Dr Srikanth Gadiyaram
MCh Surgical Gastroenterologist & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Dr Srikanth Gadiyaram, a leading surgical gastroenterologist specialized in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery is also one of the healthcare professionals who needs to be celebrated for his extensive healthcare expertise and dedication. He obtained his MBBS and MS from Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, before gaining valuable experience working with Dr Farokh E. Udwadia at the Breach Candy Hospital Trust in Mumbai.
Subsequently, he pursued super specialty training in surgical gastroenterology (MCh) at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute (SGPGIMS) and spent approximately four and a half years at the institute before establishing his practice in Bangalore, where he is currently based. Dr Gadiyaram has dedicated 22 years to his professional journey post-specialization, during which he has consistently endeavored to enhance his skills. Furthermore, he underwent bariatric surgery and minimal access surgery training at the University of Minnesota in the USA, received training in bariatric surgery with Narwaria in Ahmedabad, and completed robotic surgery training with CMR, a UK-based robotic surgery platform, in Goa. Currently, he is undergoing training with Da Vinci, another robotic system.
Respective to various conditional surgeries, laparoscopic surgery is an advantage over open surgeries today. Well, Dr Srikanth Gadiyaram’s interest in laparoscopy was too inspired by the advancements in healthcare technology. He says, “I received excellent training in open surgery, however given the emergence of a disruptive technology, laparoscopy in the late 1980s and its benefits of quick recovery over the traditional surgeries that required a recovery period of four to seven days intrigued me. Hence, I was motivated to pursue a career in minimally invasive surgery. I had the opportunity to work with Professor Tehemptom Udwadia, a pioneer in laparoscopic surgery in India”.
Right from the beginning, Dr Srikanth Gadiyaram has gained extensive experience in laparoscopic surgeries, including
procedures such as gallbladder surgery, appendix removal, and anti-reflux fundoplication. He now performs a wide range of laparoscopic gastrointestinal, colorectal, and liver biliary surgeries, with the majority of colorectal and all esophageal surgeries done laparoscopically. Around 50 percent of pancreatic and liver surgeries are also performed using this minimally invasive technique. Even complex operations like the Whipple procedure can be done laparoscopically, and Dr Srikanth Gadiyaram has successfully performed it by well showcasing his expertise as a GI surgeon specialized in surgical gastroenterology.
Laparoscopic surgery aims to minimize post-surgery pain, promote faster healing with smaller wounds, and allow for quicker return to work. However, in certain cases such as patients with specific medical conditions, open surgery may be more appropriate. Shedding light on this context and delineating about his approach to patient care, Dr Srikanth says, “Despite the higher initial cost of laparoscopic procedures, we have adopted cost saving measures such as using reusable (autoclave/ETO sterilised) laparoscopic instruments and using indigenous bags for organ removal. These measures have significantly reduced the overall cost of laparoscopic procedures. Additionally, good training has reduced procedure times, further cutting down on operation theater costs. While some practitioners may find the initial learning curve and cost prohibitive, we have made sacrifices in the past to prioritize the development of laparoscopy”.
Over the last decade, there’s been a dynamic interface between the technology and laparoscopic surgery, resulting in the introduction of effective imaging technique (such as Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence for biliary and liver surgery, including gallbladder, bileduct, and liver surgery, and other areas such as foregut and colon cancer surgery), robotic surgery, stapling devices, and more to ease the laparoscopic surgical procedure.
Growth & Future Talk
In the context of the promising advancements in laparoscopic surgery, Dr Srikanth underscores the widening scope of access to this procedure, extending beyond metropolitan areas to encompass institutes, district level hospitals, and smaller taluk levels. Notably, district level hospitals are now proficient in basic laparoscopic procedures, and are also adept at performing major operations, thus broadening the accessibility of these procedures beyond urban centers. Various training formats, including live operative workshops, have been instrumental in disseminating knowledge, where surgeries are performed before an audience of 100 to 150 surgeons who engage in interactive sessions to glean insights into techniques and procedures.
Moreover, Sahasra Hospital offers succinct training courses to formally trained surgeons lacking exposure in laparoscopy. While these courses furnish an introduction to the potential of laparoscopy, it is imperative to acknowledge that mastery of the discipline transcends the confines of brief weekend courses. Furthermore, industry stalwarts such as Medtronic and ERBE conduct specialized training programs, focusing on areas like colorectal surgery and fluorescence guidance technology. Notably, the hospital propounds a comprehensive fellowship program, affording participants a year-long immersion in various facets of laparoscopic surgery.
Dr Srikanth is a great fan of Sachin Tendulkar and he often considers him as someone who has exemplified the word ‘practice’ by practicing cricket techniques for six hours a day for years before achieving reverence in the cricket field. He believes that becoming an expert in any field requires dedication to repeated practice, and thus, as an advice to young surgeons, he says, “Work with experienced teams, practice consistently for three to five years, and continuously update the knowledge by attending meetings and seeking guidance from good mentor ”.
It’s our vision to provide the benefits of cutting edge laparoscopic surgery backed by latest technology to the common man and to make it cost effective when compared to open surgery
Laparoscopic surgery aims to minimize post-surgery pain, promote faster healing with smaller wounds, and allow for quicker return to work. However, in certain cases such as patients with specific medical conditions, open surgery may be more appropriate. Shedding light on this context and delineating about his approach to patient care, Dr Srikanth says, “Despite the higher initial cost of laparoscopic procedures, we have adopted cost saving measures such as using reusable (autoclave/ETO sterilised) laparoscopic instruments and using indigenous bags for organ removal. These measures have significantly reduced the overall cost of laparoscopic procedures. Additionally, good training has reduced procedure times, further cutting down on operation theater costs. While some practitioners may find the initial learning curve and cost prohibitive, we have made sacrifices in the past to prioritize the development of laparoscopy”.
Over the last decade, there’s been a dynamic interface between the technology and laparoscopic surgery, resulting in the introduction of effective imaging technique (such as Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence for biliary and liver surgery, including gallbladder, bileduct, and liver surgery, and other areas such as foregut and colon cancer surgery), robotic surgery, stapling devices, and more to ease the laparoscopic surgical procedure.
Growth & Future Talk
In the context of the promising advancements in laparoscopic surgery, Dr Srikanth underscores the widening scope of access to this procedure, extending beyond metropolitan areas to encompass institutes, district level hospitals, and smaller taluk levels. Notably, district level hospitals are now proficient in basic laparoscopic procedures, and are also adept at performing major operations, thus broadening the accessibility of these procedures beyond urban centers. Various training formats, including live operative workshops, have been instrumental in disseminating knowledge, where surgeries are performed before an audience of 100 to 150 surgeons who engage in interactive sessions to glean insights into techniques and procedures.
Moreover, Sahasra Hospital offers succinct training courses to formally trained surgeons lacking exposure in laparoscopy. While these courses furnish an introduction to the potential of laparoscopy, it is imperative to acknowledge that mastery of the discipline transcends the confines of brief weekend courses. Furthermore, industry stalwarts such as Medtronic and ERBE conduct specialized training programs, focusing on areas like colorectal surgery and fluorescence guidance technology. Notably, the hospital propounds a comprehensive fellowship program, affording participants a year-long immersion in various facets of laparoscopic surgery.
Dr Srikanth is a great fan of Sachin Tendulkar and he often considers him as someone who has exemplified the word ‘practice’ by practicing cricket techniques for six hours a day for years before achieving reverence in the cricket field. He believes that becoming an expert in any field requires dedication to repeated practice, and thus, as an advice to young surgeons, he says, “Work with experienced teams, practice consistently for three to five years, and continuously update the knowledge by attending meetings and seeking guidance from good mentor ”.
