Live surgery shows head to Channel 4

Channel 4 is to screen a series of new live surgery shows, it has announced.

The Operation: Surgery Live will give viewers the chance to interact with surgeons as they carry out life-changing operations.

During its four-day run, viewers will be invited to talk to surgeons in the operating theatre via Twitter, email and phone.

The surgery will be broadcast live from NHS hospitals including Papworth, Southampton General, Addenbrooke’s and King’s College Hospital, London.

"Surgeons routinely teach and talk observers through operations," said Channel 4's David Glover. "Now, for the first time, viewers will be able to interact with surgeons as they carry out life-changing procedures.

"We hope that the series will demystify surgery, encourage discussion and help viewers to understand their own bodies, as well as showing the care, dedication and skill that goes into modern surgery."

Francis Wells, heart surgeon at Papworth Hospital, added: "Most people have no idea what goes on inside their bodies and I believe that the more they understand and appreciate how their bodies work, the more they may look after their own health."

Krishnan Guru-Murthy will host the programmes, which air between May 25 and May 28 on Channel 4.