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Surgical gastroenterology
Surgical gastroenterologist in JP Nagar, Bengaluru
I am Dr. Gaurang Ramesh, a surgical gastroenterologist at Arka Anugraha Hospital in JP Nagar, Bengaluru (Bangalore). I treat conditions of the food pipe, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder and anorectum, with medicines, endoscopy or an operation as the problem requires. I am also certified in functional medicine, so food, gut bacteria, sleep and stress are part of the same plan.
What is a surgical gastroenterologist?
A surgical gastroenterologist is a surgeon who has trained further in diseases of the digestive system: the food pipe, stomach, small and large intestine, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, pancreas and anorectum. The training is a degree in general surgery followed by specialist training in surgical gastroenterology.
| Medical gastroenterologist | Surgical gastroenterologist | |
|---|---|---|
| First degree after MBBS | General medicine | General surgery |
| Treats with | Medicines and endoscopy | Operations, with medicines and endoscopy |
| Typical problems | Reflux, ulcers, IBS, colitis, hepatitis | Gallstones, hernias, appendicitis, bowel cancer, piles, fistula, reflux that needs surgery |
| Works together on | Bleeding, cancer, pancreatitis and complex bowel disease | The same |
Many gut problems can be treated by either. What matters is that the doctor makes the diagnosis carefully and offers the treatment that fits, whether or not it is an operation.
What do I treat?
Food pipe and stomach
Acid reflux and GERD, hiatus hernia, gastritis, H. pylori infection and functional dyspepsia.
Bowel
IBS, colitis and Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, polyps and bowel cancer.
Liver and gallbladder
Fatty liver and gallstones.
Anorectal conditions
Hernias
Inguinal, umbilical and incisional hernias.
Emergencies
Which operations and tests do I perform?
Keyhole surgery
Gallbladder removal, hernia repair, appendix removal, anti-reflux surgery and hiatus hernia repair.
Bowel and anorectal surgery
Colon and rectal operations, and procedures for piles, fissure and fistula, including laser procedures for selected patients.
Endoscopy
Upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy, with removal of polyps.
Gut function tests
Oesophageal manometry, 24-hour pH monitoring, anorectal manometry, hydrogen breath tests and FibroScan.
Why see a surgeon who also treats without surgery?
One doctor from the first visit to the follow-up
The person who examines you is the person who performs the endoscopy, decides whether an operation is needed and, if it is, carries it out.
An operation only when it is the right answer
Part of my role as a surgeon is to protect you from an operation you do not need. Before I advise surgery I ask four questions. See how I decide whether to operate.
Attention to the cause
Reflux, piles, gallstones and fatty liver are shaped by food, weight and daily routine. Treating these lowers the chance that the problem returns after treatment. See integrative and functional medicine.
A second opinion is welcome
If an operation has been advised elsewhere, bring your reports and scans. See do I need surgery, or can it wait?
Where and when do I consult?
- Hospital: Arka Anugraha Hospital, #2, 15th Cross Road, 6th Phase, JP Nagar, Bengaluru 560078
- Consulting hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 4 pm to 8 pm
- Appointments: phone or WhatsApp +91 80737 37505
- Also at: A V Hospital, Basavanagudi
The hospital is in south Bengaluru, within easy reach of Jayanagar, Banashankari, BTM Layout, Bannerghatta Road and Kanakapura Road.
Questions patients ask me
What is the difference between a gastroenterologist and a surgical gastroenterologist?
Both specialise in the digestive system. A medical gastroenterologist trains in medicine and treats with medicines and endoscopy. A surgical gastroenterologist trains in surgery and also operates.
Does seeing a surgical gastroenterologist mean I will need an operation?
No. Most of the people I see are treated with medicines, food changes or an endoscopic procedure. Surgery is advised only when it is the right answer for the condition.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly by phone or WhatsApp. Bring your earlier reports and a list of your medicines.
Do you perform laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery?
Yes. Gallbladder, hernia, appendix and anti-reflux operations are usually done by keyhole surgery, and many bowel operations can be.
Which symptoms should bring me to a gastroenterologist?
Heartburn on most days, difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain or bloating that lasts for weeks, a change in bowel habit, blood in the stool, jaundice, or a hernia.
How do I choose a gastroenterologist in Bangalore?
Check the doctor’s qualifications and medical council registration, whether the hospital has endoscopy and the tests you may need, and how clearly the options are explained to you. Be wary of any doctor or listing that claims to be the “best”: it cannot be measured, and the rules on medical advertising do not permit doctors to claim it. My training and registration are on the about page.