Gastroenterologists for Colonoscopy

Ms. Panagiotaki Maria, MD, FEBGH is a Gastroenterologist - Endoscopist at Iatriko (Marousi) and maintains a private practice in Kifisia. She graduated with honors from the German School of Athens, was admitted through national examinations, and obtained her medical degree from the Medical School of the University of Athens. In 2006, she was awarded the specialty title in Gastroenterology and later received the European Diploma in Gastroenterology and Hepatology (FEBGH). She pursued further training as a fellow of the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society at the internationally renowned reference hospital "Klinikum Rechts der Isar, der TUM" (Munich) in endoscopy, advanced endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for precancerous and other gastrointestinal diseases, as well as endoscopic ultrasound. She has participated in numerous seminars and conferences both in Greece and abroad, accumulating a significant number of publications, focusing on lifelong education and updating. She has extensive experience from her tenure at the "Sismanogleio" and "Red Cross" Hospitals, as well as fifteen years of activity in the private sector, having successfully managed the full spectrum of gastroenterology. She performs upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopies at the 3rd endoscopy department of the "Iatriko Athinon" Hospital (Marousi) in collaboration with an excellent anesthesiologist to ensure safe and painless examinations with high diagnostic value. She is a member of the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society and the European Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.

Zlatinoudis Xaralampos is a Gastroenterologist-Hepatologist who maintains a private practice in Argyroupoli. Simultaneously, he provides his services at Metropolitan General in Cholargos, with his office located at the headquarters of the 3rd Gastroenterology and Hepatology Clinic. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Master's degree in "Health Units Management." He has obtained the European Diploma in Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ESEGH) and the Membership of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the United Kingdom diploma – MRCP(UK). He has specialized in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), having received official recognition from the Ministry of Health. The physician has attended endoscopic seminars of the Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy (JAG) of the Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom as well as those of the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society and has completed the Hepatology School of the Hellenic Liver Study Society. He earned the specialty title in Gastroenterology after training in university hospitals of the Northern Deanery in the United Kingdom and in Greece (Metaxa Cancer Hospital of Piraeus). Through a scholarship from the UEG organization, he participated as a visiting Consultant in the activities of the Gastroenterology department of Clinical Hospital Center Rijeka, which is one of the European Gastroenterology Centres of Excellence and a certified center for the interdisciplinary and holistic management of obesity by the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). The physician manages a wide range of cases and possesses broad expertise, providing high-level services with modern, high-definition technological equipment.

Το Πολυϊατρείο Affidea Καλλιθέας εξυπηρετεί ασθενείς από το νότιο κέντρο της Αθήνας, με έμφαση στην αξιόπιστη και γρήγορη πρόσβαση σε βασικές ιατρικές ειδικότητες. Ιδανικό για τακτική παρακολούθηση, προληπτικούς ελέγχους και γυναικολογική φροντίδα.

Kouloumpis Xaris is a Gastroenterologist and maintains a private practice in Aigaleo. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and has worked at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos." He possesses significant and extensive experience and specializes in hepatology, endoscopic gastroenterology, and digestive oncology. In his private practice, he offers a wide range of services, tailored to the needs of each patient.

Digenakis Emmanouil is a Gastroenterologist and maintains a private practice in Chania. He graduated from the Medical School of the University of Thessaly, specialized in the Gastroenterology Clinic of PAGNI, and received advanced training in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) at GNA Gennimatas. The physician has served as a Consultant at Primary Healthcare Centers of the 2nd Regional Health Authority and at the General Hospital of Piraeus "Tzaneio," while maintaining collaborations with the Hippocrates Diagnostic Center (Nikaia), General Clinic Therapeutirion Athinon (Kypseli), and MediOne Group, where he is the scientific director of the endoscopic-gastroenterological department. The physician manages a wide range of cases, always focusing on providing the best possible care tailored to each patient's needs.

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.

Mparmpounakis Panagiotis is a Gastroenterologist - Hepatologist with private practices in Neo Psychiko and Salamina. Additionally, he sees patients at the outpatient clinics of Iatriko Psychiko and Iatriko Palaio Faliro (Athens Medical Group). His extensive studies in Greece and abroad, combined with his personal dedication to the patient's problem, ensure excellent provision of medical care and management of health issues. The physician's long-term involvement and experience in gastroenterology, digestive oncology, idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), continuous scientific updating, and his distinguished team of collaborators enable proper management of a wide range of gastroenterological conditions. He performs advanced endoscopic, diagnostic, interventional, and therapeutic techniques such as Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) application in Barrett's esophagus, a method that essentially revolutionizes its treatment, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), magnifying endoscopy, high-definition chromoendoscopy for the prevention and early diagnosis of early cancer and precancerous conditions in the digestive system, and Narrow Band Imaging (NBI). More specifically, he performs endoscopic application of Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) in Barrett's esophagus, cauterization - endoscopic hemostasis of upper and lower gastrointestinal lesions with Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC), small bowel examination with wireless PILL CAM capsule, gastroscopy - CLO Test for Helicobacter pylori detection, liver and biliary diseases, anemia investigation, celiac disease screening, treatment of malabsorption syndrome, diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic inflammatory bowel diseases.

Smyrnidis Aleksandros is a Gastroenterologist with a private clinic in Keratsini. He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed a 9-month fellowship in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and wireless capsule endoscopy of the small and large intestine in Edinburgh. Additionally, he undertook a 6-month fellowship in the Second Gastroenterology Clinic of the General Hospital "Evangelismos," specializing in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). He is a member of the Hellenic Foundation for Gastroenterology & Nutrition, the European Association for the Study of the Liver, and the Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver. He consistently attends conferences and seminars in Greece and abroad, aiming for excellent training and continuous professional development in his area of expertise.

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."

Dr. Raftopoulos Ioannis MD is a Specialist in Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology and maintains a private practice in Vrilissia. He graduated from the Medical School of Democritus University of Thrace. After 14 years of continuous clinical experience in Germany, he returned to Greece, bringing advanced expertise and specialized experience in interventional gastroenterology. During his tenure, he completed his specialties in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, performing thousands of endoscopies, with a focus on advanced techniques such as ERCP and Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS).

He served for 5 years at a major Academic Hospital in Wuppertal (University of Bochum), where he was responsible for the education of medical students through seminars and presentations. Subsequently, he worked as a Consultant at Nettetal Hospital, performing a large number of interventional procedures.

He has comprehensive training and extensive experience in transabdominal ultrasound, as well as in performing numerous diagnostic and therapeutic punctures, ensuring comprehensive patient management. He specializes in interventional endoscopy (ERCP, EUS) and the use of advanced imaging techniques for the diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases.

The physician possesses extensive clinical experience and adopts a patient-centered approach. He firmly believes in thorough investigation of each case and in building a trust-based relationship with his patients, providing high-standard medical care based on German organizational standards and medical ethics.

Sazanidis Vasileios is a Gastroenterologist and maintains a private practice in Dafni. He graduated from the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and received a scholarship from the Hellenic Foundation of Gastroenterology and Nutrition for advanced training in the United Kingdom, specializing in interventional endoscopy at the Victoria Hospital of Blackpool. During his training, he performed a large number of colonoscopies, gastroscopies, sigmoidoscopies, ERCPs, as well as endoscopic gastrostomies, esophageal stent placements, esophageal variceal ligations, endoscopic hemostasis, esophageal dilations, and numerous polypectomies and mucosectomies. He specialized in Internal Medicine at the 424 General Military Training Hospital of Thessaloniki and in Gastroenterology at the 1st Propaedeutic University Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko." He has worked at the private clinic "Central Clinic of Athens" and as an external Scientific Collaborator at the Hepatology Clinic of the University Gastroenterology Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko." Since 2019, he has been working at the Diagnostic Medical Center "Kosmoiatriki" and has been working periodically as a Gastroenterologist in various hospitals in the United Kingdom since 2014, conducting clinical work, endoscopies, and outpatient clinics (Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth - Darlington Memorial Hospital, Darlington - St Helier Hospital, London - James Paget Hospital, Great Yarmouth - Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol). Finally, he is an Accredited Member of the British Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (JAG).

Karatzas Pantelis is a Gastroenterologist who maintains a private practice in the Ampelokipoi area. He completed his doctoral dissertation at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a Medical degree from the same university. He received advanced training in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at the University of Hamburg, Germany, and specialized in Gastroenterology at "Evangelismos" Hospital and in General Pathology at the General Hospital of Chalkida. He is a university fellow at the University Gastroenterology Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and has served as a scientific collaborator at the University Hepatogastroenterology-Endoscopy Unit of the University General Hospital “Attikon.” Furthermore, he is a member of numerous scientific societies, has attended numerous Greek and international conferences, participated in many specialized seminars, and has publications and written presentations both in Greece and abroad.

Mpartzis Leonidas is a Gastroenterologist with a private practice in Pefka. He holds a medical degree from the "Victor Babes" Medical University and completed further training as a fellow of the Hellenic Gastroenterology Society (HGS) at the Liver and Digestive Disease Center in Edinburgh. Additionally, he is specialized in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) within the interventional endoscopy department of the University Hospital of Athens "Aretaiio," as well as in diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy. The doctor also has significant experience across the full spectrum of interventional endoscopy, including gastroscopy, colonoscopy, polypectomy, ERCP, gastrostomy placement, etc., and has been actively involved with wireless capsule endoscopy and diseases of the small intestine.

Koutsounas Ioannis is a Gastroenterologist with a private practice in Athens (Nea Filothei area). He is an honored PhD graduate of the Medical School of Athens and an alumnus of the Medical School of Ioannina. He has undergone advanced training in Digestive Endoscopy techniques at the internationally renowned John Radcliffe University Hospital in Oxford, United Kingdom, as a scholar of the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society. He obtained his specialization in Gastroenterology at the "Laiko" and "Sismanogleio" Hospitals in Athens, and his experience has also been enriched at major hospitals and centers abroad, such as John Radcliffe (Oxford), Queen Alexandra (Portsmouth), and the Bank of Cyprus Oncology Center (Nicosia). Currently, he holds the position of University Fellow (full-time salaried collaborator, equivalent to an attending physician) in the 3rd Medical Clinic of the Medical School of the University of Athens at "Sotiria" Hospital, within the Gastroenterology Department, where he works during morning hours. Additionally, he is one of the few gastroenterologists in Greece who holds the European Diploma in Gastroenterology and Hepatology (European Section and Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology) after examinations. He is a member of various Greek and international scientific societies and associations, has participated in numerous gastroenterology-related conferences and seminars, and has a notable publication record in international journals. He possesses significant experience and skill in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Digestive Endoscopy (Polypectomies - EMR, Dilations, Endoscopic Hemostasis), resulting from the high-standard training he has received abroad.

Interventional gastroenterologist Konstantopoulos Panagiotis, after many years of professional experience abroad, has been the scientific director of the Gastroenterological Endoscopic Unit at the Athens Medical Residence since April 2022. During his stay in the Netherlands, he worked as a consultant at ADRZ Goes hospital where he performed over 3,000 endoscopies and had the opportunity to specialize in innovative techniques for the removal of large gastrointestinal polyps (endoscopic mucosal resection, chromoendoscopy) using advanced artificial intelligence devices. He served as a member of the scientific board of Admiraal De Ruyter Ziekenhuis hospital in the Netherlands as well as being responsible for scientific protocols and the endoscopy department, head of the outpatient gastroenterology clinics at Admiraal De Ruyter Ziekenhuis hospital, where he managed a large number of cases with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) as well as numerous patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease – Barrett's esophagus, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Following successful examinations at St. Antonius Ziekenhuis University Hospital in Utrecht, he was appointed responsible for screening the Dutch population for colorectal cancer (Bevolkingonderzoek accredited). The physician has participated in numerous conferences in Greece and abroad, is a member of scientific societies in Greece and the Netherlands, has a large number of publications in reputable medical journals in Greece and internationally, and has been a member of the Athens Medical Association since 2001, upon graduation from Medical School.