Gastroenterologists for Gastroscopy

Sioulas Athanasios MD, PhD, FEBGH is a Gastroenterologist with a private practice in Chalandri. He holds a doctorate from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and is also a graduate of the same institution. He completed his specialty training in Gastroenterology at the Hepatogastroenterology Unit of the 2nd Propaedeutic Medical Clinic of the University General Hospital "Attikon" and subsequently undertook advanced training as a fellow of the Hellenic Gastroenterology Society in the Endoscopy Department of the Universitätsklinikum Hamburg - Eppendorf (UKE) in Hamburg, Germany. His advanced training focused on diseases of the pancreas and biliary tract with an emphasis on endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic techniques (ERCP, cholangioscopy). In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Sioulas has a special interest in basic and clinical research in the field of gastroenterology, with numerous publications in reputable international scientific journals and presentations at Greek and international conferences. Currently, he practices general gastroenterology and hepatology, covering the entire spectrum of digestive system diseases, with an emphasis on endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic methods. He works closely with leading surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and radiotherapists to provide his patients with high-quality services in accordance with current clinical guidelines. Finally, Dr. Sioulas is a member of the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society, the European Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Karlaftis Anastasios MD is a Gastroenterologist - Hepatologist and maintains a private practice in Metamorfosi, while also collaborating with the endoscopy department of the diagnostic center "Ionio Iatriki." He is a PhD candidate at the University Gastroenterology Clinic of the Medical School of the University of Athens and a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. He specialized in the Gastroenterology Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas" and has worked in major hospitals such as the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko," the General Hospital of Athens "Alexandra," and the General Hospital of Chania "Agios Georgios." The physician has participated in numerous scientific meetings and seminars and has numerous presentations in both foreign-language and Greek-language conferences. Additionally, he has several publications in Greek and international journals. During his tenure in university clinics, he has also contributed to teaching by delivering numerous lessons to medical students. Finally, despite practicing private medicine, he continues his research and writing activities, and recently his first book was published, entitled "Modern Guidelines in Gastroenterology and Hepatology."

Ο Αθανασόπουλος Νικόλαος είναι Γαστρεντερολόγος - Ηπατολόγος - Επεμβατικός Ενδοσκόπος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στον Πειραιά. Σπούδασε στην Ιατρική Σχολή του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Πραγματοποίησε την ειδικότητα της Γαστρεντερολογίας στο Γενικό Κρατικό Νοσοκομείο Νίκαιας. Έχει πλήρη εξειδίκευση και μετεκπαίδευση σε όλες σχεδόν τις πτυχές της ειδικότητας. Έχει μετεκπαιδευτεί στον τομέα της επεμβατικής ενδοσκόπησης στο Ευρωπαϊκό Ενδοσκοπικό Εκπαιδευτικό Κέντρο του Πανεπιστημιακού Νοσοκομείου της Ρώμης "Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore" και στο περίφημο Ενδοσκοπικό Κέντρο Εκπαίδευσης των Βρυξελλών (πολυπεκτομές, αντιμετώπιση οξείας αιμορραγίας ανωτέρου και κατωτέρου πεπτικού, αντιμετώπιση περιπτώσεων ενσφήνωσης βλωμού, τοποθέτηση ενδοσκοπικής γαστροστομίας, οισοφαγικών και εντερικών stent, ERCP). Επίσης, διαθέτει σημαντική κλινική εμπειρία στις κινητικές παθήσεις του γαστρεντερικού συστήματος, καθώς ο ιατρός ήταν αναπόσπαστο μέλος του Εργαστηρίου Κινητικών Διαταραχών της Γαστρεντερολογικής Κλινικής του Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών. Μακρόχρονη και βαθιά είναι η εμπειρία και η γνώση που έχει αποκτηθεί στην Ιδιοπαθή Φλεγμονώδη Εντερική Νόσο, καθώς είχε την τύχη να θητεύσει κατά τα χρόνια της ειδίκευσής του στο τριτοβάθμιο ειδικό κέντρο για φλεγμονώδη νοσήματα του Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Νίκαιας, ένα από τα ελάχιστα κέντρα αναφοράς ΙΦΕΝ (ελκώδης κολίτιδα και νόσος Crohn) στη χώρα μας. Ο ιατρός έχει επίσης μετεκπαιδευθεί στην κλινική ηπατολογία, έχοντας παρακολουθήσει τις εργασίες του 4ου Σχολείου Κλινικής Ηπατολογίας κατά το ακαδημαϊκό έτος 2010 - 2011. Η συνεχής και άσβεστη επιστημονική και ερευνητική του δίψα αποδεικνύεται από το πλήθος δημοσιευμένων εργασιών, ανακοινώσεων, διαλέξεων, ομιλιών σε ελληνικά και ξένα περιοδικά και συνέδρια, καθώς και από τη συμμετοχή σε διεθνείς πολυκεντρικές μελέτες για την αναζήτηση και έρευνα νέων φαρμακευτικών θεραπειών που αφορούν κυρίως στις νόσους της ελκώδους κολίτιδας, νόσου Crohn και ηπατίτιδας B και C. Το μεγαλύτερο όμως παράσημο στην ως τώρα ζωή και καριέρα του θεωρεί ότι είναι η ίδρυση και συμμετοχή σε μια ανθρωπιστική οργάνωση, που ονομάζεται "ΔΩΣΕ ΕΛΠΙΔΑ", που ως στόχο έχει την δωρεάν και ανιδιοτελή παροχή βοήθειας σε χρόνιους πάσχοντες από νεοπλασματικά και μη νοσήματα. Αποτελεί ιδρυτικό στέλεχος και είναι αντιπρόεδρος του οργανισμού από το 2010.

Dr Med Katsoulis Stauros Kai Synergates is a Specialist Gastroenterologist - Hepatologist, Specialist Pathologist, and Intensivist, with a practice based in Chania. He is a graduate and Doctor of Medicine from the University of Göttingen Medical School and an Assistant Professor at Ruhr University Bochum in Germany. He completed his full specialization in Germany, where he worked for 33 years at the highest level of German medicine. From 2002 to 2019, he served as the Director of Gastroenterology at the KKLE Hospital in Germany, an Academic Teaching Hospital of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf. He has published numerous articles in international scientific journals and has presented research findings from his work. The modern gastroenterology clinic is fully equipped with high-resolution endoscopes from Olympus. It also features a new ultrasound device from Canon (Xario 200G) for ultrasounds of the upper and lower abdomen, as well as a device for performing respiratory tests for food intolerances (such as lactose, fructose, etc.). Finally, the doctor collaborates with the private Gavrilakis Clinic in Chania.

Giannousis Ioannis MD, PhD is a Specialist Gastroenterologist - Hepatologist - Interventional Endoscopist based in Gerakas, maintaining a private practice there. He holds a Doctorate from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has received advanced training in Interventional Endoscopy and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University Hospital in Milan, Italy. He is affiliated with Euroclinic Athens and is part of the Medisystem network of physicians. His private practice operates a modern Endoscopic Unit equipped with advanced sterilization systems, state-of-the-art endoscopes, and an electrosurgical unit for performing interventional endoscopic procedures (polypectomies). All endoscopic procedures (gastroscopies - colonoscopies) are performed painlessly, with mild sedation (conscious sedation) or under anesthesiologist supervision when necessary. The physician undertakes the investigation of iron deficiency anemia, diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of diseases of the digestive system (esophagus, stomach, pancreas, biliary tract, small and large intestines), as well as patients with hepatological conditions. Additionally, he holds a license from the Ministry of Health to perform gastroenterology specialty ultrasounds and provides home visits for urgent cases.

Georgios Xrysakopoulos is a Gastroenterologist who maintains a private practice in Trikala, Thessaly. He graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed his specialty in Gastroenterology at the Endoscopy Department of the 1st IKA Therapeutic Hospital in Athens and at the Gastroenterology Clinic of the General Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi". Additionally, he is certified by the European Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and possesses knowledge in other medical fields, including Pathology, Cardiology, and Surgery. To date, he serves as a Scientific Collaborator at the General Clinic IASO Larissa, and previously participated in the work of the University Clinic "Agioi Anargyroi" concerning liver diseases. Furthermore, he has participated in numerous conferences and seminars both as a delegate and a speaker, is a member of medical associations in Greece and abroad, and has published articles in scientific journals.

Stoupar Mprana is a Gastroenterologist who maintains a private practice in Cholargos. She is also a Scientific Collaborator of the Gastroenterology Department at Metropolitan General in Cholargos and at the "Olympion" Clinic, General Clinic of Patras. She graduated with honors from the Medical School of the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, and completed her practical training in the Nephrology Department of the University Hospital of Ljubljana, Slovenia, and the Surgical Department of the University Hospital of Bari, Italy. She obtained her specialty in the Gastroenterology Department of the General University Hospital of Patras. During her career, she served as a physician for EKAV (National Emergency Center) and for five years in the emergency department of the National Emergency Help Center of Serbia, including during the bombing period. Due to this prior experience, she has acquired significant expertise in the proper and rapid management of cases across the full spectrum of Internal Medicine, which makes her particularly appreciated by her patients. Finally, she is a member of the Medical Association of Patras and the Medical Association of Athens and regularly attends conferences and seminars aimed at continuous education and training in her field.

Matina - Lydia Xatzinikolaou MD, PhD is a Gastroenterologist who sees patients in Cholargos at Metropolitan General Hospital. She graduated from the Athens College and subsequently studied Medicine at Nottingham University in England. She holds a PhD from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed further training in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases at the Royal Free Hospital in London, after completing her specialty in Gastroenterology at the Athens Anti-Cancer - Oncology Hospital "Agios Savvas." She works as a Consultant in the Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy Clinic at Metropolitan General Hospital and is a Scientific Associate of the Gastroenterology Unit at the Athens Chest Diseases Hospital "Sotiria," with her primary specialization in inflammatory bowel diseases. She actively participates in Greek and international conferences and has authored scientific publications. Finally, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society, the Hellenic Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, and the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation.

Dr. Stefanos Tarazis is a Gastroenterologist – Hepatologist, MD, PhD, with extensive experience in clinical gastroenterology and interventional endoscopy. He first graduated from the Faculty of Pharmacy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, before completing his Medical Degree at the University of Ioannina. In 1997, he obtained his PhD from the Medical School of the University of Athens and received his specialization in Gastroenterology the same year. Later, in 2022, he also earned a specialization in Clinical Pharmacology. He completed his subspecialty training in Interventional Endoscopy at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, United Kingdom.Dr. Tarazis began his professional career at the Rural Medical Clinic of Derviziana in Ioannina and went on to train in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Patission and in Gastroenterology at the NIMTS Hospital in Athens. During his time in the UK, he served as H. Registrar at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, gaining advanced clinical and endoscopic expertise. Since 1998, he has been practicing as a private gastroenterologist in Athens. From 2005 to 2015, he served as a Scientific Associate at Evangelismos Hospital, and since 2015, he has held the position of Director of Clinical Trials and Adverse Drug Reactions at the National Organization for Medicines (EOF). In addition, since 1999, he has been a consulting physician at Mediterraneo Hospital.He is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society, the Hellenic Inflammatory Bowel Disease Study Group, and the UK General Medical Council (GMC). He speaks English and French fluently. His private practice is located at 34 Efthroniou Street, behind the Caravel Hotel in Athens, where he sees patients by appointment daily.

Mageiras Nikolaos is a Gastroenterologist and maintains a private practice in Glyfada. He completed his medical studies at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Subsequently, he specialized in Gastroenterology at the 251 Air Force General Hospital and the General Hospital of Athens "Georgios Gennimatas." Additionally, he received further training in ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography), participating in a large number of procedures covering a wide range of cases requiring ERCP intervention (choledocholithiasis, pancreatic and biliary tumors, postoperative complication repair). He possesses clinical experience and training and currently serves as Gastroenterology Consultant at the 251 Air Force General Hospital and as the Scientific Head of the Gastroenterology Department at Medicity Vrilissia.

Dimitrios Tsounis MD, MSc, FEBGH is a Gastroenterologist with private practices in Neo Psychiko and Acharnes. He graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds postgraduate diplomas in EUS and ERCP from Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan. Additionally, he holds the European Diploma in Hepatology-Gastroenterology (FEBGH), which has led to his specialization in polyp removal. He has extensive professional experience and currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Gastroenterology Clinic at the 251 Air Force General Hospital, where he engages in various gastroenterological procedures. Specifically, in his practice, each patient has the opportunity to be informed about more specialized interventional endoscopic methods such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). Moreover, he provides, both in his practice and in the clinics he collaborates with, a range of basic gastroenterological examinations including colonoscopy, gastroscopy, rectoscopy, urea breath test for Helicobacter pylori, and hepatology screening. Finally, in his ongoing professional development, he participates in numerous Gastroenterology conferences held both in Greece and abroad.

Lazaridis Nikolaos MD MSc PhD is a Gastroenterologist specialized in Interventional Endoscopy and Enteroscopy. He maintains a private practice in the center of Thessaloniki on Agias Sofias Street. He completed his doctoral dissertation at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and holds a medical degree from the same university. He specialized in Gastroenterology at the AHEPA University General Hospital of Thessaloniki and subsequently received further training in Interventional Endoscopy, Enteroscopy (capsule endoscopy and interventional enteroscopy), and Transnasal Endoscopy at the Royal Free Hospital in London (under the direction of Dr. Edward J. Despott, Head of the Endoscopy Department). Additionally, he specialized in interventional endoscopy at Jichi University Hospital in Japan. Following this, he remained at the Royal Free Hospital in London, where he has since worked as a permanent endoscopist in the hospital’s Endoscopy Department, performing numerous interventional endoscopic procedures. He completed his doctoral research on Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and holds a postgraduate degree in Health Units Management from the Hellenic Open University. He has served as a scientific collaborator at the 2nd Propaedeutic University Clinic of Hippocrates Hospital and at the 1st University Clinic of AHEPA Hospital in Thessaloniki. Finally, he is a member of numerous scientific societies, has attended numerous Greek and international conferences, participated in various specialized seminars, and has publications and written presentations both in Greece and abroad.

Maria-Theodora Koutroumpi, MD, MSc, is a Gastroenterologist – Interventional Endoscopist with a private practice in Patima, Halandri. She is an affiliated Consultant at the 2nd Gastroenterology Clinic of YGEIA Hospital. Additionally, she performs endoscopies at Affidea Kifisia (contracted with EOPYY) and the private REA clinic. She has significant clinical and endoscopic experience, having performed over 1,600 endoscopies during her specialty training at the General Hospital of Athens "Georgios Gennimatas," and she has also worked as a resident Physician at the General Hospital of Nafplio. She graduated from the Medical School of the University of Patras and holds an MSc from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Human Neoplastic Disease. She participates in international conferences and has been trained in modern endoscopic techniques, such as gastric capsule endoscopy. She has a particular interest in idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases and interventional endoscopy, emphasizing a personalized and humane approach to each patient.

Papadaki Konstantina is a Gastroenterologist with a private practice in Glyka Nera. She holds a degree from the Medical School of the University of L'Aquila in Rome, Italy. She specialized in Gastroenterology at the General Oncology Hospital of Kifisia "Agioi Anargyroi" and in Internal Medicine at the General Hospital of Mesologgi. She has completed further training at the 4th School of Clinical Hepatology and a sedation and analgesia seminar organized by the Professional Association of Gastroenterologists of Greece. Currently, in addition to her private practice, Dr. Papadaki is a collaborator at Bioclinic Athens and Hygeia Hospital. Her clinical and research interests focus on idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), interventional endoscopy, hepatological diseases, and gastrointestinal oncology. Lastly, she is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Foundation for Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society.

Gastroenterologist – Hepatologist M.D.

I am Alexandros Spyrantis, Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist M.D., with a private practice in Ilioupoli, Athens. I am also a Gastroenterologist Associate at the 1st Department of Gastroenterology and Interventional Endoscopy at IASO General Clinic.

I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Latvia in Riga and subsequently completed my specialist training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Greece. My specialist training included the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department of G.O.N.K. “Agioi Anargyroi”, as well as clinical training at the Gastroenterology Department of General Hospital of Nikaia “Agios Panteleimon”. Prior to specialising in Gastroenterology, I trained in Internal Medicine, gaining broad clinical experience in the overall assessment and management of patients.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a particular area of professional interest. I have completed the Hellenic Gastroenterology Society’s Endoscopy School and have participated in hands-on training in invasive endoscopic techniques. I also regularly participate in scientific conferences and educational programmes in Greece and abroad, with a focus on Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy.

In my clinical practice, I assess and manage a wide range of gastrointestinal and liver conditions, including gastroesophageal reflux disease, indigestion, gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, peptic ulcer disease, abdominal pain, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea and changes in bowel habits. I also evaluate gastrointestinal bleeding, colorectal polyps, diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as liver and biliary disorders.

I place particular emphasis on careful history-taking and a structured diagnostic approach. I believe that patients should clearly understand what may be causing their symptoms, why a particular investigation is recommended and what the next steps should be.

For this reason, I aim to give each patient sufficient time to discuss their symptoms, concerns and expectations. I explain the diagnosis and available treatment options in clear and understandable terms, while tailoring the medical approach to each individual patient.

My approach combines current medical knowledge with personalised care. I believe that effective medical care should take into account not only the clinical findings and scientific evidence, but also the individual needs and circumstances of each patient.

Alongside my clinical work, I maintain an active interest in medical research and continuing professional education. I have participated in scientific studies, presentations and posters at Greek and international conferences, with topics including inflammatory bowel disease, hepatology, gastrointestinal endoscopy and a range of gastrointestinal conditions.

My aim is to provide patients with medical care that combines scientific expertise, careful diagnostic assessment, up-to-date knowledge and clear, compassionate communication.

For me, good medical care does not end with establishing a diagnosis. It also means providing clear information, an appropriate management plan and building a relationship of trust between doctor and patient.