Best Surgical Gastroenterologists and Hospitals in Chennai

Prof. Mohamed Rela is a world-renowned liver transplant surgeon and a pioneering figure in hepatobiliary surgery with over three decades of experience. He has performed over 6,000 liver transplants, making him one of the most accomplished liver surgeons globally. In 2000, he achieved a Guinness World Record for successfully performing a liver transplant on a five-day-old baby — the youngest recipient at the time — who is now a thriving 24-year-old law student. Prof. Rela started India's largest liver transplant program in 2009 and has been performing over 300 liver transplants annually since then. He is a trailblazer in split liver transplantation, where one donor liver is divided and transplanted into two individuals, and he pioneered auxiliary liver transplantation and mono-segment liver transplantation for neonates. In 2018, he founded Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Centre in Chennai to provide high-quality, affordable medical care, including advanced multi-organ transplantation. He currently conducts more than 200 robotic liver surgeries and over 450 complex hepatobiliary surgeries yearly. Prof. Rela's expertise spans the full spectrum of liver disease, transplantation, pancreatic transplantation, abdominal trauma, and robotic surgery. With over 900 published scientific articles and extensive editorial and reviewer roles in leading international journals, he is recognized as one of the most innovative pediatric surgeons by Top Masters in Healthcare Administration.Read more

Dr. J K A Jameel is a highly accomplished Gastroenterologist, Hepatologist, and Surgical Gastroenterologist with over 26 years of clinical experience. He practices at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai — one of India's most prestigious healthcare institutions. His extensive training across multiple countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, reflects his commitment to excellence in gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgical care. Dr. Jameel holds an impressive array of international qualifications, including fellowships from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, Edinburgh, and Glasgow, as well as the American College of Surgeons. With a career spanning more than two and a half decades, Dr. Jameel brings deep expertise in both medical and surgical gastroenterology, offering patients comprehensive management of complex gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, and pancreatic conditions.Read more

Dr. Gomathy Narasimhan is a highly experienced transplant surgeon with over 20 years of expertise in liver and kidney transplantation. As a Senior Consultant in Liver and Renal Transplant Surgery at Rela Hospital, Chennai, she has performed numerous complex procedures, including combined liver-kidney transplants in both adults and children. She holds a special clinical interest in primary hyperoxaluria, a rare metabolic condition requiring advanced transplant intervention. Dr. Narasimhan received her advanced multi-organ transplant training through a prestigious ASTS Fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, USA. Her dedication to the field has been recognized through multiple national and international honors, including the Woman Leader in Transplantation Award by TTS in 2022. She is also an accomplished academic contributor, having authored 8 textbook chapters and contributed to over 70 peer-reviewed publications in reputed journals. With a career spanning more than two decades in transplantation, Dr. Narasimhan combines surgical excellence with a compassionate, patient-centered approach, making her a trusted choice for international patients seeking world-class transplant care in India.Read more

Dr. Kumar Palaniappan is a highly skilled hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgeon serving as Clinical Lead – Laparoscopy Liver Surgery and Senior Consultant in Abdominal Trauma, HPB Surgery, and Liver Transplantation at Rela Hospital, Chennai. With over two decades of experience in surgical gastroenterology, he has built an impressive career spanning advanced laparoscopic techniques, living and deceased donor liver transplantation, and complex hepatopancreaticobiliary procedures. Dr. Palaniappan completed his post-graduation and specialization at Meenakshi Mission Hospital, Madurai, and further honed his expertise through a prestigious fellowship in Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgery at Medanta – The Medicity, Gurgaon. He has received advanced training in robotic HPB surgery at the Vattikutti Institute of Robotic Surgery and underwent further international training in HPB and liver transplant surgery at Asan Medical Center, Seoul, and Iwate Medical University, Japan, where he specialized in laparoscopic liver surgery. His extensive international exposure and numerous best paper and travel grant awards at conferences in Tokyo, Chicago, and Singapore underscore his standing as a leader in his field. Known for his pioneering work in single-incision laparoscopic surgery and laparoscopic donor hepatectomy, Dr. Palaniappan brings a patient-centered approach to complex surgical care. International patients seeking world-class liver transplantation or advanced hepatobiliary surgery will find in him a compassionate and highly accomplished surgeon.Read more

Dr. Rajesh Rajalingam is a distinguished hepatobiliary and liver transplant surgeon with extensive expertise in HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) surgery, liver transplantation, and abdominal trauma care. Holding the qualifications of MBBS, MS, and MCh, he serves as the Clinical Lead for HPB Surgery and Senior Consultant in Abdominal Trauma, HPB Surgery, and Liver Transplantation at Rela Hospital, Chennai — one of India's premier centers for liver disease and transplantation. With nearly a decade of dedicated training and experience in liver transplant and HPB services, Dr. Rajesh has developed specialized proficiency in both living donor and deceased donor liver transplantation, donor hepatectomy, and advanced resections for hepatopancreatic and biliary malignancies including complex vascular resections. His research interests in portal haemodynamics, liver regeneration, and paediatric liver transplantation reflect his commitment to advancing the field. He has an impressive portfolio of peer-reviewed publications and has presented his work at numerous national and international conferences, earning recognition including a Best Poster Award at IHPBA 2010. International patients seeking world-class care in liver transplantation, complex hepatobiliary surgery, or management of liver and pancreatic conditions can trust Dr. Rajesh's extensive clinical experience and academic rigor.Read more

Dr. Senthilkumar Ganapathi is a distinguished Surgical Gastroenterologist with over 20 years of extensive experience in the field of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary surgery. Based at the renowned Apollo Proton Cancer Centre in Chennai, he has dedicated his career to advancing the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders through innovative surgical techniques and a patient-centered approach.Read more

Dr. Vasantha Kumar is a skilled surgical gastroenterologist and liver transplant specialist currently serving as Associate Consultant in Abdominal Trauma, HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation at Rela Hospital, Chennai. With extensive training in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery, liver transplantation, and minimally invasive surgical techniques, Dr. Kumar brings a comprehensive skill set to the management of complex liver, pancreatic, and biliary conditions. Dr. Kumar's academic journey spans prestigious institutions across India, including Stanley Medical College (Chennai), Madurai Medical College, and Bangalore Medical College, where he earned his MCh in Surgical Gastroenterology. He further refined his expertise through a dedicated fellowship in Hepato-Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation at the Institute of Liver Diseases and Transplantation, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai. His proficiency in robotic surgery and minimally invasive techniques positions him at the forefront of modern surgical care. With a focus on abdominal trauma care alongside his HPB and transplant expertise, Dr. Kumar offers international patients access to advanced surgical solutions delivered with precision and compassion at one of India's leading transplant centers.Read more

Dr. Arul Kumar S is a skilled and dedicated surgeon specializing in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgery and Liver Transplantation at Rela Hospital, Chennai. With over a decade of surgical experience, he has developed deep expertise in complex liver resections, live donor liver transplantation, and the management of hepatobiliary conditions. He currently serves as Associate Consultant in the Department of HPB Surgery and Liver Transplantation, working under the distinguished guidance of Prof. Rela. Dr. Arul Kumar's training journey reflects a strong commitment to surgical excellence. After completing his MBBS and MS in General Surgery from Dr. M.G.R Medical University, he pursued advanced fellowship training in HPB Surgery at the prestigious Christian Medical College, Vellore, followed by a Fellowship in Liver Transplantation at Gleneagles Global Hospital, Chennai. His academic accomplishments include gold medals in Surgical Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, alongside recognition for best poster presentations at national surgical conferences. With clinical expertise spanning hilar cholangiocarcinoma surgery, live donor liver transplantation, hepatolithiasis, and HPB radiology, Dr. Arul Kumar brings a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to the treatment of complex hepatobiliary and liver diseases. International patients seeking advanced liver transplant and HPB surgical care can trust his meticulous skill and experience.Read more

Dr. Prithiviraj Nabi is a highly skilled HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) and Liver Transplant Surgeon currently serving as Associate Consultant at Rela Hospital, Chennai — one of India's premier centres for liver transplantation and hepatobiliary surgery. With qualifications including MS, MCh (Surgical Gastroenterology), DNB (Surgical Gastroenterology), and FACS, he brings a robust blend of academic excellence and hands-on surgical expertise to his practice. Dr. Nabi's training spans some of the most prestigious institutions in India and abroad, including PGIMER Chandigarh, GB Pant Hospital New Delhi, and Centre Hépato-Biliaire at Paul Brousse Hospital in Paris, France. His international exposure and rigorous super-specialty training equip him to manage complex hepatobiliary conditions, advanced laparoscopic procedures, and liver transplantation with exceptional proficiency. He has been recognized with multiple awards throughout his career, including a first-order medal in MS General Surgery and a Vocational Excellence Award for his contributions to gastroenterology and organ donation awareness. With a strong research portfolio comprising numerous peer-reviewed publications and international conference presentations, Dr. Nabi is committed to advancing the field of HPB surgery while delivering compassionate, world-class care to patients from India and around the globe.Read more

Dr. Ramkiran Reddy Cherukuru is a highly skilled Consultant in Abdominal Trauma, HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) Surgery, and Liver Transplantation at Rela Hospital, Chennai — one of India's premier centres for liver disease and transplantation. With a strong foundation in general and GI surgery complemented by internationally recognized qualifications including MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Dr. Cherukuru brings a well-rounded blend of surgical expertise and academic rigor to his practice.Read more

Dr. S. R. Shyam Sundar is a highly skilled Consultant in Surgical Gastroenterology and Robotic GI Surgery at Rela Hospital, Chennai. With over 12 years of advanced surgical expertise in robotic and laparoscopic gastrointestinal procedures, he brings a strong academic and clinical foundation to every case. He has performed over 800 minimally invasive procedures, specializing in gastrectomy, esophagectomy, anti-reflux surgeries, complex hernia repairs, and gastrointestinal emergencies. Dr. Shyam Sundar's evidence-based, precision-driven approach has earned him a reputation for delivering advanced surgical solutions for upper GI disorders, including both benign and malignant conditions. His international training at the renowned Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, further strengthens his expertise in robotic upper GI surgery, making him a trusted choice for patients seeking world-class minimally invasive surgical care. He has received multiple accolades, including first prizes at prestigious national surgical conferences such as AIIMS EndoSurge and Surgicon, Delhi. His award-winning research papers, presented at both national and international platforms, underscore his dedication to surgical innovation and academic excellence.Read more

Dr. Jasper Sandeep Rajasekar is a highly skilled Associate Consultant specializing in Abdominal Trauma, HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) Surgery, and Liver Transplantation at Rela Hospital, Chennai. With qualifications including MBBS, MS, and MCh in Surgical Gastroenterology, along with membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, Dr. Rajasekar brings a strong foundation of academic excellence and clinical expertise to his practice. Dr. Rajasekar has been a dedicated member of the Liver Transplantation unit under the renowned Prof. Mohamed Rela since 2016. His areas of clinical focus include Surgical Gastroenterology, Liver Transplantation, Living Donor Liver Transplantation (LDLT), Paediatric Liver Transplantation, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. He completed his Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Liver Transplantation from Rela Hospital in 2018 and his MCh in Surgical Gastroenterology from Madras Medical College in 2015. A prolific contributor to medical literature, Dr. Rajasekar has authored more than 30 original and abstract publications. He is an active member of five prominent professional and scientific societies, including the International Liver Transplant Society and the Liver Transplantation Society of India. International patients seeking advanced hepatobiliary surgery and liver transplant services can rely on his expertise and commitment to exceptional patient outcomes.Read more