Dr. Shivakumar Varakanahalli
Consultant - Medical Gastroenterology
Dr. Shivakumar Varakanahalli is a dedicated gastroenterologist in Bangalore, currently practicing as a Consultant - Gastroenterology at Aster Whitefield. With extensive training and experience in gastroenterology, Dr. Shivakumar has established himself as an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of gastrointestinal disorders like Pancreatic Disorders, Dyspepsia, Chronic Diarrhea, Reflux Disease, and Inflammatory Bowel Disorders like Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's disease. He is an expert in evaluation and diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders and liver disorder. He has an expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures including ERCP Endoscopic ultrasound and third space endoscopy.
Dr. Shivakumar completed his MBBS from Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Karnataka, followed by an MD in General Medicine from Rabindranath Tagore Medical College, Rajasthan. He further pursued a DM in Gastroenterology from GB Pant Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, New Delhi. This has equipped him with vast knowledge and hands-on experience in handling complex cases. During his time there, Dr. Shivakumar gained proficiency in performing ERCPs (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) and diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal procedures.
Dr. Shivakumar has a keen interest in research and has authored numerous publications in well-known medical journals. His work includes studies on cirrhosis, portal vein obstruction, and bile duct dilatation, as well as the application of novel diagnostic and therapeutic techniques such as endoscopic ultrasound and the over-the-scope clip system. He has also contributed to the understanding of rare conditions such as Brunner's Gland Hamartoma and exophagic tuberculosis.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Shivakumar has presented his research at various national and international conferences, including the Asia-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL). He has received multiple awards, including a plenary oral presentation award at INASL 2017 and recognition at the International Liver Congress in Paris.
Dr. Shivakumar remains committed to advancing his field through continuous education and participation in specialized workshops. His focus areas include therapeutic endoscopy, hepatology, liver transplantation, and managing gastrointestinal and liver disorders. A compassionate and patient-centric doctor, Dr. Shivakumar ensures the best possible outcomes for his patients by combining his technical expertise with personalized care
- Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures include Upper GI endoscopy, colonoscopy, enteroscopy, ERCP
- Clinical hepatology (Viral hepatitis, liver cancer, alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver, cirrhosis and others)
- Pancreatic disorders (Acute and chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic tumors)
- Functional bowel disorders (IBS, Dyspepsia, reflux disease, gastritis)
- Chronic constipation, defecatory disorders, Chronic diarrhea
- Inflammatory bowel disorders (Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis)
- Gastrointestinal emergencies including GI bleeds

