Mr Antonios Athanasiou

I am a Consultant General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at University Hospitals of Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, with extensive expertise in advanced minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery.

I specialise in laparoscopic and robotic surgery for gallbladder disease (including gallstones and gallbladder removal), hernia repair (inguinal, umbilical, incisional, and femoral hernias), acid reflux (GERD), hiatus hernias, Linx procedure and a wide range of upper gastrointestinal conditions. My practice focuses on evidence-based, patient-centered care using modern minimally invasive techniques to optimize recovery and long-term outcomes.

I have particular experience in the assessment and management of gallstones in patients undergoing medical or rapid weight loss, including those using weight-loss medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonist injections such as Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy. I regularly reviews patients who develop abdominal pain, gallstones, or gallbladder-related symptoms during or after significant weight loss, offering specialist advice on investigations, monitoring, and treatment options. Where appropriate, I provide minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic gallbladder surgery.

I currently serve as the Clinical Lead for Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. In 2022, I established the Upper GI robotic surgery service at University Hospitals of Sussex and has since performed over 500 robotic procedures in the UK using the Da Vinci robotic system.

My surgical training covered the full spectrum of general and upper gastrointestinal surgery, including a specialist fellowship at St James’s University Hospital in Leeds. I have extensive experience in upper GI, bariatric, and metabolic surgery, with a strong understanding of obesity-related conditions and their impact on digestive and gallbladder health.

I hold a PhD in liver regeneration and have a strong academic background in minimally invasive surgery, robotic techniques, and metabolic disease. I also published over 150 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals on general surgery, upper gastrointestinal surgery, and laparoscopic and robotic procedures.

Alongside my clinical work, I have a longstanding commitment to medical education and training. I act as an educational supervisor for trainees across multiple seniority levels, including senior Upper GI trainees, and has been a Senior Lecturer at Brighton & Sussex Medical School since 2020.

I am also known for providing clear, honest, and balanced advice, ensuring patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options. My approach prioritises safety, informed decision-making, and high-quality outcomes through advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

My clinical interests include: Acid reflux surgery, endoscopy/gastroscopy, gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy), gallstones associated with weight loss medications, hernia repair, hiatus hernia, inguinal hernia repair, laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgery (keyhole surgery), oesophageal and gastric cancer surgery, removal of lipoma, robotic surgery.