios C, Tekkis P. Colorectal Cancer services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Br J Surg. 2020; 107(8):e255-e256

Reports how colorectal cancer services adapted during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the immediate challenges facing surgical cancer pathways.

COVID-19 & Cancer Services

International Journal of Surgery Protocols · 2020

CRC COVID: Colorectal cancer services during COVID-19 pandemic. Study protocol for service evaluation

Courtney A, Howell AM, Daulatzai N, Savva N, Warren O, Mills S, Rasheed S, Milind G, Tekkis N, Gardiner M, Dai T, Safar B, Efron JE, Darzi A, Kontovounisios C, Tekkis P. CRC COVID: Colorectal cancer services during COVID-19 pandemic. Study protocol for service evaluation. Int J Surg Protoc. 2020;23:15-19

Sets out the protocol for a multi-centre service evaluation studying how colorectal cancer pathways were maintained and modified during the pandemic.

COVID-19 & Cancer Services

British Journal of Surgery · 2020

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer service provision

Courtney A, Howell AM, Daulatzai N, Savva N, Warren O, Mills S, Rasheed S, Milind G, Tekkis N, Gardiner M, Dai T, Safar B, Efron JE, Darzi A, Kontovounisios C, Tekkis P. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer service provision. Br J Surg. 2020; 107(11):e521-e522

Examines the effect of the pandemic on the delivery of colorectal cancer care, including changes to referral patterns, treatment timelines, and service capacity.

Perianal Surgery

Colorectal Disease · 2018

Extremely high fistulotomy: the 'razor-blade sphincter', incremental evolution of practice, and patient satisfaction

Daulatzai N, Totaro A, Adegbola S, Sahnan K, Phillips R, Tozer P. Extremely high fistulotomy: the 'razor-blade sphincter', incremental evolution of practice, and patient satisfaction. Colorectal Dis. 2018;20(S7):1-64

Reviews a refined fistulotomy technique for high trans-sphincteric fistulas and reports patient outcomes and satisfaction with this evolving approach.

Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal Disease · 2017

MRI nodal staging is not an indication for neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer

David G, Daulatzai N, Nizar S, Tilney HS, Gudgeon AM. MRI nodal staging is not an indication for neoadjuvant radiotherapy for rectal cancer. Colorectal Dis. 2017;19(S4):4-13

Challenges the routine use of neoadjuvant radiotherapy based on MRI nodal staging alone and discusses patient selection for rectal cancer treatment.

Crohn's Disease & Wound Healing

British Journal of Surgery · 2015

A randomised control study to assess the effect of digitation in the management of open perineal wounds

Daulatzai N, Slater RC, Robinson D, Mann ER, Hart AL, Sibbons P, Warusavitarne J, Phillips RKS. A randomised control study to assess the effect of digitation in the management of open perineal wounds. BJS. 2015;102(S1):127-301

Evaluates whether digitation improves healing of open perineal wounds, a common and difficult problem after colorectal surgery in Crohn's disease.

Crohn's Disease & Wound Healing

British Journal of Surgery · 2015

The Role of Dendritic and T-Cell function and migration in the development of cutaneous wound failure in Crohn's Disease

Daulatzai N, Hart AL, Slater RC, Bernardo-Ordiz D, Al-Hassi HO, Tozer P, Phillips RKS, Mann ER, Knight SC. The Role of Dendritic and T-Cell function and migration in the development of cutaneous wound failure in Crohn's Disease. BJS. 2015;102(S1):127-301

Explores how immune cell function and migration may explain why perineal and cutaneous wounds fail to heal in patients with Crohn's disease.

Crohn's Disease & Fistula

Colorectal Disease · 2015

What role do bacteria play in persisting fistula formation in idiopathic and Crohn's anal fistula?

Tozer PJ, Rayment N, Hart AL, Daulatzai N, Murugananthan AU, Whelan K, Phillips RKS. What role do bacteria play in persisting fistula formation in idiopathic and Crohn's anal fistula? Colorectal Dis. 2015;17(3):235-41

Investigates the microbial environment in anal fistula tracts and whether bacterial colonisation contributes to persistence in Crohn's and idiopathic disease.

Patient Safety

Patient Safety in Surgery · 2014

Surgical ward rounds in England: a trainee-led multi-centre study of current practice

Audit and Research Collaborative of Surgeons (SPARCS); Northwest Research Collaborative. Surgical ward rounds in England: a trainee-led multi-centre study of current practice. Patient Saf Surg. 2014;8(1):11

Multi-centre audit of how surgical ward rounds are conducted across England, identifying variation in practice and opportunities to improve patient safety.

Perianal Fistula & Imaging

Diseases of the Colon & Rectum · 2012

A diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis of endoanal ultrasound and MRI for perianal fistula assessment

Siddiqui MR, Ashrafian H, Tozer P, Daulatzai N, Burling D, Hart A, Phillips RKS. A diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis of endoanal ultrasound and MRI for perianal fistula assessment. Dis Colon Rectum. 2012;55(5):576-85

Compares the diagnostic accuracy of endoanal ultrasound and MRI in mapping perianal fistulas to guide surgical planning and reduce recurrence.

Perianal Fistula & Imaging

Gut · 2012

A diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis of endoanal ultrasound and MRI for perianal fistula assessment (Gut abstract)

Siddiqui MR, Ashrafian H, Tozer P, Daulatzai N, Burling D, Hart A, Phillips RKS. A diagnostic accuracy meta-analysis of endoanal ultrasound and MRI for perianal fistula assessment. Gut. 2012;61:A233-A234

Conference presentation of a meta-analysis comparing imaging modalities used to assess complex perianal fistulas before surgery.

Perineal Surgery

International Journal of Surgery · 2012

Factors associated with the development of the unhealed perineum following surgery

Ip B, Daulatzai N, Jones M, Williams G, Alexander H, Bassett P, Phillips RKS. Factors associated with the development of the unhealed perineum following surgery. Int J Surg. 2012;10(8):S28

Identifies clinical and surgical factors linked to failure of perineal wound healing after colorectal procedures.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Journal of Crohn's and Colitis · 2012

P021 Glucagon-like peptide-2 modulates the production of proinflammatory cytokine interferon-γ in human blood and intestinal dendritic cells a potential new therapy for Crohn's disease

Tee CT, Peake S, Bernardo D, Mann E, Landy J, Daulatzai N, Wallis K, Gabe SM, Knight S, Al Hassi HO. P021 Glucagon-like peptide-2 modulates the production of proinflammatory cytokine interferon-γ in human blood and intestinal dendritic cells a potential new therapy for Crohn's disease. J Crohns Colitis. 2012;6(Supplement 1):S19

Explores whether GLP-2 can reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine production in dendritic cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic pathway in Crohn's disease.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Journal of Crohn's and Colitis · 2012

P067 Dysregulation of human dendritic cell function in ulcerative colitis

Mann E, Bernardo D, Vallejo-Diez S, Peake S, Al-Hassi HO, Martinez-Abad B, Montalvillo E, Tee C, Landy J, Daulatzai N, Hart A, Nunez H, Fernandez Salazar L, Garrote JA, Arranz E, Knight S. P067 Dysregulation of human dendritic cell function in ulcerative colitis. J Crohns Colitis. 2012;6(Supplement 1):S37

Conference abstract examining altered dendritic cell behaviour in ulcerative colitis and its contribution to chronic intestinal inflammation.

Intestinal Failure

Gut · 2011

8-year experience of enterocutaneous fistulae at a national intestinal failure centre

Rahbour G, Warusavitarne J, Gabe S, Hart A, Tozer P, Daulatzai N, Vaizey C. 8-year experience of enterocutaneous fistulae at a national intestinal failure centre. Gut. 2011;60:A90-A91

Summarises eight years of experience managing enterocutaneous fistulas at a specialist intestinal failure unit, reporting healing rates and treatment strategies.

Crohn's Disease & Fistula

Gut · 2011

Dendritic cell homing and immune cell function in crohn's anal fistulae

Tozer P, Al-Hassi O, Rayment N, Bernardo Ordiz D, Murguranathan A, Daulatzai N, Ansari T, Whelan K, Phillips R, Knight S, Hart A. Dendritic cell homing and immune cell function in crohn's anal fistulae. Gut. 2011;60:A220-A221

Investigates immune cell trafficking and dendritic cell behaviour in Crohn's anal fistulas to better understand why these fistulas persist.

Haemorrhoid Surgery

International Journal of Surgery · 2011

Meta-analysis of the use of glyceryl trinitrate ointment after haemorrhoidectomy as an analgesic in promoting wound healing (Letter to editor)

Siddiqui MR, Daulatzai N. Meta-analysis of the use of glyceryl trinitrate ointment after haemorrhoidectomy as an analgesic in promoting wound healing (Letter to editor). Int J Surg. 2011;9(3):272

Letter discussing pooled evidence on glyceryl trinitrate ointment for pain relief and wound healing following haemorrhoidectomy.

Immunology

Immunology · 2011

Protective subunit of bacillus anthracis enhances human dendritic cell activation, reduces dendritic cell production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and enhances T-cell stimulation

Mann E, English N, Bernardo D, Al-Hassi H, Tee C, Daulatzai N, Landy J, Peake S, Williamson E, Knight S. Protective subunit of bacillus anthracis enhances human dendritic cell activation, reduces dendritic cell production of anti-inflammatory cytokines and enhances T-cell stimulation. Immunology. 2011;135:209

Studies how a bacterial protective antigen modulates dendritic cell activity and T-cell responses, with relevance to understanding immune regulation in inflammatory disease.

Endoscopy & Crohn's Disease

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy · 2011

SU1581 Endoscopic outcomes after Ileo-Caecal resection for Crohn's Disease: A prospective single tertiary centre study

Murugananthan A, Tripoli S, Daulatzai N, Kamm M, Arebi N. SU1581 Endoscopic outcomes after Ileo-Caecal resection for Crohn's Disease: A prospective single tertiary centre study. Gastrointest Endosc. 2011;73(4):AB311

Prospective study of endoscopic findings after ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease, assessing recurrence and post-operative mucosal healing.

Crohn's Disease & Fistula

Gut · 2011

The rectal mucosa in patients with Crohn's anal fistulae harbours lower numbers of bifidobacteria, and the fistula tracts are devoid of a microbial ecosystem

Tozer P, Rayment N, Al-Hassi OH, Murguranathan A, Daulatzai N, Knight SC, Phillips RK, Whelan K, Hart AL. The rectal mucosa in patients with Crohn's anal fistulae harbours lower numbers of bifidobacteria, and the fistula tracts are devoid of a microbial ecosystem. Gut. 2011;60:A221-A221

Examines differences in gut microbiota between fistula tracts and rectal mucosa in Crohn's disease, suggesting an altered microbial environment in persistent fistula.

Intestinal Failure

Diseases of the Colon & Rectum · 2011

Univariate and multivariate analysis examining factors associated with enterocutaneous fistula healing and development of a scoring system at a UK national intestinal failure center

Rahbour G, Gabe S, Warusavitarne J, Daulatzai N, Vaizey C. Univariate and multivariate analysis examining factors associated with enterocutaneous fistula healing and development of a scoring system at a UK national intestinal failure center. Dis Colon Rectum. 2011;54(5):E78-E79

Identifies predictors of healing in enterocutaneous fistula and proposes a scoring system to guide treatment at a national referral centre.

Tissue Engineering

International Journal of Surgery · 2010

A novel nanocomposite polymer as a potential scaffold in attempts to tissue engineer small intestine

Daulatzai N, Darbyshire A, Loizidou M, Seifalian A, Winslet M. A novel nanocomposite polymer as a potential scaffold in attempts to tissue engineer small intestine. Int J Surg. 2010;8(7):531

Describes development of a biodegradable nanocomposite polymer scaffold and its potential for small intestine tissue engineering at University College London.

General Surgery

World Journal of Surgery · 2010

CT-tube duodenocholangiostomy for the management of duodenal fistulae

Paluszkiewicz P, Dudek W, Daulatzai N, Stanislawek A, Hart CT. CT-tube duodenocholangiostomy for the management of duodenal fistulae. World J Surg. 2010;34(4):791-6

Describes a surgical technique using CT-guided tube drainage for managing complex duodenal fistulas.

Colorectal Cancer

International Journal of Surgery · 2010

The value of routine surveillance computerised tomography scan in colorectal cancer follow-up

Daulatzai N, Hosny S, Duraisingham S, Oshowo A, Mukhtar H, Ingham Clark C. The value of routine surveillance computerised tomography scan in colorectal cancer follow-up. Int J Surg. 2010;8(7):562

Assesses whether routine CT surveillance after colorectal cancer treatment detects recurrence earlier or changes patient outcomes.

Tissue Engineering

British Journal of Surgery · 2010

Tissue engineering small intestine; an in-vitro study of epithelial cell growth on a novel nanocomposite polymer scaffold

Daulatzai N, Darbyshire A, Loizidou M, Seifalian A, Winslet M. Tissue engineering small intestine; an in-vitro study of epithelial cell growth on a novel nanocomposite polymer scaffold. BJS. 2010;97(S6):6

Reports in-vitro results showing epithelial cell growth on a novel polymer scaffold, supporting further development of tissue-engineered bowel.

Systematic Review

Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons · 2009

Systematic review of internal hernia formation following laparoscopic left nephrectomy

Cox R, Daulatzai N, Hrouda D, Buchanan G. Systematic review of internal hernia formation following laparoscopic left nephrectomy. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2009;91(8):667-669

Systematic review examining the incidence and prevention of internal hernias after laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Perianal Surgery

Seminars in Colon & Rectal Surgery · 2009

The role of fibrin glue in the management of fistula-in-ano

Daulatzai N, Buchanan G. The role of fibrin glue in the management of fistula-in-ano. Semin Colon Rectal Surg. 2009;20(1):38-42

Reviews the evidence for fibrin glue as a sphincter-preserving option in the treatment of anal fistulas.

Oncology

Oncology News · 2008

The pathogenesis and management of anal cancer

Daulatzai N, Winslet M. The pathogenesis and management of anal cancer. Oncology News. 2008;3(4):14-16

Review article covering the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for anal cancer.

Colorectal Cancer

British Journal of Surgery · 2008

The value of routine surveillance computerised tomography scan in colorectal cancer follow-up

Daulatzai N, Hosny S, Duraisingham S, Oshowo A, Mukhtar H, Ingham Clark C. The value of routine surveillance computerised tomography scan in colorectal cancer follow-up. ASGBI Abstracts 2008: Poster Presentations; BJS. 2008;95(S3):102

Poster presentation evaluating the role of scheduled CT scanning in detecting colorectal cancer recurrence after curative surgery.

Book Review

Injury · 2004

Book review: Neurology fact finder

Daulatzai N. Book review; "Neurology fact finder"; Radcliffe Medical Press. Injury. 2004;36(2):355

Review of a medical reference text for neurology fact finding in clinical practice.

Mr Najib Daulatzai speaking with a patient during a consultation appointment in London or Hertfordshire

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