Best Hepatobiliary Specialists for Pancreatic Disorders in Chennai, India

This page lists 3 pancreatic disorders doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

Quick answer

This page lists 3 pancreatic disorders doctors in Chennai, India. Review each doctor's experience, specialty and hospital, then contact our care team for help with the next step.

About Pancreatic Disorders doctors in Chennai, India

This directory is based on doctors currently listed in GAF Healthcare's registry. Clinical suitability varies by patient; a doctor should review your history and investigations before any treatment decision.

About the Condition

What is Pancreatic Disorders?

The pancreas is a vital organ that regulates blood sugar through insulin and glucagon production, and supports digestion by releasing enzymes into the small intestine. When the pancreas is affected by inflammation (pancreatitis), cyst formation, or tumour growth, these functions can be significantly disrupted, sometimes with serious systemic consequences. Risk factors vary by condition but commonly include heavy alcohol use, gallstones, smoking, obesity, a family history of pancreatic disease, and in some cases, inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA2 or PALB2. A thorough assessment — including clinical history, blood markers such as serum amylase, lipase, or CA 19-9, cross-sectional imaging, and sometimes endoscopic or tissue-based investigation — is needed before any management plan can be determined.

Individual assessmentEvery case is different
Complete evaluationUnderstand the condition first
Specialist reviewChoose the right approach
Medical assessment helps clarify severity and identify appropriate options.

Treatment options for Pancreatic Disorders

Care may include lifestyle changes, medical treatment, specialist review or a procedure, depending on the diagnosis, associated conditions and individual goals. The options below are associated with this condition in the GAF Healthcare directory.

Pancreatic Surgery

Pancreatic surgery involves the surgical removal of part or all of the pancreas to treat conditions such as pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, cysts, or tumors of the pancreas, bile duct, or duodenum.

Why it may be consideredIt is a complex, highly specialized procedure requiring an experienced HPB (hepato-pancreato-biliary) surgical team and advanced critical care support. The goal is to remove diseased tissue while preserving digestive and hormonal function wherever possible.

Key distinction: Most Popular

How is Pancreatic Disorders treated?

Care usually follows several stages, from assessment through treatment and follow-up.

1

Assessment

Review medical history, BMI and overall health.

2

Lifestyle & medical treatment

Diet, physical activity, behavioural support and medicines when appropriate.

3

Specialist evaluation

Assess whether additional treatment may be appropriate.

4

Treatment selection

Non-surgical or surgical options based on individual circumstances.

5

Treatment & recovery

Follow the selected treatment plan and recovery guidance.

6

Long-term follow-up

Monitor weight, health and response to treatment.

Pancreatic Disorders doctors

Image not available Featured

Dr. Arul Kumar S

MBBS, MS in General Surgery, Fellowship in HPB Surgery, Fellowship in Liver Transplantation
Associate Consultant — Surgical Gastroenterology · Specialty: Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India18+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 18+ years of experience in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgeon
  • Associate Consultant, Department of Surgical Gastroenterology and HPB Surgery, Rela Hospital, Chennai (Present)
  • Training in HPB Surgery, Christian Medical College, Vellore (2014–2016)
Expertise & Procedures
  • Live donor liver transplantation
  • Deceased donor liver transplant
  • Hilar cholangiocarcinoma resection
  • Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy)
  • Complex liver resections
View all procedures →
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Surgeon Experience: 18+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
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Dr. Kumar Palaniappan

MBBS, DNB General Surgery, DNB Surgical Gastroenterology, Fellowship in Liver Transplantation & HPB Surgery
Clinical Lead — Laparoscopy Liver Surgery, Surgical Gastroenterology · Specialty: Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
Rela Hospital Chennai, India20+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 20+ years of experience in Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon
  • Clinical Lead – Laparoscopy Liver Surgery, Senior Consultant Abdominal Trauma, HPB Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Rela Hospital, Chennai – Present
  • Senior Consultant Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Chennai
Expertise & Procedures
  • Liver Transplantation (Living & Deceased Donor)
  • Laparoscopic Liver Resection
  • Hepatic Tumor Surgery
  • Whipple Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
  • Gastrectomy
View all procedures →
Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon Experience: 20+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Rela HospitalHospital accreditation: NABH, NABL
Image not available

Dr. Rajanikanth Patcha

MBBS, MS, MRCS, FRCS, DIP LAP, FEBS (Liver Tx), FEBS (HPB)
Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant — Surgical Gastroenterology · Specialty: HPB & Liver Transplant Surgeon
Gleneagles Global Health City Chennai, India22+ Years experience
Why consider this doctor?
  • 22+ years of experience in HPB & Liver Transplant Surgeon
  • Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant — Surgical Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant, Institute of Liver Sciences, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai
  • Senior Clinical Fellow and Research Fellow in Liver Transplantation and HPB Surgery, Kings College Hospital, London — 6 years
Expertise & Procedures
  • Living donor liver transplantation
  • Cadaveric liver transplantation
  • Pediatric liver transplantation
  • Hepatic resection for tumors
  • Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer
View all procedures →
HPB & Liver Transplant Surgeon Experience: 22+ YearsHospital Affiliation: Gleneagles Global Health CityHospital accreditation: NABH, JCI

Hospitals where these doctors practise

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre🇮🇳 Chennai, India
Starting from$28,000

Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre

Est. 2018
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationNABLNational Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accreditation
Liver Transplant & HPBCardiac SurgeryCardiologyMedical Oncology
2+
Doctors here
4.7
108 reviews
450+
Beds
8+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Arul Kumar SDr. Kumar Palaniappan
Gleneagles Global Hospitals (Global Hospitals)🇮🇳 Parel, Mumbai, India
Starting from$28,000

Gleneagles Global Hospitals (Global Hospitals)

Est. 1996
NABHNational Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers accreditationJCIJoint Commission International accreditation
Liver Transplant & HPBCardiac SurgeryOrthopedicsOncology
1+
Doctors here
4.6
183 reviews
450+
Beds
30+
Years Since Founded
Dr. Rajanikanth Patcha

Why consider treatment in India?

Many international patients consider India for pancreatic disorders treatment for several reasons, including:

More affordable estimates

Competitive indicative costs compared with many other countries, for similar clinical standards.

Internationally accredited hospitals

Hospitals experienced in treating international patients.

Experienced specialists

Doctors who regularly manage similar cases.

Care coordination support

A team to help with planning, medical translation and follow-up.

How this directory is built

Doctors are matched using the specialty, location, condition (Pancreatic Disorders) recorded in their profiles. Inclusion is not an endorsement and does not guarantee a treatment outcome.

Need help with the next step?

Share your needs with our care coordination team for information about doctors and hospitals.

Common questions

FAQs about Pancreatic Disorders in Chennai, India

What is Pancreatic Disorders?
Pancreatic disorders is a broad term covering a range of conditions that affect the structure or function of the pancreas, including acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts and pseudocysts, and benign or malignant pancreatic tumours. Each condition has a distinct cause, natural history, and treatment pathway that must be assessed individually.
What are the symptoms and health risks of Pancreatic Disorders?
Depending on the underlying condition, symptoms may include upper abdominal pain that often radiates to the back, nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, new-onset or worsening diabetes, fatty or oily stools (steatorrhoea), and — in cases involving bile duct obstruction — jaundice. Chronic pancreatitis can cause persistent pain and progressive loss of both exocrine and endocrine function, while pancreatic tumours may remain silent until an advanced stage. Experiencing any of these symptoms does not establish a diagnosis on its own, and a number of other abdominal conditions can produce a similar clinical picture.
How is Pancreatic Disorders diagnosed?
Assessment typically begins with a detailed clinical history and blood tests, including inflammatory markers (CRP, white cell count), pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase), liver function tests, and tumour markers such as CA 19-9 where malignancy is suspected. Cross-sectional imaging — usually a contrast-enhanced CT scan or MRI with MRCP — is central to characterising the extent and nature of disease, and may be supplemented by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for more precise lesion assessment or tissue sampling. For suspected malignancy, pathological confirmation and staging according to established criteria (such as the AJCC TNM system) are required before treatment decisions are made.
How is Pancreatic Disorders treated?
Management depends heavily on the specific diagnosis, disease severity, and the individual patient's overall health. Acute pancreatitis is most often managed conservatively in hospital, whereas chronic pancreatitis, cystic lesions, and pancreatic tumours may each require a carefully tailored combination of medical therapy, endoscopic intervention, or surgery. For resectable pancreatic cancer or high-risk cystic lesions, surgical procedures such as a Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy), distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy may be recommended, and outcomes are closely linked to surgical volume and the availability of specialised multidisciplinary care.
Can Pancreatic Disorders be treated without surgery?
Many pancreatic conditions have meaningful non-surgical pathways: acute pancreatitis is primarily managed with intravenous fluids, pain control, nutritional support, and treatment of the underlying trigger such as gallstones or alcohol cessation. Chronic pancreatitis may be managed with enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), dietary modification, pain management, and endoscopic procedures to relieve ductal obstruction. However, for confirmed or strongly suspected pancreatic malignancy, or for cystic lesions meeting high-risk criteria, surgery is generally considered the only potentially curative option, and any decision to pursue a non-operative approach must be made in consultation with a specialist after full staging.
When is Pancreatic Surgery considered for Pancreatic Disorders?
Pancreatic Surgery may be considered when conservative or medical options have not achieved enough improvement, or when the severity of the condition warrants it. The decision depends on clinical assessment, expected benefits and individual risks.
Which doctor treats Pancreatic Disorders?
Pancreatic disorders are typically evaluated and managed by a hepatobiliary (HPB) surgeon or a gastroenterologist with specialist expertise in pancreatic disease, often working within a dedicated multidisciplinary team that may also include an oncologist, radiologist, and specialist dietitian. For conditions involving potential malignancy, referral to a centre with a high volume of pancreatic surgery and a formal tumour board process is strongly advisable.
How do I choose a doctor for Pancreatic Disorders?
When comparing care options, look for a specialist or centre with documented experience in the specific condition you have — whether that is pancreatitis management, cyst surveillance, or pancreatic resection — and confirm that they operate within a multidisciplinary team capable of supporting you through diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up. Hospital volume matters significantly for complex pancreatic surgery, so it is reasonable to ask about the number of procedures performed annually and what post-operative and oncological support is available.
What documents do international patients need to share for a medical evaluation?
Share a medical summary, investigation and imaging or biopsy reports where relevant, a current medication list, previous diagnoses and related treatment records. Provide clear copies with translation where needed.
How does GAF Healthcare help international patients plan treatment in India?
Our care coordination team helps review initial medical information, connect you with suitable doctors and hospitals, explain next steps and indicative estimates, and organise a treatment plan before travel.