Dr. Raj Palaniappan is an internationally acclaimed Bariatric, Metabolic, and Robotic Surgeon based in Chennai, India, with over 26 years of surgical experience, including more than two decades dedicated to bariatric and metabolic surgery. Recognized for his clinical excellence, innovation, and academic leadership, he is regarded as one of the pioneers of bariatric, robotic, and endoscopic bariatric surgery in India.
He serves as Director and Chief Surgeon, Institute of Bariatrics, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, where he established and leads one of India’s premier bariatric surgery programs. His extensive and continually evolving qualifications across digestive surgery, laparoscopy , SILS, robotic surgery, endoscopy, and surgical technology reflect an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, innovation, and clinical excellence.
Dr. Raj pioneered Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) in India, developed its ergonomic principles, and introduced Endoscopic and Robotic Bariatric Surgery to the country. He continues to drive innovation through the development of novel surgical techniques and advanced minimally invasive procedures.
An internationally respected educator, Dr. Raj regularly trains surgeons in advanced bariatric and robotic surgery and leads India’s premier bariatric and robotic fellowship programs. He also serves as Adjunct Professor of Surgery at the Apollo Institute of Medical Sciences and Research.
His philosophy extends beyond surgery to comprehensive obesity care, integrating medical therapy, nutrition, and long-term lifestyle support. Combining technical expertise with compassionate, personalized care, he has earned the trust of patients from across India and around the world seeking lasting solutions for obesity and metabolic disease.
Excellence in Robotic Surgery - Apollo Group of Hospitals Excellence Award - 2015
Excellence in New Initiatives - Apollo Group of Hospitals Excellence Award - 2013
Chikitsa Rattan Award - International Study Circle - 2007
A pioneer in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, Dr. Raj has introduced and
advanced several landmark innovations in India while actively promoting them
worldwide.
Revered as the "Ergonomic Man of India", he developed novel ergonomic solutions for SILS port placement .
Introduced multiple advanced bariatric techniques, including India's first Robotic Bariatric Surgery and first Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) for complex abdominal procedures.
Dr. Raj's original innovations include the Hepatic Sling liver retraction technique, the Rule of Hand port placement principle. The Single Anastomosis Imbrication Jejunal Bypass (SAIJ) bariatric procedures are landmark contributors to the growth of the speciality.
Research & Publications
01
Treatment Algorithm for Patients with Obesity in India: A Joint Consensus by Endocrine Society of India and Obesity Surgeons Society of India. Obesity Surgery 2026; 36(5): 2534-2544.
02
Role of Simulation Training in Hernia Surgery and Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, Journal of Abdominal Wall Surgery, 2026 Jan 8;4:15274.
03
Surgeons' Perspectives on Insurance Coverage for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery in India : An OSSI Survey. Obesity Surgery. 2025 Dec;35(12):5145-5152.
04
Single Anastomsis Imbrication Jejunal Bypass - A novel staple-less bariatric procedure. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases 2025; 21(6): June 2025, S81-S82.
05
Hiatal sling liver retraction technique in bariatric and upper gastrointestinal surgeries - Our 15 year experience with 1874 surgeries. Journal of Minimal Access Surgery 2025 Feb 4.
06
A Rare Case of Biliary Bezoar in the Biliopancreatic Limb after Laparoscopic One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass. Journal of Bariatric Surgery 4(1): Jan-Apr 2025; 29-32.
07
Obesity Management Medications as Adjuncts to Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery; Consensus Recommendations from India. Obesity Surgery, 2025 Jul;35(7):2745-2754.
08
Longterm outcome of One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: 10 yr follow-up of a single institution series. Obesity Surgery. 2025 Jan; 35(1):216-223.
09
Safety and Efficacy of Sleeve Gastrectomy with Sleeve Jejunal Bypass: An
Advantage over Other Bypass Procedures –Multicenter 3 and 5 year Data. Journal
of Bariatric Surgery, Sep 2023; 2(3):p 125-131.
10
Validation of Risk Assessment Tool in Indian Patients with Obesity. Diabetes Obes
Int J 2023, 8(2): 000272. ISSN: 2574-7770
11
Early experience with HugoRAS Robotic Bariatric Surgery using Baros principles.
Int J Adv Rob Innov Surg. Jan 2023, 1(1):29-34. DOI: 10.4103/JRIS.JRIS_7_23
12
Complications after Bariatric Surgery - A Multicentric Study of 11568 patients. J
Minim Access Surg. Apr 2021, 17(2):213-220.
13
Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India (OSSI) Recommendations for
Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Obesity
Surgery, Dec 2020;30(12):5101-5107.
14
OSSI (Obesity and Metabolic Surgery Society of India) Guidelines for Patient and
Procedure Selection for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery. Obesity Surgery. Jan
2020; 30(6):2362-2368.
15
Trends and Progress of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery in India. Updates in
Surgery, Sep 2020;72(3):743-749.
16
Comparison of short-term outcomes between single incision laparoscopic
cholecystectomy and conventional 4-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy,
International Surgery Journal. Mar 2019; 6(3):812-817
17
Management of Leaks after laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Bariatric Surgical Practice Guide: Recommendations, Springer 1st Edition, Feb 2017: 201-211.
18
Erosion of esophageal stent into left main bronchus causing airway compromise. Lung India 2017;34(1):76-78.
Dr. Raj Palaniappan's medical practice is located at Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road Chennai. These are renowned healthcare facilities providing cardiology and comprehensive medical services.
Q: Who is Dr. Raj Palaniappan?
Dr RAJ PALANIAPPAN is a renowned Bariatrics Surgery with over 22 years of experience. He practices in Chennai at Apollo Hospitals Greams Road Chennai. Dr RAJ PALANIAPPAN holds a degree in MBBS, MS, MMAS, FICS (GE), DMAS, FMAS, FALS, FIBC, FRS, FLS. He provides treatments including Surgery Diets After Bariatic Weight Loss Surg. He specializes in treating conditions like Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Sleep Apnea, Former Obese.
Q: Why do patients choose Dr. Raj Palaniappan?
Patients select Dr. Raj Palaniappan for his expertise in Robotic Surgery, Endoscopic Surgery, and Revisional Surgery.
Q: What is Dr. RAJ PALANIAPPAN's specialization?
Dr RAJ PALANIAPPAN specializes in Bariatrics Surgery. He has expertise in treating conditions such as Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, Sleep Apnea, Former Obese. His key treatments include Surgery Diets After Bariatic Weight Loss Surg.
Q: What are Dr. RAJ PALANIAPPAN's medical qualifications?
Dr RAJ PALANIAPPAN holds MBBS, MS, MMAS, FICS (GE), DMAS, FMAS, FALS, FIBC, FRS, FLS, reflecting his comprehensive education in the field of Bariatrics Surgery.
Q: How many years of experience does Dr. Raj Palaniappan have?
Dr. Raj Palaniappan has 22 years of experience in the medical field.
Best Hospital Near me Chennai