Gastroenterology in India has rapidly transformed into a high-precision, technology-driven specialty that addresses the country’s rising burden of digestive and liver diseases through sophisticated endoscopy, minimally invasive therapies, and integrated care models. The recent growth of advanced imaging, early cancer detection tools, multidisciplinary hepatobiliary services, and greater public awareness has created a healthcare need that requires highly skilled specialists.

One such distinguished clinician who shaped this evolution was Dr Prashanth B. Nirvani Rao, a pioneering gastrointestinal interventional endoscopist whose work over nearly three decades has redefined digestive care in Tier-II cities like Tumkur.

What sets him apart is that he brings together surgical insight with advanced therapeutic endoscopy to provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment under one roof. His expertise includes complex endoscopic procedure, bleeding management and hepatobiliary-pancreatic disease treatment, all supported by a holistic, relationship-based approach to patient care.

“My commitment has always been to bring metro-level precision and compassion to the community that shaped me”, says Dr Prashanth B. Nirvani Rao, Consultant Gastrointestinal Interventional Endoscopist, Chaitanyaa Gastro Intestinal Care & Endoscopy Centre reflecting his deep-rooted philosophy.

A Journey Shaped by Precision
Dr Prashanth B. Nirvani Rao’s journey into gastrointestinal endoscopy began with a strong foundation in surgery, honed during his years at Mysore University where he completed his MBBS and MS and trained rigorously at leading institutions in Bengaluru, Cochin, and Mysuru.

Early in his career, while practising general surgery and conventional gastroenterology, he was more and more drawn to the rapidly advancing field of endoscopy where technology has enabled minimally invasive, organ-preserving solutions for complex digestive disorders.

This shift was driven by fascination with precision-guided procedures, and a desire to offer patients outcomes that combined safety, accuracy, and faster recovery.

His extensive training at Bowring & Lady Curzon Hospital in Bengaluru, PVS Hospital in Cochin, and later under leading endoscopy expert Dr Rajkumar P. Wadhwa in Mysore, enabled him to master procedures that were still emerging in India at the time.

His specialization in advanced therapeutic endoscopy, therefore, made him a clinician with diagnostic acumen, surgical judgment, and technical finesse. In the many years of clinical work, he combined this demanding caseload with multiple teaching assignments, leadership roles, and the building of Tumkur’s first full-fledged digestive endoscopy centre. Setting up protocol-driven systems, mentoring young doctors, and pushing evidence-based practices in high-volume settings became one way through which patient care quality and medical training moved ahead without compromise.

Expertise, Innovation & Global Alignment
At Chaitanyaa Gastro Intestinal Care and Endoscopy Centre, Dr Prashanth B. Nirvani Rao leads a dedicated team built on collaboration, strong clinical pathways, and a patient-first philosophy. His dual expertise, as a surgeon and interventional endoscopist, allows him to orchestrate multidisciplinary care, starting from investigation through to therapy, prevention, and long-term management. Though practicing in a Tier-II city, he remains globally aligned through continuous medical education, active participation in national and international conferences, and close engagement with professional societies. These efforts ensure that his practice always reflects the global standards of gastroenterology.

Through Dr Prashanth B.Nirvani Rao perspective, the industry’s future is clear which are early detection, smart technology, and uncompromising patient-centred care

Technology plays a defining role in his approach. He actively incorporates various advancements, including enhanced imaging, narrow band endoscopy, AI-supported polyp detection, and improved radiology-pathology integration to elevate diagnostic accuracy and procedural precision. He sees AI as an ally that will be involved in increasingly refining early cancer diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic planning. “Technology sharpens the clinician’s eye, but empathy guides the clinician’s hand”, Dr Prashanth B. Nirvani Rao notes, emphasizing his belief that innovation must work in harmony with humane care.

Future Vision
Dr Prashanth B. Nirvani Rao envisions developing an exclusive, state-of-the-art gastroenterology and hepatobiliary centre in Tumkur that mirrors the sophistication of global institutes. He plans to expand advanced therapeutic endoscopy, introduce next-generation diagnostic platforms, and integrate digital health tools to monitor chronic gastrointestinal and liver diseases remotely. Strengthening public awareness, nurturing future clinicians, and promoting preventive digestive health remain central to his plans. With a clear roadmap that merges compassion, innovation, and community service, he continues to push the boundaries of care delivery.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION:
Kondajji Basappa Memorial Gold Medal from Mysore University for topping the MS General Surgery examina¬tion
Rotary Vocational Excellence Award
National Status Award for Medical Excellence
Rotary Seva Ratna
VK Achievers Award
Inspirational Gastroenterologist of India Award 2023
Vaidya Vibhushan Award 2024

Publications
A clinical study of Obstructive Jaundice. Dr Prashanth B N, Dr B Ganapathy: The Antiseptic Vol95 No4
Adenoma in thyroglossal cyst. The Antiseptic vol95 No 3,P:80-81
Unusual presentation of Malignant Fibrous histiocytoma. The Antiseptic Vol95, P118-121
Minimally invasive surgery. JOIMAT