Best Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux (GERD) Surgery doctors: TOP 39 doctors

Dr. Tarık Akar is an experienced internist. He graduated from Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Istanbul University in 2000. He completed his specialty training in 2004. Dr. Akar has published 19 international and 6 local papers. He has also presented 25 papers at medical congresses. These achievements show his strong contribution to medical science.

Dr. Akar specializes in advanced endoscopic procedures. These include POEM for achalasia, ESD for early-stage gastrointestinal cancers, and ERCP for bile duct disorders. He also performs Z-POEM for Zenker’s Diverticulum and G-POEM for gastroparesis. He has received awards such as Best Verbal Presentation and Best Poster at the 7th International Gastrointestinal System Cancers Congress.

Specializations

Cancer Surgery

Pancreatic Surgery

Bile Duct Surgery

Bariatric Metabolic Surgery

Oncological Surgery

Breast Surgery

Gastric cancer

Colon cancer

Thyroid Cancer

Obesity Surgery

Diabetes Surgeries

I’m Dr. Enrique Pliego Esquivel, a surgeon specializing in bariatric and metabolic surgery with over 8 years of experience transforming lives through advanced surgical solutions. I am proud to be one of the few bariatric surgeons in Mexico who is a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). I am also certified by the Mexican Board of Obesity Surgery and the Mexican College of General Surgery.

My primary focus is providing comprehensive care to patients dealing with obesity, obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, as well as managing complications from bariatric surgery. I also treat gastroesophageal reflux and reflux-related esophagitis, offering tailored solutions that significantly enhance my patients' quality of life.

Patients often highlight my professionalism, empathy, and dedication to understanding their unique needs. I take the time to listen and fully grasp their goals because I believe every case deserves a personalized approach and a clear path toward success.

My priority isn’t to see the most patients—it’s to deliver exceptional care and outstanding results for each individual. I am deeply committed to quality, staying accessible, and maintaining close communication with my patients throughout their journey.

If you’re looking for expertise, compassion, and results you can trust, I’m here to help you take the first step toward a healthier, happier life.

Dr. Jaroslav Tvaruzek is a specialist in robotic surgery. Dr. Tvaruzek is a leading certified expert by Intuitive Surgical - the American produced of the original Da Vinci robots. The doctor is a member of Association of Aesthetic Medicine and Association of Bariatric Surgery.

Dr. Tvaruzek heads the Center of Robotic Surgery located in the St. Zdislava Hospital (the Czech Republic). The doctor has performed over 3,500 robotic surgeries for his practice. Among them are:

• prostatectomy with preservation of the erectile function
• transoral surgeries (removal tumors of the nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, mouth)
• thyroidectomy
• nephrectomy
• bariatric surgeries (surgical treatment of obesity).

ACADEMIC CAREER SUMMARY

Degree: Bachelor's
Field: Medicine
University: Atatürk University
Year: 2001

Degree: Master's
Field: Medicine
University: Atatürk University
Year: 2001

Specialization/Doctorate: Internal Medicine/Gastroenterology
University: İnönü University
Year: 2012

Associate Professorship: Gastroenterology
University: İnönü University
Year: 2018

Foreign Language: English, 67.5, 2007

H-index (WoS/Google): 8/10

Impact Factor: 8.1577

Key Research Work:
“Does apocynin increase liver regeneration in the partial hepatectomy model?” Yılmaz Bilgiç, Burhan Hakan Kanat, Onural ÖZHAN, Azibe YILDIZ, Zeynep AKSUNGUR, Mehmet Erman ERDEMLİ, Nigar VARDI, Yusuf TÜRKÖZ, Sami AKBULUT, Adem KÖSE, Hakan PARLAKPINAR. Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences, 2023 (53), 1-12 Q3.

Declared Project Title, Year:
K.3.6. “Investigation of the Effects of Vinpocetine in Sepsis Created by Cecal Ligation and Puncture in Rats” (Principal Investigator), 2023

International Experience:
Advanced Endoscopy Training, Anam Hospital, South Korea (3 months, 2016)
Advanced ERCP Course, Olympus Training Center, Hamburg (2017)

ADMINISTRATIVE POSITIONS

• Institution: İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center
  City: Malatya
  Position: Assistant Chief Physician
  Period: 2021 - 2024

Dr. Specialist Surgeon Rafail Ibayev is an expert in advanced gastrointestinal surgery. He specializes in both laparoscopic and open procedures for diseases of the stomach, intestine, and rectum. Dr. Ibayev is a recognized leader in obesity and metabolic surgery. He has extensive experience in sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and gastric balloon procedures. His patients achieve high success rates in weight management and metabolic health.

Dr. Ibayev is known for his work in minimally invasive surgery. He performs a wide range of laparoscopic operations that help patients recover faster and with less scarring. He is also skilled in endocrine and breast surgery, including advanced oncoplastic techniques for both benign and malignant conditions. As a gastrointestinal cancer specialist, he performs complex surgeries for liver, stomach, and colorectal tumors. He provides modern and effective oncological care.

Dr. Ibayev is highly trained in anti-reflux surgery, treatment of digestive disorders, endoscopic procedures, hernia repair, splenectomy, and proctologic surgeries. He is committed to patient-centered care and long-term health outcomes.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science (MD): Faculty of Medicine, Uludag University, 1989

Specialized Education and Experience:

• General Surgery Specialist Degree: Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, 1997
• Fellowship: Gastroenterology Surgery, Türkiye High Specialization Hospital, 2005

Academic Career:

• Associate Professor: General Surgery, Inonu University, 2011
• Professorship: General Surgery, İnönü University, 2017

Dr. Bilal Ergul, MD, is a pioneering force in the field of gastroenterology.  

His innovative treatment protocols have transformed the lives of many patients, including a remarkable case where he successfully treated a patient with a Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) surgery.

Dr. Bilal Ergul, often says, ‘Healing is more than treating a condition; it’s about restoring hope and improving lives.’ This philosophy is evident in every aspect of his work, making his and his team truly inspirational figure in the medical community."
He has authored around 100 publications in different academic topics

Pichai Kittipanyaworakul, M.D.
Pichai Kittipanyaworakul, M.D.

INTERNAL MEDICINE / GASTROENTEROLOGIST AND HEPATOLOGIST

Graduation (M.D. From)

Bachelor of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University

Certificates

Diploma in Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society

Diploma of Internal Medicine in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University

Current Positions

INTERNAL MEDICINE / GASTROENTEROLOGIST AND HEPATOLOGIST AT INTRARAT HOSPITAL

Education and Specialization

• Ankara University Faculty of Medicine – Medical Education
• Ankara University Faculty of Medicine – General Surgery Specialization
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine – Associate Professorship
• Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine – Professorship

Professional Memberships
• Turkish Medical Association
• Mediterranean Health Foundation
• Akdeniz University Development and Health Foundation
• Transplantation Organizations Coordination Association
• National Surgical Association

Dr. Auala Hubert is a board-certified medical oncologist and radiotherapist with 33 years of clinical experience. She works at Hadassah Medical Center and speaks both English and Hebrew. Dr. Hubert leads the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center. She is also a senior physician in the Oncology Department.

She earned her M.D. from Hadassah University Hospital. She holds board certifications in oncology and radiotherapy. Dr. Hubert has passed USMLE Parts I and II. She is a member of the Israel Society of Clinical Oncology, Israel Medical Society, and Israel Cancer Association. Dr. Hubert also serves on several medical and social service committees, where she helps advance cancer care.

Dr. Omer Necip Aytug is a respected gastroenterologist. He graduated from Hacettepe University School of Medicine in 1980. He became an internist at Cukurova University in 1985. He completed his gastroenterology fellowship at Marmara University in 1997.

He was named Associate Professor at Firat University in 1989. In 1998, he became a Professor at Abant Izzet Baysal University. Dr. Aytug has written many scientific papers and book chapters. He has also attended several national and international congresses.

He has held important academic and clinical roles at Duzce University Faculty of Medicine, Camlica Medicana Hospital, and Memorial Service Hospital. These positions have established him as an expert in gastroenterology.

A specialist in the digestive system through MIR from the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona and a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Barcelona, he received his PhD from the University of Barcelona.

He completed his postgraduate training in the Gastroenterology Service of the Barcelona Hospital Clinic and then in the Department of Gastroenterology at Case Western Reserve University (Cleveland, USA), where he conducted cutting-edge research on inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis).

From 2004 to 2011 he worked in the Gastroenterology Department of the Barcelona Hospital Clinic / IDIBAPS, and since 2011 he has worked as a specialist doctor in the Digestive System Department of the Teknon Medical Center in Barcelona.

He was a member of the Scientific Committee of ECCO and coordinator of the European project "IBDChip". He is the author of more than 150 publications and 500 presentations at conferences and conferences.

Experience:

Digestive system specialist, completed the MIR training program and completed his residency in this specialty at the Provincial Hospital of Barcelona between 1993 and 1996.

Doctor of Medicine from the University of Barcelona with the qualification "Distinguished Diploma Unanimously". In 2001 he received the Distinguished Doctorate from the University of Barcelona.

Between 1997 and 1999, he completed his postgraduate training in the Gastroenterology Department of the Provincial Hospital of Barcelona. Subsequently, he completed two internships in the Gastroenterology Department of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, USA, between 2000 and 2003, where he conducted cutting-edge research in the field of gastroenterology.

Since 2004 he has been working in the Gastroenterology Service of the Provincial Hospital of Barcelona / IDIBAPS, focusing on the treatment and research of inflammatory bowel diseases.

He is the author of numerous publications, conference papers and book chapters both nationally and internationally.

Member of the Catalan Society of Gastroenterology, the Spanish Association of Gastroenterology, the Spanish Working Group on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and the American Gastroenterological Association.

Areas of special interest: storage rhythm disorders, chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and other causes of chronic intestinal inflammation.

Dr. Jan Kulawik, MD, PhD, is a member of the Bariatric and Laparoscopic Surgery Team. He is a bariatrician and general surgery specialist.

Jan Kulawik, M.D., assists with procedures in the field of:

Obesity surgery

• Gastric Sleeve Surgery
•  
• Gastric Bypass Surgery
•  
• Mini Gastric Bypass
•  
• Revisional Bariatric Surgery
•  
• Gastric Band Removal
•  
• Weight Loss Balloon

Membership in societies:

Expert of scientific journals 

Close co-operation with leading surgeons

Membership of the German Medical Association 

Specialities:

Introduction of new and modern techniques in the field of oncological surgery
General and visceral surgery

Minimally invasive surgery

Gastrointestinal oncology surgery

Oncological surgery

Haemorrhoids treatment

Additional clinical specialisation in minimally invasive and hernia surgery

Surgery and transplantation of the pancreas

Work Experience:

2005: Specialist in the field of surgery

2008: Appointed Senior Consultant specialising in pancreatic surgery and transplantation

2010: Coordinator of the Pancreatic Cancer Centre (Oncocert)

2013: Specialist in visceral surgery

2014: Managing Senior Physician, additional clinical specialisation in minimally invasive and hernia surgery

2019: Chief Surgeon of the Colorectal Cancer Centre Bochum (the first certified colorectal cancer centre in Germany and one of the first certified leading colorectal centres in Europe)

2021: Chief Surgeon of the Department of Surgery at the Academic Hospital Solingen

Thanks to the professor and his team, the department has been modernised by introducing modern surgical methods of treatment and especially improved methods of post-operative recovery. The Department of Surgery at the Solingen Clinic is now further expanding its focus on minimally invasive surgery in the direction of robotics. The clinic has allocated a huge budget for the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment in order to offer patients a full range of surgical methods for the treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the oesophagus, lungs, stomach, liver, pancreas and intestines according to current guidelines and using the most modern technical equipment.

Professor Schenker is an active researcher and lecturer. He lectures at medical universities and organises seminars and workshops for colleagues. He cooperates closely with the Cancer Centre, the Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Centre, the Intestinal Cancer Treatment Centre and the Interregional Trauma Centre.

Dr. Victor Alexander Krol - Chief of Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine and Obesity Treatment Center at Martinus Hospital

Dr. Victor Alexander Krol is a highly qualified specialist, heading the departments of gastroenterology and internal medicine. With many years of experience and deep knowledge in his field, Dr. Krol has established himself as an outstanding expert, providing patients with comprehensive treatment and an individual approach. He actively uses the latest methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolism, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.

Dr. Krol is also the director of the certified Obesity Treatment Center at Martinus Hospital, which provides surgical and endoscopic treatments for obesity. The center uses advanced technology to diagnose and treat obesity (adiposis), including methods such as bariatric surgery, endoscopic weight loss, and specialized programs for patients with different stages of obesity. The center is certified to high standards and has excellent results in the treatment of this serious disease.

The Gastroenterology Department, headed by Dr. Krol, diagnoses and treats diseases of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. The doctors of the department use a wide range of methods, including endoscopic procedures, ultrasound, and other modern diagnostic technologies.

The Department of Internal Medicine covers a wide range of diseases, including cardiology, diabetology, infectology, and therapy of respiratory and renal diseases. Dr. Krol and his team provide a comprehensive approach to treatment using the most advanced methods of medicine.

Thanks to his high professionalism and humane approach to each patient, Dr. Krol deservedly enjoys the respect of colleagues and patients.

Gastroenterology

Pendik Medipol University Hospital

Education

1999 Karadeniz Technical University, Gastroenterology

1997 Atatürk University, Internal Diseases Professorship

1992 Atatürk University, Internal Diseases Associated Professorship

1985 Atatürk University, Internal Diseases Specialist

1981 Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine

Publications

1- Nihat Okçu Gülçin Polat, Arif Yılmaz, Mehmet Koruk, The demographic features of gastric cancers in Erzurum(Eurasian J Med 2000; 32: 63-65)

2- An Evaluation of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Cases. Clinical Sciences-Doctor.2000, - E.akarsu,N.Okçu,et Ark.Northeast Anatolia 6:4:435-438

3-N.Okçu, A.yılmaz. İ.kiki,MDonuk, C.gündoğdu, H.uzunismail. Our Diagnostic Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Results. Atatürk University Medical Journal 1997,29 (2):486

4-N. Okçu, M.gündoğdu, MD onuk, İ.kiki, l.cerrahoğlu, k.yılmaz, I. çapoğlu. The Role of Misoprostol in Preventing Gastroduodenal Lesions in Patients Using Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Atatürk University Medical Journal 1997,29 (2):453-455.

5-N.Okçu, A. Öz, MD Onuk, E.Akarsu, B. Tekin, Hz Tonbul, H.Kaya. Plasma Fibronectin Levels in Chronic Active Hepatitis and Decoction of Liver Parenchymal Insufficiency and Their Relationship with Liver Functional Status. Turkish J. Gastroenterol 1995;27(4): 422-426.

6-N.Okçu, Tahir Buran, MD Onuk, A. Yılmaz, E.Akarsu, G. Akçay. Prevalence of Helicobacter Pylori in Patients with Duodenal Ulcer in Erzurum and Surrounding Area. Turkish J. Gastroenterol 1995;27(4): 447-450.

7-N.Okçu, bs awake, e. akarsu, e. bakan, z. tonbul. Importance of Carbohydrate Antigens (CA-19-9, CA-125), Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and Alkaline Phosphatase in Gastric and Colorectal Cancers. Turkish J. Gastroenterol 1995;6:467-471.

8-N. Okçu, MD Onuk, E. Akarsu, H. Doğan, C. Gündoğdu. Major Risk Factors in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Our Region. Gastroenterology 1994;5(2):154-157

9-N.Okçu, md. Onuk, e. akarsu, h. doğan, c.gündoğdu, tahir buran. Frequency of gastric carcinoma in Erzurum region, endoscopic and histological features. Gastroenterology 1994;5(2):263-267.

10-N. Okçu, MD Onuk, Tahir Buran, E. Akarsu, MA Çiftçioğlu. Frequency of Helicobacter Pylori in Nonspecific Gastritis Cases in Erzurum Province. Gastroenterology 1994;5(2):211-213.

11-N.Okçu, MD Onuk, Ö. Ünal, E. Akarsu, L. İncesu, K. Akgöz. Diagnostic Value of Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Intra-Abdominal Mass Lesions. Gastroenterology 1993;4(1):166-68.

12-NOkçu, md. onuk, m. polat, a. yılmaz, m. gündoğdu, m. paç. Budd-Chiari Syndrome (2 Cases). Turkish J Gastroenterhepatol 1993; 4(1):77-80.

13-N.Okçu, H. Koçak, MD Onuk, M. Gündoğdu, E. Bakan, A. Yılmaz, A. Başoğlu, A. Ateş, F.A. Paç. The Effect of Atrial Pressure Changes and Cardiac Nerves on Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) Levels. Vascular Surgery 1993; 27(2): 128-132

15-N.Okçu, MD Onuk, A.Yılmaz, M. Gündoğdu, T. Buran. Effects of Omeprozole and Ranitidine on Peptic Ulcer Healing. Doğa-Tr.J. of Medical Sciences 1992;16:657-658.

16-N. Okçu, Mr. Yiğitoğlu, B. Adam, E. Bakan. The Effect of Digixin on Plasma Atrial Natriuretic Peptic Level in Patients with Congestive Heart Failure. S.Ü. Medical Faculty Journal 1991;7(2):243-247..

17-N.Okçu, A. Yılmaz. The Effect of Histamine H2 -Receptor Antagonists in Upper Gastrointestinal System Bleeding. Endoscopy Journal 1991;2(4):17-23.

18-N.Okçu, E. Bakan, B. Adam, A. Yılmaz, Mr. Yiğitoğlu. Sex Hormones and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Levels in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis and Liver Cirrhosis (Letter to the Editor). Nature-Tr. J. Of Medical Sciences 1991;15:1-2.

19-N.Okcu Ömer Yılmaz.Helıcobacter pylori and related gastrointestinal system diseases. Turkish Clinics JMed Sci. 2013;33(3):806-13

20-Nihat Okçu, Ömer Yılmaz, Hakan Dursun, Gülçin Polat. The relationship between dyspeptic symptoms, nutritional habits, endoscopic and histological findings (Eurasian J Med 2006; 38: 13-17)

21-Mehmet Bilici,1Nihat Okcu,1Kerim Cayir,1Ibrahim Pirim,2Salim B. Tekin,1andCemal Gundogdu3 - Distribution of HLA Tissue Groups in Patients with Gastric Cancer Eurasian J Med. 2010 Apr; 42(1): 9.11.

22-Nihat Okcu,Abdulhalim Bak,Mehmet Sari,Mehmet Arslan,Sait Kapicioglu:The fibroblast proliferation, relationship of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and interferon-A2A Gastroenterology April 2000Volume 118,Issue 4, Part 2, PageA1404

23-Kubra Kaynar,Sait Kapicioglu,Mehmet Sari,Nihat Okcu,Abdulhalim Baki. The effect of fish oil on stress ulcer prophylaxis GastroenterologyVolume 118, Issue 4, Part 2, PageA1255

In 2007 he joined the Costa del Sol Hospital and left this position when he obtained an international scholarship that would take him back to San Francisco. In 2010 he moved to Japan to complete his training in the submucosal endoscopic dissection technique that he would later on introduce in Andalusia in 2011, thus becoming one of the pioneers in the performance of this technique in Spain. In 2011 he became the first medical professional in the world to use the 15-mm AXIOS stent in pancreatic fluid collection drainage. In 2018 he began to perform gastroenteroanastomosis with luminal apposition stent in patients with pancreatic cancer and bowel obstruction, thus becoming a pioneer in Andalusia to perform such technique.

He is a coauthor of the reference guides of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy on the endoscopic treatment of chronic pancreatitis and non-variceal gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

Professional Experience

Over 24 years' experience

1999 - Degree in Medicine and Surgery. Malaga University, Spain.

2003 to 2006 - Medical Residency in the Digestive System at the Virgen Macarena Hospital in Seville, Spain.

2006 - International Scholar at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, USA.

2007 – Digestive System Specialist at the Costa del Sol Hospital, Marbella. Spain.

2008 - California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, USA.

2009 - Top Reviewer Award received from the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Journal.

2011 – Pioneer in Spain in the introduction of the submucosal endoscopic dissection technique.

2011 – First professional in the world to use the AXIOS (15mm) stent for pancreatic fluid collection drainage.

2016 - Gold Medal of the Andalusian Society for Digestive Disease (SAPD, in its Spanish abbreviation).

2017 - Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology (FACG).

2018 - Pioneer in Andalusia to perform gastroenteroanastomosis with luminal apposition stent to treat bowel obstruction.

2019 - Fellow of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (FASGE).

The Digestive System Unit of the Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital offers a patient service portfolio that includes all the clinical aspects of gastroenterology, hepatology, biliary duct and pancreatic disease, as well as the diagnostic and treatment techniques used in this speciality such as abdominal ultrasound, endoscopy and other functional tests.

Our specialists have solid professional backgrounds and the team is highly qualified for the diagnosis and treatment of complex diseases such as conditions related to acidity (gastric ulcers, helicobacter pylori, gastroesophageal reflux disease), enteropathies (Crohn's Disease, ulcerative colitis; coeliac disease...), viral hepatitis, hepatic cirrhosis, pancreatic disease...

The Digestive System Unit of the Quirónsalud Marbella Hospital is a pioneer in the implementation of a specific check-up programme for digestive disease with special attention to the diagnosis and treatment of colon precancerous lesions.

Diseases, treatments and techniques:

• Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound

• Endoscopic resection techniques (mucosectomy/submucosal dissection)

• Submucosal or third-space endoscopy (POEM and variants)

• Bariatric endoscopy (Apollo Method)

Specializations

Cancer Surgery

Pancreatic Surgery

Bile Duct Surgery

Bariatric Metabolic Surgery

Oncological Surgery

Breast Surgery

Gastric cancer

Colon cancer

Thyroid Cancer

Obesity Surgery

Diabetes Surgeries