Mr Athanasios Voutsarakis

Mr Athanasios Voutsarakis is a Consultant General and Colorectal Surgeon trained in minimally invasive surgery, complex hernia repair, and proctology. With many years of experience in both elective and emergency surgery, he is known not only for his technical expertise but also for his calm, reassuring manner and commitment to patient-centred care.

Mr Voutsarakis is proud to care for a diverse patient base across North London, including many individuals from the Greek, Turkish, and Albanian communities, and is fluent in both English and Greek.

He strongly believes in open communication, cultural understanding, and clear explanations, helping patients feel confident and fully informed at every stage of their treatment journey.

Areas of Expertise

• Hernia surgery: Including inguinal, umbilical, epigastric, femoral, incisional, recurrent, and ventral hernias. He leads the complex hernia service at Barnet Hospital and performs one of the highest volumes of open inguinal hernia repairs in North London, achieving an impressively low recurrence rate of under 0.5%.
• Proctology: He is highly experienced in common anorectal conditions such as haemorrhoids, anal fissures, anal fistulae, skin tags, and pilonidal sinus disease. He offers both surgical and non-surgical treatments tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyle.
• Colorectal cancer and pelvic exenteration: as he has been trained in advanced laparoscopic and open techniques, he can provide advice and second opinion for patients requiring complex colorectal procedures.
• Minimally invasive surgery: Mr Voutsarakis is passionate about keyhole techniques that allow for faster recovery, less post-operative discomfort, and shorter hospital stays.
• Endoscopy: He performs diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, including polyp removal, for patients experiencing symptoms such as rectal bleeding, altered bowel habits, or screening needs.

He also routinely performs procedures such as appendicectomy, adhesiolysis, stoma formation, and biopsies, and manages a wide range of general surgical conditions.

A Personal Approach to Care

What sets Mr Voutsarakis apart is his genuine, down-to-earth approach to patient care. He takes the time to listen, answer questions, and build trust with each individual. Whether a patient is dealing with a minor condition or facing major surgery, he ensures they feel reassured and involved in their treatment decisions.

He understands that coming to see a surgeon can feel daunting, and he strives to make the experience as comfortable and positive as possible. His warm, empathetic manner, combined with his technical skill, has earned him the trust of patients and colleagues alike.

Training and Experience

Mr Voutsarakis began his medical training at the Medical School of Athens, where he graduated with distinction. He undertook his surgical training at ‘Laiko’ University Hospital, one of Greece’s leading academic institutions. In 2012, he qualified as a Consultant General Surgeon and then moved to the UK to further develop his subspecialist expertise.

His training in London was done at the capital’s most prestigious surgical centres. He completed a fellowship in advanced colorectal cancer surgery and pelvic exenteration at the world-renowned Royal Marsden Hospital, followed by a post at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, where he focused on pelvic floor disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and benign anorectal conditions such as haemorrhoids, anal fistulae, fissures, and pilonidal sinus disease.

To further refine his skills in abdominal wall reconstruction and minimally invasive techniques, he undertook additional training at University College London Hospital (UCLH), focusing on complex hernia repair. He then served as a Senior Colorectal Fellow at King’s College Hospital, gaining significant experience in advanced laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures.

Today, Mr Voutsarakis holds a substantive NHS post as a Consultant Emergency General and Colorectal Surgeon at The Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, working primarily at Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals. He also previously worked as a Locum Consultant at Basildon Hospital, part of Mid and South Essex NHS Trust.

Teaching, Research, and Leadership

Alongside his clinical work, Mr Voutsarakis plays an active role in medical education and research. He is the lead for surgical education and training at Barnet Hospital, overseeing the development of junior doctors and mentoring medical students. He is known among trainees for his supportive approach and clear teaching style.

He has also led multiple quality improvement projects and surgical audits and has contributed to academic research, publishing several papers on colorectal and general surgery topics. His commitment to continuous learning and professional development ensures that his patients benefit from the most up-to-date surgical practices and innovations.

Life Outside of Medicine

Away from the hospital, Mr Voutsarakis enjoys a healthy, active lifestyle. He lives in Enfield with his wife, a Consultant Paediatric Rheumatologist at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, and their young daughter. He has a keen interest in nutrition, physical wellbeing, and enjoys Pilates and gymnastics to stay fit.

He is also closely connected to the local Greek community and is proud to serve as a trusted specialist for families across North London, as well as from further afield.