Mr A Ariyarathenam
Consultant Robotic Oesophago-gastric and Bariatric Surgeon
Mr Arun Ariyarathenam graduated from the University of Cambridge in 2003 and undertook his specialist Oesophago-gastric surgery training at University Hospitals Plymouth, Bristol Royal Infirmary, and Cambridge University Hospitals. He was appointed Consultant Oesophago-gastric and Bariatric Surgeon at University Hospitals Plymouth in 2016, dividing his time between clinical work, education, and management.
Qualifications
MA, MB BChir (Cantab), FRCS (Eng)
Clinical Expertise
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Oesophago-gastric Surgery: Advanced minimally invasive (robotic & laparoscopic) cancer surgery; part of the specialist on-call rota for Devon & Cornwall.
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Bariatric Surgery: Primary and revisional procedures using both laparoscopic and robotic techniques.
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Benign Upper GI Surgery: Management of reflux disease and hiatal hernia; laparoscopic cholecystectomy with bile duct exploration.
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General Surgery: On-call Surgeon in a Level 1 trauma centre, elective general surgery (Hernias)
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Endoscopy: Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including stenting and dilatation.
Education and Academic Leadership
He serves as Departmental Educational Lead and Fellowship Programme Director for post-CCT Oesophago-gastric Surgery and Clinical Nutrition fellowships. He has been recognised with the Health Education England Foundation Award for Outstanding Foundation Educational Supervisor (2019/2020) and named Educational Supervisor of the Year at University Hospitals Plymouth in 2024 and 2025. He holds an honorary lectureship and fellowship at the University of Plymouth and contributes as a Lecturer, Academic Tutor, and Examiner.
Management and Leadership
He is Clinical Lead for Bariatric Surgery and has held senior roles including Director of Oesophago-gastric Surgery and Deputy Director for Surgery and Anaesthesia. He also sits on advisory committees including the Robotic Steering Group, Sustainability in Surgery, and Digital & AI group, and is a board member and volunteer surgeon for the Operation Hernia Charity.
Contact Details
Department of Upper Gastro-intestinal Surgery, Level 7
Derriford Hospital
Derriford Road
Plymouth
PL6 8DH
Secretary: 01752 432070
