Gastrointestinal conditions can affect digestion, bowel movements, nutrition, and overall quality of life. While some digestive problems can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, others may require specialist assessment and surgery. Finding an experienced surgeon is particularly important when dealing with conditions involving the colon, rectum, intestines, or gastrointestinal cancers.

Dr. Chintamani Godbole is a specialist in gastrointestinal and colorectal surgery who consults at Gadre Hospital in Dadar East, Mumbai. With advanced training in surgical gastroenterology, minimally invasive colorectal surgery, and peritoneal surface oncology, he evaluates complex gastrointestinal conditions and discusses appropriate treatment options with patients. If you are searching for a gastrointestinal surgeon in mumbai, understanding the surgeon’s qualifications, expertise, and approach to care can help you make an informed decision.

What Does a Gastrointestinal Surgeon Do?

A gastrointestinal surgeon specialises in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the digestive tract and related organs. Depending on their training and area of expertise, these specialists may manage problems involving the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus.

A gastrointestinal surgeon may be involved when a condition requires an operation, when symptoms persist despite other treatments, or when investigations identify a problem that may benefit from surgical management.

Common conditions that may require gastrointestinal surgical evaluation include:

• Colon and rectal cancers.
• Certain intestinal obstructions and complications.
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
• Complex anal fistulas and selected pelvic floor disorders.
• Certain peritoneal surface malignancies.
• Other conditions affecting the colon, rectum, and lower digestive tract.

Not every digestive problem requires surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of the condition, test results, medical history, and overall health of the patient.

Conditions Treated by Dr. Chintamani Godbole

Dr. Chintamani Godbole has a particular interest in colorectal surgery and peritoneal surface oncology. His specialist practice includes surgical treatment for several conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract.

1. Colon and Rectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer develops in the colon or rectum and may cause symptoms such as persistent changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. These symptoms can have other causes, but persistent or concerning changes should be medically assessed.

Treatment depends on the cancer’s location, stage, and individual characteristics. Surgery may involve removing the affected section of bowel along with surrounding tissue and lymph nodes where indicated. Some patients may also need chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other treatments as part of a coordinated care plan.

Dr. Godbole specialises in colorectal cancer surgery, including minimally invasive approaches and selected sphincter-preserving procedures where clinically appropriate.

2. Robotic and Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery uses specialised instruments and a camera inserted through small incisions. Robotic-assisted surgery uses a robotic surgical system controlled by the surgeon to perform specific operative steps.

These approaches may be suitable for selected colorectal conditions and can offer benefits such as smaller incisions and potentially faster recovery compared with open surgery. However, the appropriate technique depends on the patient’s condition, the complexity of the operation, and the surgeon’s assessment. Minimally invasive surgery is not suitable for every case.

Dr. Godbole has advanced training in robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery and has experience with minimally invasive colorectal procedures.

3. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are forms of inflammatory bowel disease. They can cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rectal bleeding, fatigue, and other symptoms. Many patients are managed with medication and ongoing specialist care, but surgery may be needed for complications or disease that cannot be adequately controlled with medical treatment.

A colorectal surgeon works with the wider care team to assess whether surgery is appropriate, explain the available procedures, and discuss recovery and long-term considerations.

4. Peritoneal Surface Malignancies and HIPEC

The peritoneum is the thin lining inside the abdomen. Certain cancers can spread to this lining, resulting in peritoneal surface malignancy.

For carefully selected patients, treatment may include cytoreductive surgery, which aims to remove visible tumour deposits. In some cases, this may be combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a procedure in which heated chemotherapy is circulated within the abdominal cavity during surgery.

These are complex treatments that require detailed evaluation. Suitability depends on the cancer type, extent of disease, general health, and specialist assessment.

5. Complex Fistulas and Pelvic Floor Conditions

Certain fistulas, including complex fistula-in-ano, may require specialist surgical management. Pelvic floor conditions can also affect bowel function and quality of life.

Assessment may include a clinical examination, review of symptoms, and additional investigations where necessary. Treatment is tailored to the specific diagnosis, with the aim of addressing the underlying problem while considering bowel function and other important outcomes.

Qualifications and Experience of Dr. Chintamani Godbole

Choosing a surgeon involves more than searching for a particular procedure. Patients should consider relevant specialist qualifications, surgical training, clinical experience, and the surgeon’s ability to explain the treatment plan clearly.

Dr. Chintamani Godbole completed his MBBS and MS in General Surgery at Seth G. S. Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. He subsequently completed DNB training in Surgical Gastroenterology at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre.

His further professional qualifications include the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2018 and the Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 2022. He also undertook approximately five years of colorectal surgical training in the United Kingdom.

His UK training included minimally invasive colorectal surgery, robotic surgery, colorectal cancer surgery, and peritoneal cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC. He also completed fellowship training at the Basingstoke Peritoneal Malignancy Institute and worked as a locum General and Colorectal Surgical Consultant at University Hospitals Coventry.

His experience includes minimally invasive colorectal procedures and surgery for colorectal and peritoneal malignancies. He has also participated in research and published work in peer-reviewed medical journals.

Patients looking for a Colorectal Surgeon in Mumbai can consider these qualifications and areas of expertise when deciding whether his specialist practice matches their medical needs.

What to Expect During a Consultation at Gadre Hospital

A consultation is an opportunity to discuss symptoms, previous treatments, investigation results, and concerns about a possible diagnosis or operation.

Depending on the condition, the appointment may involve:

• Reviewing medical history and current symptoms.
• Examining relevant reports, scans, or endoscopy findings.
• Discussing whether further investigations are required.
• Explaining available treatment options and whether surgery may be beneficial.
• Reviewing potential risks, expected recovery, and follow-up requirements.

Dr. Godbole consults at Gadre Hospital, near Hindmata Cinema in Dadar East, Mumbai. Patients should contact the clinic to confirm appointment availability and any preparation required before the visit.

For complex gastrointestinal conditions, treatment may involve collaboration between surgeons, gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other healthcare professionals. The care team and treatment plan depend on the patient’s diagnosis and clinical needs.

When Should You Consult a Gastrointestinal Surgeon?

Consider seeking medical advice if you have persistent abdominal symptoms, unexplained changes in bowel habits, recurring rectal bleeding, a diagnosed colorectal condition, or investigation results that suggest a problem requiring surgical assessment.

A confirmed or suspected gastrointestinal cancer should be evaluated promptly by the appropriate medical specialists. Severe abdominal pain, significant bleeding, persistent vomiting, or symptoms suggesting bowel obstruction require urgent medical attention.

An early consultation can help clarify the diagnosis and determine the next steps. It does not necessarily mean surgery will be required; treatment recommendations depend on the findings of the medical evaluation.

Book a Consultation with Dr. Chintamani Godbole

If you have a gastrointestinal condition that may require specialist surgical evaluation, arrange a consultation to discuss your symptoms, investigation reports, and treatment options with Dr. Chintamani Godbole.

Call:  81087 91470

Email: drchintamanigodbole@gmail.com

Get Directions to Gadre Hospital

Take the next step towards understanding your gastrointestinal health. Call the clinic to schedule an appointment and discuss a treatment plan suited to your diagnosis and medical needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What conditions does a gastrointestinal surgeon treat?

A gastrointestinal surgeon treats selected conditions affecting the digestive tract that may require surgery. These can include colorectal cancer, certain intestinal disorders, inflammatory bowel disease complications, complex fistulas, and peritoneal surface malignancies. The exact conditions treated depend on the surgeon’s subspecialty.

2. Does Dr. Chintamani Godbole perform robotic and laparoscopic surgery?

Yes. Dr. Godbole has specialist training in robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery. Whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate depends on the diagnosis, the complexity of the procedure, and the patient’s overall health.

3. How do I choose the Best Doctor for Gastroenterology in Mumbai?

Consider the doctor’s specialist qualifications, experience treating your specific condition, relevant surgical training, hospital arrangements, communication style, and approach to explaining risks and alternatives. For conditions requiring surgery, it is important to consult a surgeon whose expertise aligns with the diagnosis.

4. How can I book an appointment with Dr. Chintamani Godbole?

You can contact Dr. Godbole’s clinic to enquire about an appointment at Gadre Hospital in Dadar East, Mumbai. Call 81087 91470 or email drchintamanigodbole@gmail.com to confirm availability and consultation details.