Dr. Raj Palaniappan

Dr. Raj Palaniappan is a highly accomplished Bariatric, Robotic & Metabolic Surgeon with over 22 years of experience in weight-loss surgery, minimally invasive techniques, and advanced metabolic procedures. He is the Director and Lead Surgeon at the Institute of Bariatrics, Apollo Hospitals, Chennai, where he provides comprehensive surgical and holistic care for obesity and related metabolic conditions. Dr. Palaniappan is widely recognized for pioneering innovative laparoscopic and robotic bariatric procedures in India and for his commitment to improving patient outcomes through personalized treatment plans.

Dr. Palaniappan follows an evidence-based, patient-focused surgical philosophy that blends the latest minimally invasive and robotic techniques with long-term lifestyle and nutritional support. He emphasizes holistic care — addressing not just surgical needs but sustained metabolic health and quality of life through individualized plans and postoperative support.

• MBBS
• MS
• MMAS
• FICS(GE)
• DMAS
• FMAS
• FRS
• FIBC
• FALS
• FLS

• Morbid obesity
• Metabolic syndrome
• Type 2 diabetes related to obesity
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Obstructive sleep apnea related to weight
• Former obese patient management
• Weight-related health challenges requiring surgical intervention

• Appendectomy
• Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy) Surgery
• Hernia Repair Surgery
• Weight Loss Surgery
• Gastrectomy
• Nissen Fundoplication Surgery
• Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM)
• Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
• Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
• Adjustable gastric banding
• Single-Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) procedures
• Robotic bariatric surgeries (e.g., One Anastomotic Gastric Bypass)
• Endoluminal bariatric procedures
• Revisional bariatric surgery
• Metabolic surgery for diabetes and related comorbidities

• Founder Vice-President – International Association of Robotic Surgeons
• Editorial Board Member – World Journal of Laparoscopic Surgery
• Faculty – Duke Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery Program (USA)
• Honorary Professor – Saveetha Medical University
• Examiner – Indian Association of Gastroendoscopic Surgeons

• India’s first Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) bariatric procedures
• Early adopter and proponent of robotic bariatric surgery in India
• Developed ergonomic surgical techniques such as “Hiatal Sling” and “Rule of Hand” port placement methods