Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos
Advanced Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & Robotic Surgery in Greece
Director of the Department of Upper Gastrointestinal, Reflux and Obesity Surgery at Euroclinic Athens, Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulosone is one of Greece's leading specialists in upper gastrointestinal, bariatric, and minimally invasive surgery.
About Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos MD, MSc, FRCS
Internationally Trained Upper Gastrointestinal & Bariatric Surgeon with Extensive NHS Experience
Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos has dedicated his career to the diagnosis and treatment of complex upper gastrointestinal disorders, developing expertise through advanced education, international fellowships, consultant appointments, and leadership positions across Greece and the United Kingdom. His experience spans bariatric surgery, reflux surgery, robotic surgery, gastrointestinal oncology, and minimally invasive digestive surgery.
He graduated from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens before completing his General Surgery training at Evangelismos General Hospital. Seeking further specialization, he obtained a Master of Science in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery and Telesurgery, reinforcing his commitment to innovative surgical techniques designed to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Kourkoulos later spent almost a decade practicing as a Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon within the United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS), working at renowned institutions including Central Manchester University Hospital, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Kingston Hospital London, and St George's University Hospital.
Today, as Director of Surgery for the Department of Upper Gastrointestinal, Reflux and Obesity Surgery, he continues to combine British surgical standards with personalized patient care, welcoming individuals from Greece and around the world who seek advanced gastrointestinal treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos
Experience, Innovation & International Standards for Complex Digestive Surgery
Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions for patients facing gastrointestinal disease or obesity treatment. Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos combines internationally recognized credentials with years of consultant-level experience in both Greece and the United Kingdom, offering patients confidence in every stage of their surgical journey.
As a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS), he has demonstrated mastery of advanced surgical principles while maintaining continuous involvement in education, research, and innovation. His practice focuses heavily on minimally invasive surgery, allowing many patients to benefit from smaller incisions, reduced postoperative discomfort, lower complication rates, and faster recovery compared to traditional open procedures.
Every treatment plan is individually designed based on the patient's anatomy, medical history, diagnostic findings, lifestyle goals, and long-term health objectives. Rather than applying standardized solutions, Dr. Kourkoulos emphasizes evidence-based decision making and multidisciplinary evaluation to ensure that every recommendation reflects the patient's unique clinical situation.
Patients from Greece and abroad also appreciate his ability to explain complex surgical conditions in a clear and understandable manner, empowering them to make informed decisions while feeling supported throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.
Qualifications & Professional Excellence
Fellowship-Trained Surgeon with International Recognition and Academic Leadership
The foundation of Dr. Kourkoulos' practice is built upon extensive education, internationally recognized certifications, and continuous professional development. His academic background reflects years of specialized training dedicated to upper gastrointestinal surgery and minimally invasive techniques.
Among his principal qualifications are:
- Medical Degree – National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
- General Surgery Specialization – Evangelismos General Hospital.
- Master of Science in Minimally Invasive Surgery, Robotic Surgery and Telesurgery.
- University Diploma in Laparoscopic Surgery – Université de Strasbourg.
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS).
- Certificate of Individual Competency in Endoscopy.
Beyond his formal qualifications, Dr. Kourkoulos has served as an instructor in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, Critical Care of the Surgical Patient, and multiple surgical education programs, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to training the next generation of surgeons while remaining at the forefront of modern gastrointestinal surgery.
Professional Experience
Leadership Roles Across Greece and the United Kingdom
Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos has accumulated extensive consultant experience through senior appointments in both Greece and the United Kingdom, treating patients with highly complex gastrointestinal diseases while contributing to the development of specialized Upper GI and Bariatric Surgery programs.
His professional appointments include:
- Consultant Upper GI Surgeon – Central Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
- Consultant Upper GI Surgeon – Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust.
- Consultant Upper GI Surgeon – Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London.
- Honorary Consultant Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon – St George's University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
- Director of Gastrointestinal Surgery – Mediterraneo Hospital.
- Director of Surgery, Department of Upper Gastrointestinal, Reflux and Obesity Surgery – Athens.
Throughout these appointments, he has performed a large number of complex procedures involving esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, hiatal hernia repair, antireflux surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, abdominal wall reconstruction, and advanced minimally invasive gastrointestinal operations. His international background allows him to combine technical precision with evidence-based decision-making and individualized patient care.
Robotic & Minimally Invasive Surgery
Precision Surgery Using Advanced Laparoscopic and Robotic Techniques
Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos is internationally recognized for his expertise in minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery , utilizing advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques to treat complex digestive diseases with greater precision and improved patient outcomes. His surgical philosophy emphasizes reducing tissue trauma while maintaining the highest standards of oncological and technical excellence.
Robotic surgery enhances the surgeon’s capabilities by providing magnified three-dimensional visualization, superior instrument dexterity, and exceptional precision in confined anatomical spaces. Combined with extensive experience in advanced laparoscopy, these technologies allow many procedures to be performed through only a few small incisions rather than traditional open surgery.
For appropriately selected patients, minimally invasive surgery can significantly reduce postoperative pain, lower blood loss, shorten hospitalization, minimize complications, and accelerate recovery while producing excellent cosmetic results. Patients often return to normal daily activities much sooner than after conventional open procedures.
Every surgical approach is carefully individualized after comprehensive evaluation, ensuring that robotic or laparoscopic techniques are used whenever they provide the safest and most effective treatment option for the patient’s specific condition.
Bariatric Surgery
Comprehensive Weight Loss Surgery for Long-Term Health Improvement
Obesity is a complex chronic disease associated with diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, gastroesophageal reflux, infertility, osteoarthritis, and numerous other serious health conditions. Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos offers evidence-based bariatric surgery designed to achieve sustainable weight loss while improving overall health and quality of life.
His bariatric program includes laparoscopic gastric sleeve surgery, gastric bypass surgery, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), gastric balloon placement, gastric Botox, and individualized metabolic treatment strategies tailored to each patient’s clinical profile and long-term objectives.
Rather than focusing solely on weight reduction, treatment aims to improve metabolic health, reduce obesity-related complications, and help patients establish lasting lifestyle changes supported by multidisciplinary care. Every candidate undergoes careful evaluation to determine the safest and most appropriate therapeutic approach.
With extensive experience in bariatric surgery gained in both Greece and the United Kingdom, Dr. Kourkoulos combines advanced surgical techniques with personalized follow-up to maximize long-term success and patient satisfaction.
Gastroesophageal Reflux & Hiatal Hernia
Specialized Surgical Treatment for Chronic GERD and Hiatal Hernias
Chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can significantly affect quality of life and may lead to serious complications such as Barrett’s esophagus, chronic esophagitis, strictures, respiratory symptoms, and increased risk of esophageal cancer. Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos specializes in comprehensive diagnosis and advanced surgical management of reflux disease.
Patients undergo thorough evaluation that may include gastroscopy, esophageal pH monitoring, manometry, radiologic imaging, and functional testing to accurately identify the underlying cause of symptoms before treatment recommendations are made.
When conservative management and medication fail to provide adequate long-term relief, minimally invasive surgical procedures such as laparoscopic fundoplication, robotic anti-reflux surgery, hiatal hernia repair, and LINX procedures may offer durable correction of the underlying anatomical problem rather than simply controlling symptoms.
By restoring the normal function of the gastroesophageal junction, many patients experience complete resolution of reflux symptoms and can significantly reduce or eliminate lifelong dependence on acid-suppressing medications.
Upper Gastrointestinal Oncology
Advanced Surgical Care for Esophageal and Stomach Cancer
Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos has dedicated a significant portion of his career to upper gastrointestinal surgical oncology, with particular expertise in cancers affecting the esophagus and stomach. His subspecialty training in oesophagogastric cancer surgery within the United Kingdom has provided extensive experience managing highly complex oncological cases.
Treatment begins with comprehensive staging using modern diagnostic techniques including gastroscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, CT imaging, PET scanning, and multidisciplinary evaluation to determine the most appropriate individualized treatment strategy.
For eligible patients, minimally invasive esophagectomy and gastrectomy can be performed using laparoscopic or robotic techniques designed to achieve excellent oncological outcomes while reducing surgical trauma and improving postoperative recovery. Surgery is coordinated with oncology specialists whenever chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy forms part of the overall treatment plan.
His emphasis on early diagnosis, evidence-based treatment protocols, and multidisciplinary collaboration helps ensure patients receive comprehensive cancer care according to internationally accepted standards.
Reviews of Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos MD, MSc, FRCS
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Manya Pagiavla2 weeks ago
Knowledgeable, experienced, polite -with much thanks, appreciated.
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Manolis Papaspiros2 years ago
I required major surgery, Large stomach hernia. I was very fortunate that Dr Micheal Kourkoulos performed the surgery. He extremely competent and caring. He is very professional and understanding. He is very approachable and informative. I would highly recommend his services
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Maureen Crutchley3 years ago
I Dr Michael Kourkoulos, from my first appointment with him he gave me confidence that he could cure my problem and within 3 weeks of my appointment I had had my surgery and I was home for Christmas. I would recommend him to anyone who has gastric problems, my after care was amazing and nothing was too much trouble for him, many many thanks Michael
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Martina Nikolova3 years ago
Dr Kourcoulos is an amazing doctor with great professional skills - he helped my nephew with GERD. But what really impressed me was his attention to the patient and his kind and helpful atittude and communication! Thank you, doctor! Greetings from Niki from Bulgaria!
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yoav sela4 months ago
the doctor is very nice and very professional. He explained everything before the surgery and he is an excellent surgeon
