Prof Y K S Viswanath

Qualifications

FRCS, FRCSI, FRCS (Glas), MBBS, MS

GMC number: 4372884

Practising since: 1990

Specialties

General Surgery

Consultation times

  • Tuesday PM
  • Wednesday PM
  • Overview
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01642 367404

About

Professor Viswanath is a highly rated Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal and Laparoscopic Surgeon, holding an exceptional 4.95 out of 5 Doctify rating from over 100 patient reviews for his clinical expertise and patient‑centred care.

He specialises in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder surgery), hiatus hernia repair, anti‑reflux surgery, and abdominal wall and groin hernia surgery (including mesh‑free techniques). He also performs regular upper GI endoscopy, providing diagnostic assessment of reflux symptoms and treatment of benign strictures.

A recognised national expert in endoscopic anti‑reflux RF STRETTA therapy, he delivers live training courses and webinars to clinicians across the UK.

At Nuffield Health Tees Hospital, Professor Viswanath offers rapid access for self‑pay and insured patients, with both face‑to‑face and video consultations available. In suitable cases, appointments can be arranged without a GP referral.

Conditions Treated

  • Abdominal pain / gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Abdominal wall hernias
  • Acid reflux / GERD
  • Altered bowel habits
  • Coeliac disease
  • Colitis
  • Gallstones
  • Groin hernias (including mesh‑free repair)
  • Hiatus hernia
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Sportsman’s hernia

He also performs a full range of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures.


Professor Viswanath in the news

Professor Viswanath is a recognised expert in diagnosis and treatment in patients with acid reflux. Read more about a new non-invasive procedure now performed at Tees Hospital by Professor Viswanath. Read here


Acid reflux treatment patient reviews

Stretta Therapy for Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and Hiatal Hernia - July 2024 "I had the Stretta procedure with Professor Vish in July. For the last few years I've taken 20mg of Omeprazole daily due to Layngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR), caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter and a small hiatal hernia. My medication has always controlled my symptoms until late last year when I had to up my dosage to 40mg in order to control the symptoms. Even whilst on 40mg I experienced some flare ups. Professor Vish agreed to perform Stretta after performing some tests to confirm I'd be suitable. He made me aware that the surgery wouldn't be a magic wand overnight, and that it could take approx 7 months to see any benefit. After 3 months, my symptoms were in a much better position and I was finally able to go back to my normal dosage of 20mg. This was almost 6 weeks ago now and things are still great. If I continue making progress I aim to be medication free for the first time in many years, all thanks to Professor Vish. Please pass on my sincere thanks"

Hiatus Hernia Surgery - June 2024 
"At my initial consultation with the professor, I was depressed and crying after trying to cope with a hiatus hernia and acid reflux that had been worsening for over 20 years. My life was becoming unbearable with the acid reflux totally in control. Professor Viswanath was gentle and calming as he reassured me that he would make my life better. He kept that promise. Following my surgery there has been no recurrence of acid reflux at all and my recovery has been without any issues or problems. I cannot thank Professor Viswanath enough for making my life so much better and happier. I will always be grateful to him and all of the staff at North Tees Nuffield Hospital."

Hiatal Hernia Repair for Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux (LPR) and reflux symptoms - January 2024 "I first want to tell you that the recent Christmas and New Year celebrations were the best I’ve had for over 30 years, and it was all thanks to you and your team at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital. I am truly grateful to have been your patient and wish you a very happy and successful 2025."

Hiatus Hernia surgery - May 2023 "Recently I had several procedures and an operation in the Nuffield Hospital. I would like to record my appreciation to the medical and surgical staff who looked after me before, during and after these procedures. Professor Viswanath and his staff have done an amazing job and I can't thank him enough. I'm now able to consume thicker liquids as I progress towards a full cure."

Acid reflux surgery - 2021 “Fantastic experience with everything fully explained from start to finish by Prof Viswanath. The tests and more importantly the surgery went incredibly well and the recovery came with no surprises. The end results have been life changing, I’m reflux and symptom free for the first time in 15 years and feel like a different person”

Hiatus Hernia surgery – February 2021 “Prior to my operation on 12th Feb 2021, I did not feel as if I was living but merely existing due to the pain and acid reflux I was suffering from. I had been given numerous amounts of medication although none of them went anywhere near controlling my symptoms. The impact on my health and well being has been enormous. I couldn’t even do every day exercises like walking or climbing stairs without being extremely breathless. Now I feel like I have been given a second chance at a normal life and I know that eventually I will be able to eat a more varied diet without having to worry about feeling ill. I only wish that I could have had the operation 10-20 years earlier! It’s the start of a new life thanks to Professor Viswanath”

Keyhole Surgery to repair a large hiatus hernia and laryngeal-pharyngeal symptoms - November 2019 "I am writing to thank Professor Viswanath and all of the staff who cared for me during my recent treatment at Nuffield Health Tees Hospital". I was admitted on November 7th for an operation to repair the hiatus hernia. The careful preparations by Prof. Viswanath and Dr Baker the anaesthetist, and the nursing staff ensured that I was very calm and confident before going to theatre. The surgery itself was very long and demanding on Prof Viswanath. It amazed me that he was able to correct such a large hernia laparoscopically. I was very fortunate to be in the care of such a skilled surgeon" 


Stretta Therapy for GORD with Laryngo-pharyngeal Reflux (LPR) "It has only been over the last two weeks that I have felt an improvement in my condition. These are not huge, but for me it has been significant and this has given me some hope that my condition will continue to improve. I am of the understanding that because I suffer from LPR (Laryngo-Pharyngeal Reflux) my symptoms will likely take longer to recover than standard GORD. Some reports state that improvement could take 6-12 months and beyond.  Although early days, my standard of living has improved and this has helped me focus more on family life and work. I am optimistic and for that I would like to pass on my sincerest thanks to Professor Viswanath and his full supporting team. You have all made a difference to my life and the people in it!"

Groin Hernia Repair Patient Reviews

Hernia surgery - August 2024 "I just wanted to say thank you for doing what you do and being the Professor you are. I've had some bad experiences with healthcare professionals, so it meant a lot to be listened to. Thanks so much again!"

Inguinal Hernia surgery - January 2024 
"I am writing just to express my sincere gratitude to your team at Nuffield who supported me during my hernia operation. Having an operation is always a very daunting experience especially as I have only had 1 prior but the level of care by everyone who took part in my operation on the day was above and beyond any expectation I had, and I feel compelled to write and thank everyone. My Anaesthetist and his assistant were also amazing and extremely friendly and talked me through everything really well and didn't make me feel scared at all. Prof Yks Viswanath, what a fantastic surgeon, I am now on day 3 of recovery and have next to no pain what so ever. All in all my experience has been exceptional and I always feel it be right to let people know if they are doing a good job and all I can say is that not that I want it but, if I ever need any other surgery doing again that I come back to Nuffield without any hesitation."

Inguinal (groin) Hernia Repair - Mar 2021
"Having been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia, I was referred to Nuffield Tees under the care of Professor Viswanath, to have mesh inserted to rectify the problem. The operation took place on 25th March and from start to finish, I have nothing but praise for all the staff who attended to me during my brief stay. The nurses, porters, cleaners and kitchen staff could not do enough for me. I was treated with the utmost respect and care. I also cannot praise the anaesthetist and of course Professor Viswanath for their absolute professionalism and dedication to their work. The operation appears to have been successful and I am slowly recovering. I should also praise the excellent aftercare that I have received too! Please accept my eternal thanks for all your dedication and hard work."

Inguinal (groin) Hernia Repair –
 Feb 2021 "I would like to thank Professor Viswanath and all the staff at Nuffield Tees who cared for me. The whole process from pre-op to post-op care was of the highest standard. I would highly recommend Prof Viswanath, he is a very skilled surgeon"

Inguinal (groin) Hernia Repair – 2021 
“1st rate. Did a superb job on repairing my inguinal hernia! Highly recommended”

Hernia Repair – 2020 
“Covid precautions were comprehensive and I felt totally safe. All communication was excellent from Surgeon and secretary, aftercare from nurses and phone calls from nursing staff were clear and concise. I had a problem and rang for advice and advice given was really helpful and knowledgeable”

Inguinal (groin) Hernia Repair - 2020 
“Professor Viswanath is a top surgeon and very experienced with hernia repair surgery, explained everything thoroughly before and after the operation. I felt very confident after consultation to put my faith in him. 6 weeks on now and my groin feels a lot better and can get back to normal life”

Gallbladder removal patient reviews 

Gallbladder Removal / Hernia Repair - March 2023 

"My absolute gratitude to everyone for the care I received whilst undergoing surgery in March. My consultant was Professor Viswanath, whom I can highly recommend. Both his professional ability, skills and re-assuring calm approach was really appreciated. No one likes coming into hospital, yet I cannot re-assure anyone enough that the Nuffield Stockton performs well above my expectations."

Personal interests

Enjoys cricket and football

Treatments and tests offered by Prof Y K S Viswanath at Nuffield Health

  • Restech pH study
  • Laparoscopic groin hernia repair
  • Stretta therapy
  • LINX® Reflux Surgery
  • Diagnostic endoscopy
  • Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
  • Hernia repair
  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal)

Locations Prof Y K S Viswanath works with

  •  

    Junction Road, Norton, Stockton on Tees, TS20 1PX

    01642 360 100
    Overall rating
    Good

Related experience

Research

Prof Viswanath is involved in various research projects in collaboration with Durham and Teesside Universities on upper gastro-intestinal cancers and biological markers.

Memberships

  • British Medical Association
  • Association of Upper Gastro-intestinal Surgeons
  • Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland
  • Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland
  • British International Doctors Association

Other posts held

  • Consultant General Surgeon at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough

Insurers Prof Y K S Viswanath works with

Prof Y K S Viswanath works with the following private medical insurance providers:

  • Aviva Health
  • AXA Health
  • AXA - Global Healthcare
  • Benenden Health
  • Bupa
  • Bupa On Demand
  • Cigna
  • CS Healthcare
  • ESMI
  • The Exeter
  • Freedom Health
  • Health-on-Line
  • Medical Care Direct
  • PHC
  • SecureHealth
  • Vitality Health (Pru Health)
  • Westfield Health WPA
  • WPA

Declaration

Prof Y K S Viswanath does not hold a share or financial interest in this hospital, another Nuffield Health hospital or the company.

Prof Y K S Viswanath does not have a share or financial interest in equipment used at this hospital or another Nuffield Health hospital.

Prof Y K S Viswanath does not hold any paid advisory role(s) at this hospital or on behalf of Nuffield Health.