Child Gut Specialist

Professional CV

Dr Prithviraj Rao, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Gastroenterologist

With over 15 years of experience, I've been the Clinical Lead for Paediatric Gastroenterology at the Sheffield Children's Hospital, in addition to running my own private practice. Educated in both India and the UK I’m dually accredited in both General Paediatrics and Paediatric Gastroenterology.

Having developed the first training course in paediatric upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, I now regularly facilitate national and international training courses for basic diagnostic endoscopy as well as advanced techniques, such as paediatric wireless capsule enteroscopy, colonoscopy and therapeutic endoscopy. I’ve worked with some of the pioneers in paediatric endoscopy and this has led to additional expertise in novel techniques like double balloon enteroscopy and endoscopic pyloromyotomy.

I’m committed to developing newer and better services for the care of children and adolescents with gastrointestinal disorders, and this has led to several innovations, such as iron infusions as a substitute for blood and single step gastrostomy button tubes for feeding.

I'm a professional member of the:

General Medical Council (GMC)
British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN)
European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)

You can view examples of some of the awards I've won, together with invitations to speak and thank you letters from several professional bodies in the gallery.

Areas of expertise and interest

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Food allergies
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Recurrent (Functional) Abdominal Pain (RAP)
Gastro-oesphageal Reflux Disease (GERD/GORD)
Coeliac disease
Chronic diarrhoea
Constipation
Gastrointestinal dysmotility

Skills (performing and teaching)

Diagnostic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy
Therapeutic upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy
Endoscopic gastrointestinal haemostasis
Insertion of single-step percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy / gastrointestinal feeding tubes
Insertion of wired and wireless pH probes
Small bowel wireless capsule endoscopy
Double balloon enteroscopy
Oesophageal manometry and impedance investigations and interpretation

Awards
(Supervisor and Guide) Young Investigator Award for medical student at Sheffield Medical School (ESPGHAN)	2018
Consultant Triple Excellence Award (Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust)	2017
Consultant Excellence Award (Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust)	2015
Consultant Excellence Award (Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust)	2013
Poster of distinction (BSPGHAN)	2012
Young Investigator Award (ESPGHAN)	2009

Innovations (Successful cost and quality improvement projects)
Single-step percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy button placements	2016-2017
Developed nurse consultant led biologics and biosimilar clinics	2016-2017
Developed accelerated administration of Infliximab clinics	2015-2016
Developed dietitian led coeliac disease clinics	2014-2015
Parenteral single visit iron administration instead of blood transfusions	2012-2017

Professional profile

UK
Clinical Lead (Head of Department) - Paediatric Gastroenterology	Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust	Jul 2016
Approval (external validation) of international paediatric hands-on endoscopy course	Joint Advisory Group on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG)	Mar 2015
Training Programme Director	Yorkshire and Humberside Deanery	Mar 2013
Lead for Care of Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)	Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust	Nov 2012
Director of International Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy course	Sheffield International Paediatric Endoscopy Academy	Mar 2012
Associate Clinical Lecturer	University of Sheffield	Nov 2010
Consultant in Paediatric Gastroenterology	Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Trust	Oct 2010
Dual Certificate of Completion of Specialist Training (CCST) in Paediatrics & Paediatric Gastroenterology	Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)	Aug 2010
National Paediatric Gastroenterology GRID training	Three year rotation through Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle	Sep 2008
Interviewer for speciality registrar (SpR) paediatric posts	Northern Deanery	2008-2010
Interviewer for Foundation posts	Yorkshire Deanery	2008-2009
Specialist registrar training in paediatrics and neonatology	Northern Deanery (Newcastle University, UK)	Sep 2005
Membership into Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH)	Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)	Jun 2005
Senior House office in paediatrics and paediatric sub specialities	Northern Deanery, UK	Feb 2003
Resident Medical Officer and Diplomat of National Board	Sanjeevani Charity Hospital, Mumbai, India	Apr 2001
Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)	JJM Medical College, India	Mar 2001
International
Invitation to speak as an expert in Montreal, Canada	World Congress of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Health and Nutrition (WCPGHAN)	Oct 2016
Invitation to lead and conduct hands-on endoscopy workshop in Athens, Greece	European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)	May 2016
Invitation to lead and conduct hands-on annual endoscopy workshops in New Delhi, India	Apollo Hospitals	Aug 2014

Publications

Textbook articles

Chapter: Recurrent Regurgitation and Vomiting in Children, P. Rao and M. Thomson. Esophageal and Gastric Disorders in Infancy and Childhood, Editors: H. Till, M. Thomson, J. E. Foker, G. W. Holcomb III, K. M. Khan (Eds.), March 2017, Pages 1149-1159. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-11202-7. ISBN 978-3-642-11201-0.

Publications in peer reviewed journals

The Use and Safety of a Novel Haemostatic Spray in the Endoscopic Management of Acute Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Children. M. Thomson, A. Urs, P. Narula, P. Rao, D. Belsha. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, September 2018, Volume 67, Issue 3, Pages e47-e50. DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000001967, PMID: 29570557.
Two years' experience of using the Bravo wireless oesophageal pH monitoring system at a single UK tertiary centre. N. M. Rao, D. I. Campbell, P. Rao. Acta Paediatrica, February 2017, Volume 106, Issue 2, Pages 312-315. DOI: 10.1111/apa.13667, PMID: 27862298.
Diagnostic and therapeutic utility of double-balloon enteroscopy in children. A. N. Urs, M. Martinelli, P. Rao, M. A. Thomson. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, February 2014, Volume 58, Issue 2, Pages 204-212. DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000000192, PMID: 24126830.
Contemporary outcomes for Ulcerative Colitis in patients admitted to paediatric hospitals in the UK. R. K. Russell et al, P. Rao, C. Down, I. D. R. Arnott , S. G. Mitton. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, June 2013, Volume 19, Issue 7, Pages 1434–1440. DOI: 10.1097/MIB.0b013e31828133d6, PMID: 23624885.
A British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition survey of the effectiveness and safety of adalimumab in children with inflammatory bowel disease. R. K. Russell, M. L. Wilson, S. Loganathan, B. Bourke, F. Kiparissi, G. Mahdi, F. Torrente, A. Rodrigues, I. Davies, A. Thomas, A. K. Akobeng, P. Rao, N. Shah, G. T. Ho, S. Naik, D. C. Wilson. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, April 2011, Volume 33, Issue 8, Pages 946–953. DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2011.04603.x, PMID: 21342211.
Graded compression and Power Doppler Ultrasonography versus Endoscopy to assess Paediatric Crohn’s Disease activity before and after treatment. M. Thomson, P. Rao, L. Berger, R. Heuschkel, D. Rawat. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, March 2012, Volume 54, Issue 3, Pages 404–408. DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3181f8b55d, PMID: 22343835.
Eosinophils in the oesophageal mucosa: clinical, pathological and epidemiological relevance in children: a cohort study. M.C. Cohen, P. Rao, M. Thomson et al. BMJ Open, January 2012; 2(1):e000493. DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000493, PMID: 22240650.
Comparison of Quick Point-of-Care Test for Small-bowel Hypolactasia With Biochemical Lactase Assay in Children. P. Rao, N. Rao, M. Jordinson, C. Scott, C. Hinchcliffe, D. Campbell. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, March 2012, Volume 54, Issue 3, pages 401–403. DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e318231eb30, PMID: 21857246.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and Gastro-oesophageal reflux in neurologically impaired children. M. Thomson, P. Rao, D. Rawat and T. G. Wenzl. World Journal of Gastroenterology, January 2011, Volume 17, Issue 2, pages 191–196. DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i2.191, PMID: 21245991.
11-year Follow-up in Biliopancreatic Diversion for Recurrent Pancreatitis Due to Lipoprotein Lipase Deficiency. P. Rao, M. D. Stringer, J. W. Puntis. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, April 2011, Volume 52, Issue 4, p 499. DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3181f01bb9, PMID: 21415674.
Managing gastro-oesophageal reflux in infants. P. Rao, M. Thomson. Drugs and Therapeutics Bulletin, December 2009, Volume 47, Issue 12, Pages 134–137. DOI: 10.1136/dtb.2009.11.0052, PMID: 20009040.
Letter to editor: Long term follow up of a novel modified biliopancreatic diversion to prevent frequent recurrent pancreatitis in a child with lipoprotein lipase deficiency. P. Rao, M. Stringer, J. W. Puntis. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, April 2011, Volume 52, Issue 4, p 499. DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e3181f01bb9, PMID: 21415674.

Published abstracts

Perianal lesions: a common sign of childhood Crohn's disease at presentation. P. Rao, A. Kader, P. Dryden, S.K. Bunn. Paediatrics and Child Health, October 2007, Volume 17, Issue 10, p 416. DOI: 10.1016/j.paed.2007.07.022.
Cholangitis and outcome after Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia. P. Rao, S. Davison, V. Karthik, S. Rajwal, N. Alizai, M. Stringer, P. McClean. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2009, Volume 48, Supplement 3: Abstracts from the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Annual Meeting, June 3–6, 2009, Budapest, Hungary, PH2-15, p E119.
Clinical, pathological and Epidemiological features of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis in the north of England. P. Rao, M. Al-Adnani, M. C. Cohen, M. Thomson. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 2009, Volume 49, Supplement 1: Abstracts from the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Annual Meeting, November 12 – 14, 2009, National Harbor, Maryland, 15, p E7.

Research

I have been lead and co-supervisor for various research projects and have facilitated a total of 30 paper (oral/poster) presentations at national and international conferences between 2012-2018 by ST3 trainees, GRID trainees, endoscopy fellows and nursing colleagues. This includes three papers that went on to receive the award of ‘posters of distinction’ for two different trainees at the National Paediatric Gastroenterology meeting (published in BSPGHAN Journal, 2013). One of the trainees also went on to become a consultant colleague.

Example research presentations

Prospective cost comparison pilot study of (PEG) percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement of Single Step Low profile (Mic-Key®) Button device VS traditional 2 stage technique of Corflo PEG placement followed by replacement to a button device. R. Hubbard, L. Bellamy, M. Thomson, Dr A.Urs, Dr P. Narula, Dr P.Rao. BSPGHAN Journal Annual Meeting 2017, Page 102.
Cost effectiveness of single visit parenteral iron (SVPI) infusions in children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Staff nurse R. Hubbard , Dr P. Narula, Dr M. Thomson, Dr P. Rao. BSPGHAN Journal Annual Meeting 2014, Page 61.
Diagnostic efficacy of point of care rapid urease test (CLO®) in the diagnosis of H. Pylori in children. P. Rao & S. Sharma. Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Sheffield. BSPGHAN Journal Annual Meeting 2014, Page 90.
Challenges encountered post-emergency colectomy in an adolescent Gitelman Syndrome. D. Belsha, P. Rao , G. Moss, P. Narula, Sheffield Children’s Hospital, Sheffield.
Long term efficacy of single dose parenteral iron preparation in children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Medical Student - Miss Charmaine La Toh. SSPGHAN Best Presentation award.
Safety and efficacy of two forms of parenteral iron in children – regional experience. Dr A. Urs & Dr P. Rao. BSPGHAN Journal Annual Meeting 2013, Page 98.
Cholangitis and outcome after Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia. C. Bwango, P. Rao, N. Alizai. BSPGHAN Journal Annual Meeting 2013, Page 53.

Completed studies

Prospective cohort study comparing the Biohit® lactose intolerance quick (BLIQ) test to the 'gold standard' biochemical duodenal lactase (DL) activity assay in the diagnosis of duodenal hypolactasia in the paediatric population. Oral presentation for the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) meeting, Liverpool, UK, January 2010.
Retrospective case note study looking at clinical, pathological and epidemiological features of paediatric eosinophilic oesophagitis (EE) in a single tertiary centre in the UK. Poster presentations at:
- North American Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), Maryland, USA, Nov 2009
- United European Gastroenterology Federation (UEGF), World Congress, London, November 2009
- British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN), Jan 2010
A prospective feasibility study on transoral incisionless fundoplication for treatment of paediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease. Poster presentations at:
- North American Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), Maryland, USA, Nov 2009
- United European Gastroenterology Federation (UEGF), World Congress, London, November 2009
- British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN), Jan 2010
Retrospective case note based study on: Cholangitis and outcome after Kasai portoenterostomy for biliary atresia. Oral poster presentation at European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), Budapest, June 2009.

Current research projects

(Application made for National research ethics committee approval and for funding grant from Sheffield Children's Hospital Charity via Children's Research Facility (CRF))

A multi-centred randomized controlled trial of transoral incisionless fundoplication versus laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in neurologically normal and neurologically impaired children with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Randomized controlled study comparing outcomes from endoscopic and laparoscopic pyloromyotomy for congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis.