Dr Rajkumar Palaniappan

Dr. Raj Palaniappan is a leading Bariatric and Robotic Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, Chennai, with over 22 years of medical experience. As the Director and Lead Surgeon at the Institute of Bariatrics, he is known for his expertise in robotic, laparoscopic, and endoluminal weight-loss surgeries. Dr. Palaniappan has pioneered several innovative techniques in bariatric surgery, including the "Hiatal Sling" and "Rule of Hand" port placement methods, and is a frequent speaker at international conferences.

Educational Qualifications:

• MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
• MS (General Surgery) – Master of Surgery in General Surgery
• MMAS – Master's in Minimal Access Surgery
• FICS (Gastro) – Fellow of the International College of Surgeons (Gastroenterology)
• FMAS – Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery
• DMAS – Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery
• FALS – Fellowship in Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
• FRS – Fellowship in Robotic Surgery
• FLS – Fellowship in Laparoscopic Surgery

Professional Experience:

• Director & Lead Surgeon at the Institute of Bariatrics, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai.
• Honorary Professor at Saveetha Medical University.
• Faculty Member at Duke Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program, USA.
• Founder Vice-President of the International Association of Robotic Surgeons.
• Editorial Board Member of the World Journal of Laparoscopic Surgery.

Notable Achievements

• Pioneer in Laparoscopic Surgery: Introduced several innovative techniques, including ergonomic modifications for SILS port placement and traction methods.
• Robotic and Endoluminal Bariatric Surgeries: Among the first to perform these advanced procedures in India.
• Innovations:
  • Invented the "Hiatal Sling" liver traction technique (2009).
  • Developed the "Rule of Hand" port placement technique (2011).
• Awards:
  • "Chikitsa Ratan" Award (2007).
  • "Innovation in Medicine" Award (2013).
  • "Surgeon of Excellence" (2014).
• Research Contributions: Authored numerous publications and presentations in international conferences and journals.

Professional Memberships

• International Association of Robotic Surgeons – Founder Vice-President.
• World Journal of Laparoscopic Surgery – Editorial Board Member.
• Indian Association of Gastrointestinal Endo Surgeons (IAGES) – Examiner.
• Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India (AMASI) – Examiner.
• Obesity Surgery Society of India (OSSI)
• European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)
• Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA)
• Association of Surgeons of India (ASI)
• Association of Robotic Innovative Surgeons
• International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity