Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos MD, MSc, FRCS
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
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.
Hernia & Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Advanced Repair of Complex Hernias and Abdominal Wall Defects
Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos also specializes in the diagnosis and surgical management of inguinal hernias, ventral hernias, incisional hernias, paraesophageal hernias, and complex abdominal wall reconstruction. His extensive experience allows him to manage both routine and highly challenging cases using modern minimally invasive techniques whenever appropriate.
Complex abdominal wall defects often require individualized surgical planning that considers previous operations, tissue quality, recurrence risk, patient anatomy, and long-term functional outcomes. By utilizing advanced reconstruction techniques and contemporary mesh technology when indicated, the goal is to achieve durable repair while minimizing complications.
Whenever feasible, laparoscopic and robotic approaches reduce postoperative discomfort, shorten recovery times, and allow patients to return to normal daily activities more quickly than traditional open surgery.
Each patient receives a personalized treatment strategy designed to restore abdominal wall function, improve quality of life, and reduce the likelihood of future recurrence through evidence-based surgical care.
Academic Contributions
Research, Publications & Surgical Education
Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos remains actively involved in surgical education and scientific research. His publications have addressed topics including laparoscopic gastric plication, minimally invasive bariatric surgery, obesity treatment strategies, and advanced laparoscopic techniques.
He serves as a certified trainer for multiple Royal College of Surgeons educational programs, including Advanced Trauma Life Support, Basic Surgical Skills, Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient, and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgical Skills, contributing to the education of future generations of surgeons.
This continued academic involvement ensures his clinical practice remains aligned with evolving international guidelines, emerging technologies, and evidence-based standards of care.
International Patients
Specialized Care for Patients Traveling to Greece
Patients from around the world choose Dr. Michael S. Kourkoulos for advanced gastrointestinal and bariatric surgery due to his international training, English-language communication, and extensive experience treating patients from diverse backgrounds.
His practice welcomes individuals seeking expert opinions, complex revisional procedures, obesity surgery, anti-reflux operations, cancer treatment, and minimally invasive gastrointestinal surgery while benefiting from Greece's modern healthcare infrastructure and renowned hospitality.
Through MyMediTour, international patients receive assistance coordinating medical records, consultations, travel planning, accommodation recommendations, treatment scheduling, and logistical support throughout their medical journey, allowing them to focus on recovery with confidence.
Each treatment plan is customized to the patient's medical needs and travel timeline, ensuring continuity of care before, during, and after surgery.
Why Greece for Gastroenterology and Bariatric Surgery?
World-Class Healthcare in One of Europe's Historic Capitals
Athens combines internationally respected private healthcare with one of the world's most iconic cultural destinations. Modern hospitals, highly trained specialists, advanced surgical technology, and convenient international connectivity make the city an increasingly attractive choice for medical travelers seeking premium healthcare.
Patients visiting Athens can recover while enjoying a mild Mediterranean climate, outstanding hospitality, world-famous cuisine, luxury accommodations, and easy access to historic landmarks including the Acropolis and numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.
For international patients requiring bariatric or gastrointestinal surgery, Athens offers an ideal environment that combines sophisticated medical services with comfortable postoperative recovery and exceptional travel experiences.
Travel Tips & Recovery Information
Planning Your Surgical Stay in Athens
Patients traveling to Athens for gastrointestinal, reflux, hernia, or bariatric surgery should plan enough time for consultation, diagnostic testing, surgery, early recovery, and post-operative follow-up before returning home.
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure. Endoscopic weight-loss treatments may require a shorter stay, while bariatric surgery, antireflux surgery, hiatal hernia repair, abdominal wall reconstruction, esophageal surgery, or stomach surgery may require a longer recovery period and additional follow-up before flying.
Patients should bring recent medical records, endoscopy reports, imaging studies, pathology reports, bloodwork, medication lists, and previous surgical notes when available. These documents help support accurate treatment planning and reduce unnecessary delays.
After surgery, patients should follow all medical instructions regarding diet, hydration, wound care, physical activity, medication use, and fit-to-fly clearance. This is especially important after bariatric, reflux, hernia, or upper gastrointestinal procedures, where early recovery and dietary progression must be carefully monitored.