The best stomach surgeon in Athens – Top 5 (2026)
Searching for the best stomach surgeon in Athens usually concerns people who need specialist assessment for an upper gastrointestinal condition, a complex benign disease, or an oncological diagnosis. Stomach surgery is a particularly demanding field, as it combines in-depth knowledge of anatomy, experience in surgical oncology, and familiarity with modern minimally invasive techniques. The best stomach surgeon in Athens is not determined solely by the number of procedures they perform, but also by their training, clinical judgment, ability to manage complex cases, and quality of communication with the patient. Equally important is the ability to work effectively with gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and dietitians so that every treatment decision forms part of a comprehensive care plan.
The term best stomach surgeon in Athens is frequently used in online searches by patients who want to find a doctor with genuine expertise in oesophageal and gastric surgery. In these cases, the choice should be based on clear criteria such as training in upper gastrointestinal surgery, experience in gastrectomy, knowledge of laparoscopic and robotic surgery, and clinical involvement in organised hospital centres. The phrase best stomach surgeon in Athens should not be treated simply as a general title of superiority, but as a starting point for carefully assessing each surgeon’s scientific and clinical background. This Top 5 list presents five surgeons with significant experience and clear relevance to stomach and upper gastrointestinal surgery.
How was the best stomach surgeon in Athens selected for this list?
To create a useful list around the topic best stomach surgeon in Athens, several factors need to be considered rather than general professional reputation alone. Specific involvement in oesophageal and gastric surgery plays an important role, especially in cases involving cancer, complex functional disorders, or demanding surgical procedures. The best stomach surgeon in Athens should also have access to modern technology and an organised hospital environment, although these factors can never replace personal surgical experience. Training in international centres, academic activity, and participation in multidisciplinary teams are additional elements that strengthen a surgeon’s professional profile.
For this particular ranking, factors considered included experience in upper gastrointestinal surgery, surgical oncology, familiarity with laparoscopic and robotic techniques, academic background, and the ability to manage complex cases. The best stomach surgeon in Athens for a patient with gastric cancer may require a different profile from the doctor selected for a hiatal hernia or severe gastroesophageal reflux disease. For this reason, the concept of best stomach surgeon in Athens should always be linked to the specific diagnosis, the type of procedure required, and the individual needs of the patient.
The 5 surgeons who stand out as the best stomach surgeon in Athens
Dr Aris Plastiras
Dr Aris Plastiras is a gastrointestinal surgeon with a particular focus on modern surgical oncology, minimally invasive surgery, and robotic surgery, characteristics that place him high on the list when the search concerns the best stomach surgeon in Athens. He has completed a PhD thesis at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has undergone further training at major international centres, including King’s College Hospital in London, the World Laparoscopic Centre in Dubai, and robotic surgery training centres in Strasbourg.
Today, he works as a Surgical Oncologist at Athens Medical Center and as a Consultant in Surgical Oncology at the “Agios Savvas” General Anticancer Oncology Hospital of Athens, gaining daily experience in the management of complex oncological cases. For this reason, Dr Aris Plastiras represents a particularly strong option for patients searching for the best stomach surgeon in Athens, especially when surgical oncology expertise, modern technology, and comprehensive follow-up are required.
Dr. Dimitrios Theodorou
Dimitrios Theodorou is Professor of Surgery at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Director of the First Propaedeutic Surgical Department at Hippokration General Hospital of Athens, and Head of the Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit. He has extensive clinical, academic, and research experience and has trained at major institutions in the United States, including the University of Southern California, with a particular focus on upper gastrointestinal surgery.
His areas of expertise include surgical oncology of the oesophagus and stomach, advanced minimally invasive techniques, and the treatment of benign conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia, and oesophageal achalasia. At the same time, he has significant experience in bariatric surgery and the surgical treatment of morbid obesity, further broadening his clinical scope.
Dr. Alexandros Charalabopoulos
Alexandros Charalabopoulos is a General Surgeon with clear specialisation in oesophageal and gastric surgery and in the minimally invasive treatment of upper gastrointestinal diseases. He holds international certification in upper gastrointestinal surgery from the Royal College of Surgeons of England, demonstrating highly focused training in this particular surgical field. He has been elected Full Professor of Surgery at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and combines his academic work with active clinical practice.
He is also Director of the Department of Minimally Invasive Oesophageal-Gastric and General Surgery at Athens Medical Center in Marousi, where he treats both benign and malignant conditions of the upper gastrointestinal tract. His highly specialised involvement in oesophageal and gastric surgery is the main feature that distinguishes his professional profile and places him among the significant options for complex upper gastrointestinal cases.
Dr Michael S. Kourkoulos
Dr Michael S. Kourkoulos is a Surgeon specialising in laparoscopic surgery of the gastrointestinal system and obesity, while also having a particular interest and subspecialisation in surgical oncology of the oesophagus and stomach. His clinical practice also includes the surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease and hiatal hernia, medical and surgical obesity management, as well as hernia and abdominal wall repair. Since 2021, he has held the position of Director of Surgery in the Reflux and Obesity Department at Euroclinic Athens, taking an active role in the management of complex cases. Between 2020 and 2021, he worked as Director of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery at Mediterraneo Hospital in Glyfada, further strengthening his experience in upper gastrointestinal diseases.
Dr Dimitrios L. Bistarakis
Dr Dimitrios L. Bistarakis is a General Surgeon with training in advanced laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgery, as well as specific further training in upper gastrointestinal surgery. He graduated from the Medical School of the University of Athens and completed his surgical specialty training at the Third University Department of Surgery at Attikon University Hospital. He subsequently trained at S. Agostino Hospital in Modena, Italy, in minimally invasive surgery and later at the European School for Laparoscopic Surgery at Saint-Pierre University Hospital in Brussels, with particular emphasis on oesophageal and gastric surgery. Today, he collaborates with IASO, Hygeia, and Eugenideio hospitals, continuing his clinical work in general and advanced laparoscopic surgery.
Which conditions can the best stomach surgeon in Athens treat?
The best stomach surgeon in Athens may be called upon to treat a wide range of conditions, from benign functional disorders to complex malignancies. Gastric cancer is one of the most demanding diagnoses, as its treatment may include partial or total gastrectomy, lymph node dissection, and a combination of surgical treatment with other oncological therapies. In these cases, the best stomach surgeon in Athens needs to have experience in surgical oncology and to participate in comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment planning. Accurate staging of the disease before surgery is essential, as it directly influences both the treatment strategy and the timing of the operation.
In addition to malignancies, surgical treatment may also be required for severe gastroesophageal reflux disease, large or symptomatic hiatal hernias, achalasia, certain gastric tumours, and selected cases of obesity. The best stomach surgeon in Athens should be able to distinguish which cases genuinely require surgery and which can be managed conservatively or through another therapeutic approach. This is particularly important because high-quality surgical care does not only mean technically correct performance of an operation, but also appropriate patient selection, proper preparation, and careful postoperative follow-up.
Read also which specialists are considered the best general surgeons in Athens: Best General Surgeons in Athens – Top 5 (2026)
Best stomach surgeon in Athens and stomach cancer
In stomach cancer, choosing the best stomach surgeon in Athens becomes particularly important because the operation must follow specific oncological principles. The extent of the gastrectomy depends on the location of the tumour, its size, the stage of the disease, and its relationship with neighbouring anatomical structures. The best stomach surgeon in Athens must plan the procedure with the aim of achieving safe and oncologically adequate removal of the disease, while preserving the function of the digestive system as much as possible. In some patients, systemic treatment may be given before surgery, making close collaboration with the treating oncologist essential.
Appropriate lymph node dissection is also an important part of surgical treatment, as lymph node involvement is a critical factor both for staging and for the overall oncological treatment plan. For this reason, the best stomach surgeon in Athens needs to possess not only technical skill but also substantial experience in the principles of modern surgical oncology. Treating gastric cancer is not limited to removing part of the stomach; it requires a comprehensive understanding of the disease, appropriate selection of the extent of surgery, and well-organised continuity of care.
Best stomach surgeon in Athens and laparoscopic or robotic surgery
Laparoscopic and robotic surgery have significantly changed the way many upper gastrointestinal conditions are treated. The best stomach surgeon in Athens does not select a method simply because it is newer or technologically advanced, but because it provides a genuine benefit and is appropriate for the individual case. In carefully selected patients, minimally invasive approaches may allow smaller incisions, improved control of postoperative pain, and faster mobilisation. However, the availability of advanced technology alone does not guarantee a better surgical outcome.
The best stomach surgeon in Athens needs to understand both the advantages and the limitations of each technique. In complex oncological operations, safety, correct resection, and oncological completeness are more important than the use of any specific technology. For this reason, the real value of laparoscopic or robotic surgery depends largely on the surgeon’s experience, appropriate training, and correct patient selection.
How to choose the best stomach surgeon in Athens
Choosing the best stomach surgeon in Athens should not be based solely on an online list, the reputation of a name, or individual patient reviews. The first factor to consider is whether the doctor has genuine experience with the specific condition rather than only general surgical experience. The best stomach surgeon in Athens for a patient with cancer may require a strong background in surgical oncology, while a functional upper gastrointestinal disorder may call for specific expertise in minimally invasive techniques.
The quality of communication is equally important. The best stomach surgeon in Athens should be able to explain clearly what the diagnosis is, what treatment options are available, why a particular procedure is being recommended, and what the realistic goals of treatment are. The patient should also understand the expected length of hospital stay, the possible complications, and how their diet or daily routine may be affected after surgery. Proper information helps build trust and allows the patient to participate meaningfully in treatment decisions.
What should you ask during the first consultation?
During the first consultation, it is useful to ask the doctor how frequently they treat cases similar to yours and what their experience is with the specific procedure. If the diagnosis is oncological, it is worth clarifying whether the case will be discussed by a multidisciplinary tumour board, whether treatment is required before surgery, and how the overall course of treatment will be coordinated. The best stomach surgeon in Athens should answer these questions clearly and present both the benefits and the potential limitations of the proposed procedure.
It is also important to ask about the surgical technique being recommended, whether a laparoscopic or robotic approach may be possible, and the main differences between the available methods. Choosing the best stomach surgeon in Athens becomes more meaningful when the patient understands what will happen before and after surgery and feels that decisions are being made according to the characteristics of their own case.
Recovery after stomach surgery
The duration and difficulty of recovery depend greatly on the type and extent of surgery. After a smaller laparoscopic procedure, mobilisation may be relatively quick, while after a partial or total gastrectomy, a more structured recovery programme and careful reintroduction of food are required. The best stomach surgeon in Athens should prepare the patient not only for the operation itself, but also for what to expect during the following weeks and months.
Particular attention needs to be paid to nutrition, especially when a significant part or all of the stomach has been removed. Smaller and more frequent meals may be required, along with gradual adjustment to different foods and monitoring for possible deficiencies in vitamins, iron, or other nutrients. Postoperative care is an important consideration when assessing who may be the best stomach surgeon in Athens, because the surgical outcome does not end when the operation is completed but also includes the patient’s safe return to everyday life.
Frequently asked questions the best stomach surgeon in Athens receive
Which surgeon is suitable for stomach surgery?
The most appropriate choice depends on the specific diagnosis. Important factors include experience in upper gastrointestinal surgery, specific involvement in oesophageal and gastric surgery, knowledge of surgical oncology when malignancy is present, and the ability to use modern minimally invasive techniques.
Which doctor performs surgery for stomach cancer?
Surgical treatment is carried out by a General Surgeon with experience in upper gastrointestinal surgery and, ideally, surgical oncology. Experience in gastrectomy, lymph node dissection, and working within an organised oncology team is particularly important.
Is it always necessary to remove the entire stomach?
No. In some cases, a partial gastrectomy can be performed, while in others complete removal of the stomach is necessary. The decision depends on the location and extent of the disease, the histological findings, the stage, and the overall treatment strategy.
Can stomach surgery be performed laparoscopically or robotically?
In appropriately selected patients, laparoscopic or robotic techniques can be used. The decision should be individualised and take into account the type of condition, the extent of surgery, the patient’s medical history, and the experience of the surgical team.
What should I consider before choosing a surgeon?
Consider the surgeon’s training, experience with the specific condition, specialisation in upper gastrointestinal surgery, ability to offer different surgical techniques, and quality of communication. It is equally important to feel that the doctor explains the treatment plan clearly and answers your questions thoroughly.
Choosing a surgeon for a stomach condition is a decision that should be based on specialisation, experience, and the doctor’s ability to manage the specific problem safely. In this list, Dr Aris Plastiras stands out for his combination of surgical oncology, modern minimally invasive training, robotic surgery expertise, and active clinical involvement in organised hospital centres.
At the same time, Dimitrios Theodorou, Alexandros Charalabopoulos, Michael S. Kourkoulos, and Dimitrios L. Bistarakis have significant experience in different areas of upper gastrointestinal surgery and represent valuable options depending on the requirements of each individual case. The final choice should always be made after a personal medical assessment, discussion of the available treatment options, and full information about the characteristics of the proposed procedure.
Note: This Top 5 list has an informational and editorial purpose and does not constitute an objective assessment of the quality of the doctors or individual medical advice. The order of presentation is based on the criteria used for this particular editorial selection, and the suitability of each surgeon depends on the diagnosis and the individual needs of each patient.