Dr. Diddapur K. Ravishankar

Biography

Dr. Diddapur K. Ravishankar is a general surgeon who specialises in single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), and liver and transplant surgery. He is a leading specialist in multi-organ transplantation, including liver, kidney, and pancreas transplants, as well as minimally invasive and hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery. Renowned for his pioneering contributions to advanced laparoscopic hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, Dr. Diddapur has played a pivotal role in shaping surgical practice in Singapore and Southeast Asia.

A trailblazer in his field, Dr. Diddapur K. Ravishankar performed the first living-related liver transplant in Indonesia in 2006. He served as the Head of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery at the National University Hospital (NUH), where he established the advanced laparoscopic hepatobiliary surgery program. In 2005, he performed the first laparoscopic hepatectomy at NUH, marking a significant milestone in minimally invasive liver surgery.

Dr. Diddapur is also credited with performing the first Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS) in Southeast Asia, introducing “one keyhole” surgery for procedures such as appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia repair, colon resections, liver cyst deroofing, and liver wedge resections. His innovative techniques have not only enhanced surgical precision but also reduced patient recovery times, scarring, and post-operative complications.

Over his distinguished career, Dr. Diddapur has achieved numerous surgical firsts, including:

• Performing the first three liver transplant cases in patients with portal vein thrombosis (2003–2007)
• The first laparoscopic hepatectomy in Singapore and Southeast Asia (2006)
• The first minimally invasive retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy in the region (2007)
• Performing a Whipple’s operation in a cirrhotic patient for a bleeding tumor in a young man, the first in Singapore and only the fifth in global literature (2007)
• Performing the first SILS procedures for appendectomy, cholecystectomy, hernia, colectomy, and liver surgery in Southeast Asia (2009 onwards)

Dr. Diddapur’s clinical expertise spans a broad range of surgical services, including:

• Single Incision (One Keyhole) Laparoscopic Surgery for gallstone disease, hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, incisional, abdominal wall), acute appendicitis, colon surgery for benign disease, and omentectomy.
• Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery for liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile duct cancers; neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors; gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST); colorectal and stomach cancers; retroperitoneal tumors; as well as general surgical emergencies.
• Comprehensive Management of Liver and Hepatobiliary Diseases, including complex liver cases.

Dr. Diddapur is recognised as among one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in Singapore and the region. His dedication to advancing surgical techniques is matched by his commitment to patient care, combining clinical excellence with compassionate guidance throughout the treatment journey. Patients benefit not only from his technical expertise but also from his holistic approach, ensuring that each surgical plan is tailored to optimise outcomes and recovery.

With a career defined by innovation, leadership, and clinical excellence, Dr. Diddapur continues to push the boundaries of hepatobiliary, pancreatic, and minimally invasive surgery, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in modern surgical practice.

Dr. Diddapur's specialty interest include Hepato Pancreato Biliary Surgery, One Keyhole Laparoscopic Surgery, Endoscopy and Liver Transplantation.