Liver Transplant & Gastrointestinal (GI)
Surgeon in Chennai

Dr. Babu Elangovan is a Surgical Gastroenterologist and Liver Transplant Surgeon based in Chennai, with over two decades in advanced GI and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery. He has been part of 230+ live and deceased-donor liver transplants and performs the full range of laparoscopic, robotic and minimal-access GI surgery — from gallbladder and hernia to complex cancer and transplant operations. A Professor of Surgical Gastroenterology, he consults across leading Chennai hospitals so patients are cared for by the same surgeon from diagnosis through recovery.

A super-specialist (MCh, Surgical Gastroenterology) focused on liver transplantation and HPB surgery — a rarer, more focused skill set than general or laparoscopic surgery for liver, pancreas and bile-duct disease. He brings transplant-grade precision to everyday GI operations and offers robotic and keyhole approaches for faster, lower-pain recovery.

Dr. Babu Elangovan treats the full range of liver, digestive and hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) conditions — including liver disease needing transplant, gallstones and gallbladder disease, pancreatitis and pancreatic disorders, bile-duct disease, GI cancers (stomach, colon, rectum and oesophagus), hernias and acid reflux. He performs liver transplantation, HPB and GI cancer surgery, and everyday laparoscopic and robotic (keyhole) operations such as gallbladder removal and hernia repair.

Dr. Babu consults and operates at Mira Health Care, Adyar (Indira Nagar, Adyar), Kauvery Hospital, Alwarpet, Capstone Clinic, T. Nagar (Satyamurthy Nagar, T. Nagar), Kumaran Hospital, Kilpauk, THANC Hospital, Kilpauk (Alagappa Nagar, Kilpauk). See the Locations page for days and timings.

Common gallstone symptoms are pain in the upper-right abdomen (often after fatty meals) that can spread to the back or right shoulder, along with nausea, bloating and indigestion; fever or jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) can mean a stone is blocking a duct and needs urgent care. Silent, symptom-free gallstones are often just monitored. When they cause symptoms, the usual treatment is keyhole (laparoscopic) gallbladder removal — most patients go home within a day. Dr. Babu offers laparoscopic gallbladder surgery across his Chennai locations.

A hernia becomes an emergency when trapped tissue loses its blood supply (strangulation). Warning signs are a bulge that cannot be pushed back, sudden severe pain, the bulge turning red, purple or dark, and nausea, vomiting or an inability to pass gas or stool — this needs immediate surgery. Hernias do not heal on their own and tend to enlarge, so even non-urgent ones should be assessed by a surgeon. Dr. Babu repairs inguinal, umbilical, incisional and hiatus hernias by laparoscopic (keyhole) and open mesh techniques.

In a living-donor liver transplant, a healthy relative donates part of their liver, which regenerates in both donor and recipient; in a deceased-donor transplant the liver comes from a brain-dead donor whose family has consented. Both can be life-saving, and the right option depends on the patient’s condition, urgency and donor availability. Dr. Babu has been involved in 230+ liver transplants, including both donor and recipient surgery, and guides patients through evaluation, surgery and lifelong follow-up.

Yes. Dr. Babu is Da Vinci robotic-surgery trained and performs both laparoscopic (keyhole) and robotic GI and HPB procedures where they are suitable — including gallbladder removal, hernia repair, anti-reflux surgery and selected cancer and HPB operations. Minimal-access surgery means smaller incisions, less pain and a faster recovery. The choice of open, laparoscopic or robotic approach is always based on what is safest for your condition.

Yes. Dr. Babu performs GI cancer surgery for tumours of the stomach, colon, rectum and oesophagus, as well as hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) cancers of the liver, pancreas and bile duct — including the Whipple procedure and liver resection. Care is planned within a multidisciplinary team alongside oncologists. Persistent digestive changes — such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, a change in bowel habit or blood in the stool — should be evaluated promptly.

Use the Book Appointment button or message on WhatsApp. Your enquiry is directed to the most suitable consulting location for your needs.

Dr. Babu aims to see new patients quickly. You can request a consultation at any of his Chennai locations, and remote video second opinions are available for outstation and international patients before they travel to Chennai.