Gastroenterologists in the Northern suburbs of Athens

Varytimiadis Lazaros MD, MSc, FEBGH, PhD is a Gastroenterologist - Interventional Endoscopist, Deputy Director of the Gastroenterology Clinic and Endoscopy Department at MITERA Hospital, and maintains private practices in Pefki and Athens. He received a scholarship from the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology and completed advanced training in Interventional Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at Queen Alexandra Hospital, where he was later appointed and worked as a Consultant. He specialized in Gastroenterology at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos - Athens Ophthalmological Clinic - Polyclinic," as well as in Internal Medicine at the General Prefectural Hospital of Edessa. In 2017, he was recognized as a Fellow of the European Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (FEBGH). Additionally, he holds a PhD from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, with a dissertation focused on the removal of precancerous lesions (polyps) from the gastrointestinal tract. He completed a postgraduate MSc program in Crisis Management at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and graduated with honors from the Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania. It is noteworthy that his main clinical interests include complex polypectomies of large polyps (EMR, pEMR, ESD), monitoring patients with Barrett’s esophagus, and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Furthermore, he has participated in numerous national and international conferences, workshops, and advanced training seminars, has received scholarships and awards for best scientific presentations, and has delivered oral presentations and posters at various scientific meetings.

Ο Κουμούτσος Ιωάννης είναι Γαστρεντερολόγος και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στη Νέα Ερυθραία. Είναι πτυχιούχος Ιατρικής Πανεπιστημίου Πατρών και κάτοχος με Άριστα μεταπτυχιακού τίτλου σπουδών (ΜSc) από το Εθνικό και Καποδιστριακό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών με αντικείμενο τη «Διαχείριση Κρίσεων και Μαζικών Καταστροφών» και πτυχιακή εργασία με θέμα «Μετανάστευση και Ηπατίτιδες στην Ελλάδα». Ειδικεύθηκε στην Γαστρεντερολογία στο 417 ΝΙΜΤΣ (Νοσηλευτικό Ίδρυμα Μετοχικού Ταμείου Στρατού) και είναι κάτοχος Ευρωπαϊκού Διπλώματος Γαστρεντερολογίας και Ηπατολογίας (European Board of Gastroenterology and Hepatology), κατόπιν εξετάσεων. Το 2014 έλαβε υποτροφία από την Ελληνική Γαστρεντερολογική Εταιρεία για μετεκπαίδευση στην Επεμβατική Θεραπευτική Ενδοσκόπηση και Ενδοσκοπικό Υπέρηχο (ΕUS) στη Μεγάλη Βρετανία(UK). Κατόπιν επιτυχούς ολοκλήρωσης της μετεκπαίδευσης του, διατέλεσε επί τριετίας επιμελητής Γαστρεντερολογίας στο Guys & St. Thomas Hospital, εξειδικευμένο κέντρο αναφοράς για τις ιδιοπαθείς φλεγμονώδεις νόσους εντέρου (ΙΦΝΕ - νόσο του Crohn και Ελκώδη Κολίτιδα) στην Μεγάλη Βρετανία, όπου απέκτησε εκτεταμένη εμπειρία στην διαχείριση ασθενών με ΙΦΝΕ. ​Από το 2018 έως και το 2023 εργάστηκε ως Επιμελητής γαστρεντερολογίας στη Γαστρεντερολογική κλινική του Southend University Hospital, Mid & South Essex Foundation Trust, όπου και διατέλεσε επιστημονικά υπεύθυνος του τμήματος ΙΦΝΕ (Ιδιοπαθείς Φλεγμονώδεις Νόσοι Εντέρου) με ενεργό συμμετοχή σε ερευνητικά προγράμματα. Από το 2021 έως το 2023 διατέλεσε Συντονιστής Διευθυντής Ενδοσκοπικού τμήματος του Southend University Hospital, με ιδιαίτερο ενδιαφέρον τόσο στην επεμβατική ενδοσκόπηση όσο και την δημιουργία επιστημονικών πρωτοκόλλων για την ταχύτερη και αποτελεσματικότερη διαχείριση ασθενών. Από το 2023 είναι επιστημονικής συνεργάτης του νοσοκομείου Ιασώ όπου πραγματοποιεί θεραπευτικές επεμβατικές ενδοσκοπικές πράξεις. ​Διαθέτει πολυετή και πλούσια επαγγελματική εμπειρία στην διαχείριση ασθενών με οξείες και χρόνιες παθήσεις του πεπτικού ενώ παράλληλα πραγματοποιώ διαγνωστική και θεραπευτική ενδοσκόπηση συμπεριλαμβανομένου εξειδικευμένων επεμβατικών ενδοσκοπικών εξετάσεων, όπως η ενδοσκοπική παλίνδρομη χολαγγειοπαγκρεατογραφία (ERCP) και ο ενδοσκοπικός υπέρηχος (EUS), πολυπεκτομές, ενδοσκοπικές διαστολές και τοποθέτηση ενδοσκοπικών προσθέσεων (stenting).

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.

Zampiadakis Nikolaos is a Gastroenterologist, Director of the 3rd Gastroenterology - Hepatology Clinic at Metropolitan General, and maintains a private practice in Piraeus. His hospital clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system disorders (gastrointestinal tract, liver, pancreas, and biliary vessels), and the clinic’s physicians have a broad field of expertise, providing high-quality services. Mr. Zampiadakis is a PhD candidate at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and holds a degree from the Medical School of the University of Sassari, Italy. He has served as Director Gastroenterologist - Hepatologist at the Medical Center of Palaio Faliro and has worked in major hospitals such as the Specialized Anti-Cancer Hospital of Piraeus "Metaxa" and the General Hospital "Asklipieio" of Voula. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that he has been awarded the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, presented by the Ambassador of Italy by decision of the President of the Republic, following the signing of a Presidential decree. In his private practice, he provides a wide range of services, while at Metropolitan General, embracing a high multidisciplinary ethos, he collaborates with colleagues from other specialties such as surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, oncologists, and dietitians, aiming for a holistic approach to each issue and delivering the best possible care to patients and their families. Lastly, Dr. Zampiadakis is a regular member of the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society and the Hellenic Society for the Study of the Liver.

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.

Arousis Igiant is a Gastroenterologist - Endoscopist and maintains a private practice in Chalandri. He is a graduate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He completed his specialty in Gastroenterology at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos," performing over 2000 endoscopic procedures of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract during his training. He has served as the lead physician at the clinics "Athinaion" and "Agios Eleftherios," as well as the lead physician in the Hemodialysis Unit at the "Eugenidio Foundation." Additionally, he has served as a regular supervising physician at the 417 Military Nursing Institution of the Army Share Fund. Finally, he has worked as a gastroenterologist at the Eugenidio Therapeutic Center.

Tzitzi Dimitra is a Gastroenterologist who has maintained a private practice in Chalandri since 1992. She is a graduate of the Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a degree grade of "excellent." She was a scholarship recipient of the State Scholarships Foundation for every academic year and obtained the specialty title in Gastroenterology. She served as a Consultant in the Endoscopy Department of the 1st IKA Hospital for a decade. She has a fully equipped office and performs esophagogastroscopies, rectoscopies, proctoscopies, colonoscopies, abdominal ultrasounds, and endoscopic polypectomies of the stomach and large intestine. Additionally, she provides treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease – Barrett's esophagus – and inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Finally, she has participated in numerous scientific papers presented in Greek and international scientific journals and is a member of Greek and European medical associations.

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.

Drougas Ioannis is a Gastroenterologist - Hepatologist who maintains private practices in Votaniko and Marousi. He graduated from the Semmelweis Medical School in Budapest. He initially specialized in Pathology at the 4th Internal Medicine Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos" and subsequently completed his Gastroenterology specialty at the 1st Gastroenterology Clinic of the same hospital. To this day, he serves as Deputy Director of the 3rd Endoscopy Department at the Athens Medical Center, as well as at the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos". Finally, the doctor is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society, the Professional Association of Gastroenterologists of Greece, the Hellenic Foundation of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation.

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.

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.

Anyfantis Nikolaos is a Gastroenterologist who maintains private practices in Kifisia and Cholargos. He is also the Director of the 2nd Gastroenterology Clinic at IASO Hospital and has served as Consultant at the Gastroenterology Clinic of the private hospital "Mitera". He graduated from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens with honors, ranking second in his class of 2002. Throughout his professional career at "Sismanogleio", "Attikon", and "Laiko" Hospitals, he gained experience in endoscopies of the digestive system and in managing patients with gastroenterological and hepatological diseases, specifically in inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease), treatment of condylomas, and colorectal cancer prevention. He specializes in the endoscopic treatment of obesity, which he performs at IASO Hospital using modern methods, namely a) gastric botulinum toxin injections and b) endoscopic placement of a gastric balloon. He worked for two years in a private biotechnology company in the clinical studies sector for the development of new oncological therapies. To date, he has participated in numerous national and pan-European conferences, aiming for excellent training and continuous updates in his field of expertise. Finally, he is a member of the Athens Medical Association and the Hellenic Gastroenterological Society.

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.

Grammenos Ioannis is a Gastroenterologist who maintains a private practice in Nea Ionia. Simultaneously, he serves as a Specialist Scientific Collaborator at the Central Clinic of the Athens Medical Center. He graduated with honors from the Medical School of the University of Rome and specialized in Gastroenterology - Hepatology at the 2nd Internal Medicine Clinic of the General Hospital of Athens "Evangelismos." Furthermore, he holds a PhD with a dissertation titled "The absorption of fructose and sorbitol in normolactasic and hypolactasic healthy adults." He also has a notable research portfolio with scientific publications in conferences and scientific journals. Finally, the doctor has participated in numerous medical conferences both in Greece and abroad.

Spanou Euaggelia MD is a Gastroenterologist with a private practice in Nea Ionia. She is a graduate and PhD candidate of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She completed a Graduate Program in "Health Unit Management" at the Hellenic Open University and received training in Gastroenterology at the Clinic of Pathophysiology of the General Hospital of Athens "Laiko" and at the Internal Medicine Clinic of the General Hospital of Livadia. She possesses valuable professional experience, having collaborated with numerous clinics and undertaken the teaching of Orthopedics - Traumatology and Pathology courses to students of Vocational Training Institutes. Finally, Dr. Spanou has numerous participations in Greek and international conferences and is a member of the Athens Medical Association, the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology, and the Hellenic Foundation of Gastroenterology and Nutrition.

Ο Δρ. Γιαννακόπουλος Γιώργος είναι Ειδικός Γαστρεντερολόγος-Hπατολόγος-Επεμβατικός Ενδοσκόπος - Παγκρεατολόγος με πολυετή εκπαίδευση και κλινική εμπειρία στη Σουηδία, σε πανεπιστημιακά και ιδιωτικά νοσοκομεία υψηλής εξειδίκευσης, καθώς και διατηρεί ιδιωτικό ιατρείο στο Μαρούσι. Αποφοίτησε από την Ιατρική Σχολή του Εθνικού και Καποδιστριακού Πανεπιστημίου Αθηνών με βαθμό πτυχίου «Άριστα». Μετά την ολοκλήρωση των σπουδών του, συνέχισε την εκπαίδευσή του στη Σουηδία, όπου ειδικεύτηκε στην Εσωτερική Παθολογία στο Νοσοκομείο Danderyds Sjukhus της Στοκχόλμης, αποκτώντας τον τίτλο ειδικότητας το 2014. Στη συνέχεια, πραγματοποίησε την εξειδίκευσή του στη Γαστρεντερολογία στο Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, ένα από τα κορυφαία πανεπιστημιακά νοσοκομεία της Ευρώπης. Ο τίτλος ειδικότητας Γαστρεντερολογίας του απονεμήθηκε το 2017. Από το 2021 έως σήμερα, εργάζεται ως ειδικός γαστρεντερολόγος στις γαστρεντερολογικές κλινικές Capio και Aleris στη Στοκχόλμη, προσφέροντας υψηλού επιπέδου ιατρικές υπηρεσίες τόσο στον διαγνωστικό όσο και στον θεραπευτικό τομέα. Το κλινικό του έργο καλύπτει ένα ευρύ φάσμα περιστατικών, όπως Διαγνωστική και θεραπευτική ενδοσκόπηση (γαστροσκοπήσεις, κολονοσκοπήσεις, αφαίρεση πολυπόδων), Διαχείριση φλεγμονωδών παθήσεων του εντέρου (Νόσος Crohn, Ελκώδης Κολίτιδα), Αντιμετώπιση λειτουργικών διαταραχών του πεπτικού (δυσπεψία, Σύνδρομο Ευερέθιστου Εντέρου), καθώς και παρακολούθηση και θεραπεία ηπατοπαθειών και παγκρεατικών παθήσεων. Παράλληλα με την κλινική του δραστηριότητα, ο Δρ. Γιαννακόπουλος έχει αναπτύξει ενεργό επιστημονικό και εκπαιδευτικό έργο. Την περίοδο 2018–2019, ανέλαβε τον ρόλο του υπεύθυνου οργάνωσης του Πανσουηδικού Εκπαιδευτικού Προγράμματος για Ειδικευόμενους Γαστρεντερολογίας, συντονίζοντας σεμινάρια, κλινικές ασκήσεις και επιμορφωτικά προγράμματα για νέους γιατρούς σε εθνικό επίπεδο. Επιπλέον, ο ιατρός έχει συμμετάσχει σε πλήθος ιατρικών συνεδρίων, με στόχο τη διαρκή επικαιροποίηση των γνώσεών του και την παρακολούθηση των διεθνών εξελίξεων στη Γαστρεντερολογία. Εφαρμόζει στην καθημερινή του πρακτική τις πλέον σύγχρονες, τεκμηριωμένες θεραπευτικές στρατηγικές, με έμφαση στην εξατομικευμένη προσέγγιση και τον σεβασμό στον ασθενή. Τέλος, η επιστημονική του δραστηριότητα περιλαμβάνει και συγγραφικό έργο σε διεθνή ιατρικά περιοδικά.

Georgios Anagnostopoulos is a Gastroenterologist who sees patients in Marousi at the "Mitera" Clinic. He holds a medical degree from the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and completed his Gastroenterology specialty at the 251 General Air Force Hospital. In 2002, he received a scholarship from the Hellenic Society of Gastroenterology and pursued advanced training as an Advanced Endoscopy Research Fellow at the Wolfson Digestive Diseases Centre, University of Nottingham, UK, and the Endoscopy Department, University of Mainz, Germany. His training focused on advanced micro-endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic techniques such as magnifying endoscopy, chromoendoscopy, Narrow Band Imaging, confocal endomicroscopy, autofluorescence endoscopy, endoscopic mucosal resection, and photodynamic therapy for Barrett’s esophagus. A considerable number of his studies have been published in reputable peer-reviewed international medical journals. He has more than 100 presentations at Greek and international conferences and continues to frequently publish articles in the Greek press. It is noteworthy that his primary interests include the monitoring of patients with Barrett’s esophagus and ulcerative colitis, as well as the endoscopic evaluation of patients with precancerous lesions in the gastrointestinal tract (dysplasia). Furthermore, he specializes in complex polypectomies of flat polyps (endoscopic mucosal resection), ablation of Barrett’s esophagus epithelium using radiofrequency ablation (HALO), and obesity treatment through the revolutionary endoscopic AspireAssist method.