Laparoscopic Surgery
- Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
- Laparoscopic Hernia Surgery
- Laparoscopic Fundoplication
- Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
- Laparoscopic Gastrectomy
- Laparoscopic Appendicectomy
28+ Years of Clinical & Surgical Experience
Expertise in Gastrointestinal, Laparoscopic, Robotic & GI Cancer Surgery
Specialist in Gallbladder, Hernia & AWR
Senior Consultant, Billroth Hospitals, Chennai
Comprehensive Gastrointestinal, Colorectal, Pancreas & Liver Care
Dr. Kumaragurubaran
– Best Gastroenterologist in Chennai
Providing expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for digestive, liver, pancreas, Colorectal and gastrointestinal disorders with personalized, patient-focused care.
28+ years of gastrointestinal surgery Laparoscopic and robotic surgery for hernia, gallbladder, GI and colorectal conditions.
Start here
You don’t need a diagnosis to book. Start with where it hurts.
Most people arrive knowing something is wrong, not what it is. Pick the area that matches your symptom and see what usually causes it, how it is treated, and when it becomes urgent.
Pain, burning or fullness in the upper abdomen
The most common causes are gallbladder stones, acid reflux and gastritis — three conditions that feel similar and are treated very differently. An ultrasound and, where needed, an endoscopy separate them within a day.
What it usually turns out to be
- Gallbladder stones — pain under the right ribs 20–60 minutes after a fatty meal
- GERD / acid reflux — burning behind the breastbone, worse lying down
- Hiatus hernia — reflux with a night cough or hoarse morning voice
- Gastritis or ulcer — gnawing pain relieved or worsened by food
- Pancreatitis — severe pain boring through to the back
How it is treated
- Ultrasound and blood tests first — no operation is planned on a guess
- Endoscopy where reflux, ulcer or swallowing trouble is suspected
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones — home in a day
- Medication and meal timing resolve most reflux; surgery for roughly one in ten
- Laparoscopic fundoplication where medication has failed
Go to a hospital now if the pain is severe and constant, with fever, repeated vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes.
Read the gallbladder guideA bulge in the groin, navel or an old scar
A hernia is a gap in the abdominal wall through which tissue pushes out. It does not heal on its own and belts do not close it — but repair is usually a planned, day-care operation rather than an urgent one.
What it usually turns out to be
- Inguinal hernia — a groin bulge that appears on standing or straining
- Umbilical hernia — a swelling at or just above the navel
- Incisional hernia — a bulge through the scar of a previous operation
- Hiatus hernia — stomach pushing into the chest, felt as reflux rather than a lump
- Femoral hernia — lower in the groin, and more likely to obstruct
How it is treated
- Examination, and ultrasound only where the diagnosis is unclear
- Small, painless hernias may reasonably be watched rather than operated on
- Laparoscopic repair with mesh for most inguinal and umbilical hernias
- Day-care in the majority of planned cases
- Open repair where previous surgery or size makes it the safer route
A hernia that has become hard, painful and will not go back in is an emergency. Go to a casualty department now.
Read the hernia guideLower abdominal pain, or a change in bowel habit
Pain low in the abdomen and a change in how the bowel behaves cover a wide range — from appendicitis needing surgery tonight to irritable bowel needing no operation at all. Separating them is the first job.
What it usually turns out to be
- Appendicitis — pain starting centrally and settling in the right lower abdomen
- Irritable bowel — cramping with bloating, relieved by opening the bowels
- Inflammatory bowel disease — diarrhoea with blood, weight loss and fatigue
- Bowel obstruction — colicky pain, vomiting and no wind passing
- Colon or rectal cancer — persistent change in habit, blood, or unexplained anaemia
How it is treated
- Examination and blood tests, with a scan where the picture is unclear
- Colonoscopy for a persistent change in bowel habit or bleeding
- Laparoscopic appendicectomy for appendicitis — usually same admission
- Medical management for inflammatory bowel disease, with surgery reserved
- Laparoscopic colorectal resection for cancer, planned with oncology
A rigid, board-like abdomen, or pain with repeated vomiting and no wind passing, needs emergency assessment.
Read the bowel guideBleeding, pain or discharge from the back passage
These symptoms are common, treatable, and routinely left too long out of embarrassment. Most turn out to be piles or a fissure — but bleeding is never assumed to be piles without an examination.
What it usually turns out to be
- Haemorrhoids (piles) — bright red bleeding, usually painless
- Anal fissure — sharp pain during and after passing stool
- Fistula-in-ano — recurrent discharge or a persistent opening near the anus
- Rectal prolapse — tissue coming out on straining
- Rectal cancer — must be excluded before bleeding is attributed to piles
How it is treated
- Examination and proctoscopy at the first visit
- Colonoscopy where the bleeding pattern or your age warrants it
- Diet, fibre and topical treatment resolve a large share of cases
- Stapled or laser haemorrhoidectomy for piles that do not settle
- Fistula surgery planned after MRI where the tract is complex
Black tarry stool, or heavy bleeding with dizziness, needs emergency assessment rather than a clinic appointment.
Read the piles guideYellow eyes, unexplained weight loss or new anaemia
These are the symptoms that should not be watched and waited on. They point at the liver, bile ducts, pancreas or an unrecognised cancer, and each has a definite investigation pathway.
What it usually turns out to be
- Bile duct stones — jaundice with pain and fever
- Pancreatic disease — painless jaundice with weight loss
- Liver disease — jaundice with swelling of the abdomen or legs
- Gastric or colon cancer — weight loss with anaemia and appetite change
- Chronic blood loss — anaemia found on a routine blood test
How it is treated
- Liver function tests and ultrasound on the same day where possible
- CT or MRCP to define the level and cause of an obstruction
- Endoscopy and colonoscopy for weight loss with anaemia
- ERCP or surgery to clear an obstructed bile duct
- Cancer surgery staged and sequenced with oncology
New jaundice in an adult, especially with fever or pain, should be assessed the same day.
Read the jaundice guide
The Surgeon
Meet Dr. Kumaragurubaran – Senior Surgical Gastroenterologist, Advanced Laparoscopic, GI & Robotic Surgeon in Chennai
Dr Kumaragurubaran is a Senior Surgical Gastroenterologist, Advanced Laparoscopic, GI & Robotic Surgeon, Gallbladder, Hernia & AWR Specialist, affiliated to Billroth Hospitals with 28 years of experience and thousands of Successful Gastrointestinal & Laparoscopic Surgeries.
Dr. Kumaragurubaran is an experienced gastrointestinal specialist dedicated to diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the digestive system, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, colon, rectum, esophagus and Anal canal. His extensive clinical experience, combined with expertise in complex Gastrointestinal & Advanced minimally invasive surgery, enables patients to receive comprehensive care under one specialist.
Patients visit Dr. Kumaragurubaran for both routine digestive concerns requiring medical treatment and complex gastrointestinal conditions that require advanced surgical management. His approach emphasizes early diagnosis, patient education, and evidence-based treatment to achieve the best possible clinical outcomes.
Patients benefit from a comprehensive approach to digestive care that combines advanced diagnostic methods, modern surgical techniques, and personalized treatment plans whenever required.
- Qualifications
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- MBBS
- MS (General Surgery) — Stanley Medical College, 1997–2000
- MRCS (England)
- Dip.ALS — Laparoscopy
- FMAS — Minimal Access
- FIAGES — Gastro
- FALS — Hernia, Colorectal, Bariatric & Robotic Surgery
- Appointment
- Senior consultant, GI, Minimal Access & Robotic Surgery, Billroth Hospitals
- Special interests
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- Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery
- Gallbladder Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
- Fundoplication
- Colorectal Resection
- Heller’s Myotomy
- Complex & Recurrent Hernia Surgery
- Bariatric Surgery
- Memberships
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- Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Association of Surgeons of India
- Indian Medical Association
- AMASI — Association of Minimal Access Surgeons of India
- IAGES — Indian Association of Gastro Endoscopic Surgeons
- Hernia Society of India
- Tamil Nadu Medical Council — 59134
- ACRSI — Association of Colorectal Surgeons of India
- Awards
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- Times Health Award 2026 — Service Excellence in Advanced Laparoscopy and Robotic Surgery
- Times Health Award 2025 — Service Excellence in Laparoscopic Hernia and Gastrointestinal Surgery
- LIFE SAVIOUR Awards 26–27 — Awarded by Rotary Club of Chennai
- Consultation languages
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- English
- Tamil
- Hindi
- Telugu
Procedures
Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery for Faster Recovery
Dr Kumaragurubaran has been performing Laparoscopic Keyhole Surgery for 28 years and he is one of the most experienced Laparoscopic Surgeons in Chennai. Modern gastrointestinal surgery has significantly evolved over the years and with almost three decades of experience. Whenever clinically appropriate, Dr. Kumaragurubaran performs advanced laparoscopic procedures that require smaller incisions compared to conventional open surgery.
Robotic Surgery
- Robotic Cholecystectomy
- Robotic Hernia Surgery
- Robotic Gastrointestinal Surgery
- Robotic Colorectal Surgeries
Benefits of laparoscopic surgery may include:
- Smaller surgical scars
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Lower risk of infection
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Earlier return to normal activities
When laparoscopic surgery is recommended
Depending on the patient's condition, laparoscopic surgery may be recommended for hernia repair, gallbladder removal, appendicitis, GERD surgery, colorectal procedures, and several other gastrointestinal conditions.
Recovery
What the week after actually looks like.
Typical for uncomplicated keyhole gallbladder or hernia surgery in a generally healthy adult. Your own plan is written down and handed to you before you leave the ward.
Day 0
Surgery, then sitting up the same evening
Awake within the hour. Sips of water and sitting upright the same evening. Pain managed with tablets rather than injections in most cases.
Day 1
Home
Discharged with dressings, medication and a written recovery plan. Walking around the house from day one is encouraged, not restricted.
Days 2–5
Normal food, short walks, driving
Back to a regular diet within two to three days. Driving resumes once you can brake sharply without hesitating — usually around day five.
Week 1
Wound review, back to desk work
Wound check at the clinic. Most office-based patients return to work at the end of the first week.
Weeks 4–6
Gym, lifting, full activity
Heavy lifting and sport resume after the six-week review following hernia repair; earlier after gallbladder surgery.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Kumaragurubaran
Why Patients Choose Dr. Kumaragurubaran
Whether you require medical management or advanced gastrointestinal surgery, every treatment plan is tailored to your specific condition and overall health.
Specialized Care for Digestive & GI Disorders
Focused entirely on the digestive system, medical and surgical, backed by 28+ years of experience in Gastrointestinal, Laparoscopic and Robotic Surgery.
Expertise in Advanced Endoscopic Procedures
Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy under one specialist.
Comprehensive care for Hepatobiliary,Pancreas, Gastrointestinal ,Colorectal, Hernia & Anal disorders
Accurate Diagnosis with Personalized Treatment.
Modern Technology for Better Clinical Outcomes
Trusted Care with Long-Term Patient Support. Advanced Surgical Skills & Techniques. 28 years of Surgical expertise including Complex Gastrointestinal,Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgeries.
Emergency GI Surgery
Emergency GI Surgery
Some gastrointestinal problems will not wait for a planned operating list. Dr. Kumaragurubaran operates on emergency GI conditions at Billroth Hospitals, Shenoy Nagar, where the casualty department runs 24 hours.
Intestinal Obstruction
Urgent assessment and surgery when the bowel is blocked and will not clear on its own.
Hernia Emergencies
Obstructed and strangulated hernias repaired without delay.
Intestinal Gangrene
Resection of bowel whose blood supply has been cut off.
Perforated Appendix / Acute Appendicitis
Emergency appendicectomy, laparoscopic wherever it is safe to do so.
Emergency Laparoscopic Surgery
Keyhole access in the emergency setting, not only on planned operating lists.
Colon, Stomach & Liver Cancers
Surgical treatment for colon, stomach and liver cancers, including urgent presentations.
Your visit
From the first call to the last review.
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1
You call, WhatsApp or send the form
Describe the symptom in your own words. We confirm a slot, usually within the same week.
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2
Consultation, about thirty minutes
History, examination and a plain explanation of what is likely going on. Bring any existing scans or reports — they often prevent a repeat test.
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3
Tests, only where they change something
Ultrasound, endoscopy, CT or colonoscopy arranged at Billroth, usually same or next day. Results explained to you directly, not posted.
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4
The decision, with costs
Options, risks and a written estimate — including the option not to operate and what happens if you wait. You decide.
-
5
Surgery, discharge and follow-up
Admission, procedure, discharge with a written plan, and reviews at one week and six weeks. We stay reachable in between.
The record
Figures we are willing to publish.
Practice-wide, reviewed annually. Stated plainly because a surgeon who will not publish numbers is asking to be taken on faith.
- Years in practice
- 28+
- Laparoscopic surgeries
- 20,000+
- Completed by keyhole
- 95%
- Google reviews
- 316
Continuous gastrointestinal and laparoscopic practice since 1997.
Keyhole procedures across the full digestive tract.
Proportion done laparoscopically rather than by open surgery.
Rated 4.8 out of 5 on Google.
These are practice-wide averages, not a prediction of any individual result. Surgical outcomes depend on the condition, its stage, and your general health. Your own risks — including the chance of conversion to open surgery and of complications — are discussed with you in person before consent.
Patient reviews
Unprompted, and left on Google.
5.0
Average across 5 reviews
My father was admitted under Dr. Kumaragurubaran in June for a major intestinal surgery [Laparotomy resection of rectal stricture - colostomy] and stayed in the hospital for almost a month. During this time, we saw firsthand his dedication and commitment to his patients. He would attend to a huge number of patients and perform surgeries late into the night. Sometimes even until 1 AM.
He is professional, proficient and straightforward. He never sugarcoated anything or gave us false hopes, but always told us honestly what we needed to know and did everything possible for my father's recovery. Though his schedule was extremely demanding and he could not always be personally available, he ensured that we received updates through his assistants and duty doctors.
Most importantly, he saved my father's life. We will always be grateful to Dr. Kumaragurubaran and his team.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Kumaragurubaran for successfully operating on my mother for a strangulated ventral hernia through laparotomy. Your expertise, timely decision-making, and surgical skill gave our family hope during a very difficult time.
Thank you for the exceptional care, compassion, and dedication you showed throughout her treatment. We are truly grateful for your support and for ensuring she received the best possible care. Wishing you continued success in helping many more patients.
With sincere gratitude,
Indhu and Family
Highly recommend Dr. Kumararagurubaran! He is hands down one of the best gastroenterologists and laparoscopic surgeons in Chennai. I visited him at Billroth Hospitals, Shenoy Nagar, and was thoroughly impressed by his diagnosis and patient-centric approach. He takes the time to listen, explains the medical condition clearly, and provides excellent treatment. The staff and facilities at Billroth Hospitals are also very professional and NABH accredited, making the entire experience smooth and stress-free.
I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Kumaragurubaran to anyone seeking expert gastroenterology care in Chennai. From the very first consultation, I was deeply impressed by his exceptional clinical expertise, methodical diagnostic approach, and the confidence with which he explained every aspect of the treatment plan. His ability to simplify complex medical issues while remaining patient and reassuring is truly remarkable.
What sets Dr. Kumaragurubaran apart is his extraordinary compassion, especially towards patients who travel from distant and remote regions to seek his care. He understands the physical, emotional, and financial challenges faced by such families and ensures that every patient receives ample time, respectful attention, and individualized care. Despite his busy schedule, he never makes anyone feel hurried and listens with genuine empathy.
His professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to patient well-being are evident in every interaction. It is rare to find a physician who combines such profound medical knowledge with genuine human kindness.
Without any hesitation, I would rate Dr. Kumaragurubaran five stars and highly recommend him to anyone looking for an outstanding gastroenterologist. He is truly an exceptional doctor and a compassionate human being.
We are very grateful to Dr. Kumaragurubaran at Billroth Hospital for the care and attention provided during my mother's surgery Right Colon. He explained the procedure clearly, addressed our concerns patiently, and ensured that the entire process went smoothly. His professionalism, expertise, and compassionate approach gave our family great confidence during a difficult time. Thank you, Dr. Kumar, for your excellent treatment and support. We highly recommend him to anyone seeking quality medical care.
Video library
Answers to the questions patients ask most.
Short explainers from Dr. Kumaragurubaran on the symptoms and conditions that bring most people in.
Where you will be treated
Billroth Hospitals, Shenoy Nagar.
A multi-speciality hospital in central Chennai with a 24-hour casualty, on-site imaging, endoscopy suites, modular theatres and intensive care — which matters most on the rare occasion something does not go to plan.
B Block, Ground Floor, 43 Lakshmi Talkies Road Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600030
Consulting Monday to Saturday Emergency and casualty cover 24 hours
On-site diagnostics Ultrasound, CT, endoscopy and colonoscopy
Modular theatres and ICU Full peri-operative and critical care support
Parking available Both two-wheeler and four-wheeler parking on site
Both two wheeler and four wheeler parking available.
Insurance, TPA and corporate cover
Billroth Hospitals is empanelled with most major Indian health insurers, TPA networks and several corporate and government schemes. Coverage varies by policy, waiting period and room category — our team confirms your specific eligibility, completes the pre-authorisation before admission, and tells you the expected out-of-pocket amount in advance.
For insurance-related queries, call or WhatsApp +91 93603 91740.
Cashless where eligible
TPA pre-authorisation handled
Private Insurers: Star Health, Care Health, HDFC ERGO, ICICI Lombard, Niva Bupa, Bajaj Allianz, Tata AIG, ManipalCigna.
Major TPAs
Medi Assist, Vidal Health, MDIndia, Paramount TPA, Heritage Health, Raksha TPA, Family Health Plan Insurance (FHPL).
Government & PSU Networks
National Insurance, New India Assurance, Oriental Insurance, United India Insurance.
Written estimate before consent
Learn
Written for patients, not for search engines.
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Read the articleNo. You can book directly. If you already have scans, endoscopy reports or blood tests, bring them — it usually saves repeating an investigation.
Most patients are offered an appointment within the same week. If your symptoms suggest something urgent, we will bring you in sooner. Call the clinic directly if you are worried about a delay.
Not always. Extensive previous abdominal surgery, some emergencies, and certain anatomical findings make open surgery the safer choice. That judgement is made after examining you and reviewing your scans, and the reasoning will be explained to you before you consent.
It depends on the procedure. Many laparoscopic gallbladder and hernia operations are same-day or one-night stays. More complex surgery needs longer. You will be given a realistic estimate before you are admitted, not afterwards.
For a straightforward keyhole gallbladder or hernia repair, desk work is usually possible within a week to ten days. Physical or lifting work takes longer — commonly three to four weeks. Your discharge instructions will give specific guidance for your job.
Billroth Hospitals is empanelled with most major insurers and TPAs. Bring your policy details to the consultation and the hospital billing desk will confirm coverage and pre-authorisation before the procedure is scheduled.
Yes. Bring the imaging (on disc or as files) and any reports. A second-opinion consultation is a normal, appropriate request and will not be treated as anything else.
Photo ID, insurance details if you have them, any previous scans, endoscopy or colonoscopy reports, recent blood tests, and a list of the medicines you take — including anything for blood thinning, diabetes or blood pressure.
Emergency
Some abdominal symptoms cannot wait until morning.
- Severe, worsening abdominal pain with fever or repeated vomiting
- A hernia lump that has turned hard, tender and will not go back in
- Vomiting blood, or passing black tarry stool
- A rigid, board-like abdomen, or abdominal pain with collapse
- New yellowing of the eyes or skin, especially with pain or fever
Call 93603 91740
Casualty directions
Billroth Hospitals casualty operates 24 hours. If you cannot reach us, go to the nearest emergency department without delay — do not wait for a call back.
Appointments
Book a Consultation with Dr. Kumaragurubaran - The Best Gastroenterologist in Chennai
Whether you have persistent digestive symptoms, require a second opinion, or need advanced Gastrointestinal, Laparoscopic & Robotic Surgery, Dr. Kumaragurubaran provides comprehensive evaluation and evidence-based treatment for a wide range of gastrointestinal conditions. If you're searching for an experienced Gastroenterologist in Chennai, schedule a consultation to receive personalized digestive care designed around your health needs.
We reply to every request. If you have not heard from us within one working day, please call.