DEPARTMENT OF Surgical Gastroenterology
| Dept. Head | : | Dr. TONEY JOSE (MS, DNB, MCh, DrNB, MRCSEd, FIAGES) |
| Location | : | Office :Casualty Third floor |
| OP Days | : | OP Building Ground floor( Wednesday) |
| Ward | : | CL 3-2 ward |
| ICU | : | CL 3-1 ICU and CCU beds as available |
| OT Days | : | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday |
About Us
The Department of Surgical Gastroenterology is a specialized unit dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based surgical care for patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) system. The department offers comprehensive services encompassing outpatient consultation, inpatient care, surgical intervention, and postoperative management, with a strong emphasis on patient safety, protocol-based treatment, and optimal clinical outcomes.
The department has established a reputation for managing a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary disorders through systematic clinical evaluation, standardized treatment protocols, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Its clinical services are directed towards achieving favorable treatment outcomes while minimizing postoperative morbidity and mortality.
Patients are referred to the department from various hospitals across Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki, and Ernakulam districts, as well as from Kollam, Thrissur, and Malappuram districts, for specialized evaluation and management of complex gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary conditions.
The surgical services encompass the management of both benign and malignant diseases, including complex gastrointestinal procedures and advanced laparoscopic surgeries for gastrointestinal cancers. By integrating specialized surgical expertise with contemporary treatment approaches and structured perioperative care, the department strives to provide comprehensive, patient-centered treatment and improve the overall quality of life of patients requiring specialized surgical gastroenterological care.
Brief History
The Department of Surgical Gastroenterology was inaugurated on 7th April, 2021 by Dr. T.K. Jayakumar (Hospital Superintendent), in the presence of other administrators and faculty members.
The department was licensed for Liver Transplantation in August, 2021 and did the first Liver Transplantation (Living Donor) on 14th February, 2022. This was the first suceessful LDLT of Kerala Government sector. In 25th April, 2023 the first cadaver Liver Transplantation (DDLT) was done.
Fellowship in Gastrointestinal and HPB Surgery as an academic program was started in 2023 and first candidate passed out in 2025, thus became the first department to start a fellowship course in Kerala state.
Succession List of the Head of the Departments of Surgical Gastroenterology
| 1 | Dr. Sindhu RS | April 2021- March 2025 |
| 2 | Dr. Toney Jose | March 2025 – continuing |
Objectives of the Department
The major objectives of the Surgical Gastroenterology Department are to:
- Provide specialized surgical management for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and associated organs.
- Diagnose and treat benign, malignant, inflammatory, congenital and obstructive abdominal conditions.
- Perform open and laparoscopic surgical procedures, as appropriate.
- Provide comprehensive preoperative assessment and postoperative care.
- Promote early detection and timely surgical intervention for gastrointestinal cancers.
- Manage complex hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases through multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Reduce surgical complications, hospital stay, and recovery time through enhanced recovery protocols.
- Ensure patient safety, infection prevention, and adherence to established clinical standards.
- Provide patient and family education regarding treatment, nutrition, medication, wound care, and lifestyle modification.
- Support clinical research, medical education, professional training, and continuous quality improvement.
| Sl. No. | NAME | DESIGNATION |
|---|---|---|
1 |  Dr.TONEY JOSE MBBS,MS(General Surgey),DNB(General Surgery) MCh(Surgical Gastroenterology),DrNB(Surgical Gastroenterology) MRCSEd,FIAGES | Assistant Professor (HOD in charge) |
| 2 | Dr. BINEESH R V MBBS | Non Academic Junior Resident |
3 |  Dr. GOKUL RAJ MBBS | Non Academic Junior Resident |
4 | Dr. SOJAN JOHN MBBS,MD Anesthesia | Consultant Anaesthesiologist |
| 5 | Dr. ANIL KUMAR R MBBS,MD Anesthesia | Consultant Anaesthesiologist |
Scope of Services
The department provides specialized care for the following systems and conditions.
 | A. Esophageal and Gastric Surgery This unit manages disorders of the esophagus and stomach, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatus hernia, achalasia cardia, esophageal strictures, peptic ulcer complications, gastric outlet obstruction, and benign or malignant tumors of the esophagus and stomach. Surgical procedures may include fundoplication, hiatal hernia repair, esophageal myotomy, esophagectomy, gastrectomy, and other reconstructive procedures, depending on the patient's condition. |
 | B. Intestinal and Colorectal Surgery This service manages diseases of the small intestine, colon, rectum, and anal canal, such as intestinal obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, diverticular disease, intestinal perforation, fistulas, and complicated appendiceal conditions Procedures include small bowel resection, colectomy, low anterior resection, abdominoperineal resection, stoma formation and reversal, and selected reconstructive procedures. |
 | E. Minimally Invasive and Advanced Surgery The hepatobiliary unit specializes in diseases of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. It manages gallstones, cholecystitis, bile duct obstruction, benign biliary strictures, liver cysts, selected liver tumors, and other complex hepatobiliary conditions. Procedures may include cholecystectomy, bile duct exploration and reconstruction, liver resection, and selected complex biliary operations |
 | D. Pancreatic Surgery This service treats selected cases of acute and chronic pancreatitis requiring surgery, pancreatic cystic lesions, pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and benign or malignant pancreatic tumors. Procedures may include pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), distal pancreatectomy, selected drainage procedures, and other pancreatic resections, following detailed evaluation and multidisciplinary planning. |
 | E. Minimally Invasive and Advanced Surgery The department may offer laparoscopic procedures to treat suitable gastrointestinal conditions. These techniques use small incisions and specialized instruments to perform operations with enhanced visualization. Potential benefits include reduced postoperative pain, smaller scars, earlier mobilization, and shorter hospital stays in appropriately selected patients. The choice of technique depends on the disease, patient condition, available expertise, and institutional resources. |
Surgical Procedures and Treatment Modalities
The department performs a range of procedures based on disease complexity and available facilities.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Upper GI surgery | Esophagectomy, gastrectomy, fundoplication, cardiomyotomy |
| Intestinal surgery | Small bowel resection, colectomy, intestinal anastomosis |
| Colorectal surgery | Anterior resection, Abdominoperineal resection, stoma creation and reversal |
| Hepatobiliary surgery | Cholecystectomy, CBD expoloration, liver resection, bile duct reconstruction |
| Pancreatic surgery | Whipple procedure, distal pancreatectomy, Frey procedure, Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy |
| Minimally invasive surgery | Laparoscopic procedures of the gastrointestinal system |
| Oncological surgery | Resection of selected gastrointestinal, colorectal, liver, biliary, and pancreatic cancers |
| Reconstructive surgery | Restoration of gastrointestinal continuity and selected complex reconstructions |
Achievements
- First successful Liver Transplantation in Kerala Government sector
- First successful Living Donor Liver Transplantation in Kerala Government sector
- First successful Deceased Donor Liver Transplantation in Kerala Government sector
- First Fellowship course in Kerala Government sector