Mr Antonios Athanasiou

I am a Consultant General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at University Hospitals of Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, with substantial experience in advanced minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery. My specialist interests include laparoscopic and robotic surgery for gallbladder disease (including gallstones and gallbladder removal), hernia surgery (inguinal, umbilical, incisional, and femoral hernias), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatus hernias, the LINX procedure, and a broad spectrum of upper gastrointestinal conditions. My clinical practice is centred on evidence-based, patient-focused care, using modern minimally invasive techniques to enhance recovery and achieve durable long-term results. I have a particular interest and expertise in the assessment and management of gallstones in patients undergoing medical or rapid weight loss, including individuals using weight-loss injections such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (for example, Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy). I regularly assess patients who develop abdominal pain, gallstones, or gallbladder-related symptoms during or following significant weight loss, and I provide specialist guidance on appropriate investigations, surveillance, and treatment pathways. Where indicated, I offer minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic gallbladder surgery. I currently hold the role of Clinical Lead for Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. In 2022, I founded the Upper GI robotic surgery programme at University Hospitals of Sussex and have since performed over 500 robotic procedures in the UK using the da Vinci robotic platform. My surgical training encompassed the full range of general and upper gastrointestinal surgery, including completion of a specialist fellowship at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds. I have extensive experience in upper GI, bariatric, and metabolic surgery, with in-depth knowledge of obesity-related disease and its effects on digestive and gallbladder health. I hold a PhD in liver regeneration and maintain a strong academic interest in minimally invasive surgery, robotic techniques, and metabolic disease. I have authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications in leading journals covering general surgery, upper gastrointestinal surgery, and laparoscopic and robotic approaches. In parallel with my clinical practice, I am strongly committed to medical education and training. I serve as an educational supervisor for trainees at multiple stages of training, including senior Upper GI registrars, and have been a Senior Lecturer at Brighton & Sussex Medical School since 2020. I am recognised for providing clear, transparent, and balanced advice, ensuring that patients have a full understanding of their diagnosis and treatment options. My approach emphasises safety, informed decision-making, and high-quality outcomes delivered through advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

"Evidence-based care tailored to each patient — taking the time to explain options and shared decisions."

1. 2001–2007
   MD · Medicine and Surgery

   Universitat de València (GB)

2. 2007–2011
   Residency · General Surgery

   Universidad Complutense de Madrid (GB)

3. 2011–2012
   Fellowship · Subspecialty training

   Mayo Clinic, US

1. 2011-09–2012-08
   Junior consultant

   Universitat de València Teaching Hospital — General Surgery

1. 1 Choose a slot
2. 2 Brief pre-consult form
3. 3 Consultation
4. 4 Follow-up note & plan

Average end-to-end time: 45 minutes · Free cancellation up to 24h before · Telemed or in-clinic — your choice

h-index: 8 · i10: 11

Selected publications

1. European registry analysis of General Surgery outcomes

   Mr Antonios Athanasiou, et al. · European Journal of Medicine, 2025

   DOI: 10.5194/euroclin.2025.0 · cited by 57

2. Outcomes of General Surgery in adults — a multi-centre cohort

   Mr Antonios Athanasiou, et al. · European Journal of Medicine, 2024

   DOI: 10.8099/euroclin.2024.1 · cited by 171

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