Dr. Raj Palaniappan is a prominent bariatric surgeon from India, boasting 19 years of extensive experience and a remarkable record of performing nearly all types of laparoscopic surgeries recognized in global medical literature. He has reached significant career milestones, particularly in Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), where he has developed his own ergonomic modifications for port placement and various traction techniques. His peers and mentors affectionately refer to him as the “Ergonomic Man of India.” Driven by a passion for technological innovation, Dr. Raj has pioneered Robotic and Endoluminal bariatric surgeries in India, achieving numerous firsts in the field, including several world and Asia-specific laparoscopic procedures in gastro and obesity surgery.
Dr. Raj Palaniappan was honored with the Young Achiever Award for “Innovation in Medicine” in September 2013, and he received the “Chikitsa Ratan” award from the Governor in May 2007, along with the “Surgeon of Excellence” award from the International Excellence Federation in Taiwan in February 2014. Dr. Raj invented the “Hiatal Sling” liver traction technique for laparoscopic and Single Incision surgeries in October 2009, as well as the “Rule of Hand” technique for laparoscopic port placement in 2011.
Dr. Raj Palaniappan serves as an Honorary Professor at Saveetha Medical University in Chennai and is an examiner for the Fellowship in IAGES and AMASI in India. Additionally, he is a member of the editorial board for the “World Journal of Laparoscopic Surgery” and is the founding Vice-President of the International Association of Robotic Surgeons.
