Best Laparoscopic Anti-Reflux (GERD) Surgery gastroenterologists: TOP 51 doctors

Member of SICOB - Italian Society of Obesity Surgery and ACOI - Association of Italian Hospital Surgeons                                               

Dr Braun is a board-certified general surgeon with over 25 years of experience specializing in gastrointestinal surgery, particularly in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) through Fundoplication surgery. He has performed over 500 successful Nissen and Toupet Fundoplication procedures, with a focus on minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. His expertise extends to diagnosing complex cases of GERD and offering comprehensive treatment plans to improve patient outcomes.

He has carried out his main training experiences in various international institutions and specialization courses in general and digestive system surgery, including a two-year training internship at Johns Hopkins University, Division of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery and numerous courses in Madrid, with Prof. E. Moreno Gonzales (Curso Internacional de Actualizaciòn en chirurgia General y del Aparato Digestivo) or in New Orleans (Medical Education at the 90th Annual Clinical Congress of the American College of Surgeons).

Dr. Braun has extensive expertise in the field of digestive surgery. He has focused on implementing advanced protocols and optimizing surgical techniques, while maintaining high standards of safety and patient care. He has collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to provide an integrated and personalized approach in the management of obese or digestive disorder patients, improving quality of life and reducing post-operative complications.

Dr. Tarık Akar graduated from Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Istanbul University in 2000 and was granted the title of “Internist” in 2004. He has published 19 international papers, 6 local papers, and 25 local and international congress presentations. His fields of medical interest include Achalasia, ESD, ERCP, Zenker’s Diverticulum, and Gastroparesis.

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.

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. 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).

Procedures Performed

• Laparoscopic and Open Malignant Stomach Operations
• Small Intestine Operations
• Large Intestine Operations
• Rectal Disease Operations
• Laparoscopic and Open Benign Stomach Procedures
• Laparoscopic and Open Hernia Repair Operations
• Laparoscopic and Open Appendectomy Operations
• Laparoscopic and Open Cholecystectomy Operations
• Laparoscopic and Open Splenectomy Operations
• Laparoscopic and Open Anti-Reflux Procedures
• Laparoscopic and Open Endocrinology Procedures
• Sleeve Gastrectomy and Gastric Bypass Surgeries
• Oncoplastic Benign and Malignant Breast Surgeries
• Thyroid Surgery for Benign and Malignant Diseases
• Perianal Region Procedures (fissure, fistula, pilonidal sinus)
• Placement and Removal of Gastric Balloons
• Endoscopic and Surgical Placement of Feeding Tubes in the Stomach
• Gastroscopy and Colonoscopy Procedures
• Liver Surgery

Diseases Treated

• Obesity Disorders
• Benign Thyroid Diseases and Tumors
• Benign Diseases and Tumors of the Esophagus
• Benign Diseases and Tumors of the Breast
• Benign Stomach Diseases (Reflux Disease) and Tumors
• Benign Diseases (Meckel and other diverticula) and Tumors of the Small Intestine
• Benign Diseases (diverticula) and Tumors of the Large Intestine
• Benign Diseases and Tumors of the Rectum
• Perianal Region Diseases (fissure, fistula, hemorrhoids, abscess, pilonidal sinus)
• Benign Liver Diseases and Tumors

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

Dr. Auala Hubert is a board-certified Medical Oncologist & Radiotherapist with 33 years of experience, speaking both English and Hebrew. She is a member of several medical and social service committees and holds qualifications in Oncology and Radiotherapy.

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

Education: 

Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine 

Specialization Training: 

Baskent University Faculty of Medicine. Internal diseases 

Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine, Gastroenterology Minor 

Worked Institutions: 

Tekirdag State Hospital (Compulsory Service) 

Demiroğlu Bilim University Faculty of Medicine, Gastroenterology 

Medical Interests: 

Endoscopy-Colonoscopy 

ERCP 

Hepatology 

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases 

Liver Transplantation

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

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.

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

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