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Professor Tan Arulampalam

MBBS MD FRCS

General Surgeon

Live bookings available

34 years of experience

London, W1G 9QY

(+7 more)

39 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Kapil Sahnan, Mr Rob Bethune and 11 other professionals

4.97

/5

(888 reviews)

Live bookings available

34 years of experience

London, W1G 9QY

(+7 more)

39 connections in healthcare

Skill endorsed

by Mr Kapil Sahnan, Mr Rob Bethune and 11 other professionals

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Gastroscopy
327
1
Hernia
118
Endoscopy (OGD)
64
1

Contact

Book online


Expert in:

About Professor Tan Arulampalam

Professor Tan Arulampalam is a Consultant General, Laparoscopic and Colorectal Surgeon practising in Colchester and central London, with 23 years' consultant experience. He is an Honorary Professor at Anglia Ruskin University School of Medicine.

He offers a full range of general and lower GI surgery. His particular interests are the management of colorectal cancer; minimally invasive treatment of anal fistula (VAAFT and laser), pilonidal sinus (EPSIT and laser ablation), haemorrhoids and anal fissure; inguinal, umbilical and complex abdominal wall hernia repair; keyhole gallbladder surgery; and diagnostic endoscopy, including gastroscopy and colonoscopy, with sedation and comfort options discussed with every patient.

Professor Arulampalam trained in London and Rome and was appointed Consultant Surgeon at Colchester Hospital in 2003. He was awarded his MD by the University of London for research into PET imaging in colorectal cancer. A National Laparoscopic Colorectal Trainer, he has spent 25 years teaching minimal access surgery in the UK and internationally.

He was President of the Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (2023–2025), and served on the board of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (2021–2025), where he chaired the Research Committee for five years.

Patients value his calm manner, clear explanations and personal follow-up after surgery, reflected in over 880 verified reviews with an average rating of 4.97.


Subspecialties

  • Colorectal Surgery
  • Laparoscopic (Key-Hole) Surgery

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
(929)
Skill Endorsements
(26)

Click the bar to read reviews or skill endorsements

Gastroscopy
327
1
Hernia
118
Endoscopy (OGD)
64
1
Colorectal Surgery
63
2
Colonoscopy
59
4
Gallstones
52
Open Hernia Repair
46
Hernia Repair (Keyhole)
43
2
Laparoscopic (Key-Hole) Surgery
40
Gallstone Surgery
25
Pilonidal Sinus Disorders
17
1
Sigmoidoscopy
12
Pilonidal Sinus Excision
11
Open Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
10
2
Bowel Surgery (Colectomy)
9
Lipoma Removal
8
Laparoscopy
7
4
Haemorrhoids
7
1
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
7
1
Stomach / Abdominal Pain
7
Anal Fistula
7
Anal Fissure
7
Laparoscopic Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)
7
Banding of Haemorrhoids
6
Bowel Cancer
5
2
Bowel Obstruction
5
Blood in Stool / Rectal Bleeding (Haematochezia)
4
Inguinal Hernia Repair
4
Diagnostic Laparoscopy
3
Diverticulitis
2
1
General Surgery
2
1
Altered Bowel Habits
2
1
Bloating
2
Cysts
2
Colposcopy
2
Sebaceous Cyst Removal
2
Genetic Consultation
2
Removal of Rectum and Colon (Proctocolectomy)
2
Adhesion Removal (Adhesiolysis)
2
Video Consultation
1
1
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)
1
1
Acute Pain
1
CT Scan (Computerised Tomography Scan)
1
Endometriosis
1
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
1
Cyst Removal
1
Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections
1
Colonic Stent
1
Umbilical (Belly-Button) Hernia
1
Gallbladder Cancer
1
Neck Lumps
1
Abscess Incision and Drainage
1
Inguinal Hernia
1
Back Pain
1
Adhesions
1
Rigid & Flexible Ureterorenoscopy and Laser Fragmentation of Stones
1
Colon Cancer Screening
1
Gastritis
1
Bile Duct Diseases
1
Lipoma
1
Cystoscopy
1
Hiatus Hernia Repair
1
Advanced Endometriosis
1
Umbilical Hernia Repair
1
Ileostomy Surgery
1
Perianal Abscess
1
Laser Ablation
1
Haemorrhoidectomy
1
Surgical Dermatology
1
Colon Cancer
3
Skin Lesion Removal (Warts, Verruca, Moles and Skin Tags)
Stoma Surgery
Skin Tags
Rectal Cancer
Reversal of Hartmann's Procedure
Lateral Internal Sphincterotomy
Rectal Biopsy
Lumps and Bumps Removal
Laparoscopic Appendicectomy
Fistulectomy and Seton Insertion
Crohn's Disease
Incisional Hernia Repair
Colitis (Ulcerative Colitis)
Laparoscopic Bilateral Hernia Surgery
Faecal Occult Blood (FOB) Test
Recurrent Hernia
Appendicectomy
Abdominal Wall Reconstruction
Perianal Disease
Botox Injections for Anal Fissure
Malignant Bowel Obstruction
Heartburn (Acid Reflux)
Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery (TEM)
Constipation
Abdominoperineal Resection
Diarrhoea
Femoral Hernia
Anal Cancer
Bowel Diversion Surgery
Anorectal Conditions
Appendicitis
Stoma Reversal

Registered with

  • General Medical Council

    No. 3676295


Education

University of London

Medicine

Graduated 1992


Qualifications

  • St. Bartholomew's Hospital Medical School, University of London
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (1992)
  • Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (1996)
  • Honorary Fellow of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka
  • Intercollegiate Examination (2003)
  • MD (University of London 2003)
  • David Dunn Fellowship (Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland) (2003)
  • Association of Surgeons Overseas Travelling fellowship
  • Royal College of Surgeon of England Research Grant
  • Honorary Professor, Anglia Ruskin University (2018)
  • President, Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (2023–2025)
  • Chair, Research Committee, European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES)
  • Founding Clinical Director, ICENI Centre

Languages spoken

  • English

Insurers

  • Cigna
  • WPA
  • Vitality
  • Aviva Health
  • Aetna
  • Benenden Health
  • AXA Health
  • Healix Health Services
  • Simply Health (Dental)
  • The Exeter
  • General and Medical
  • Bupa Fee Assured
  • Bupa

Fees

  • New appointment

    £275
  • Follow-up appointment

    £175
*May vary on location

Locations

Oaks Hospital

120 Mile End Road, Colchester, United Kingdom, CO4 5XR

4.92(1,737 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
09:00 - 13:00
Thursday
Friday
13:00 - 17:00
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
09:00 - 13:00
Thursday
Friday
13:00 - 17:00
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

Weymouth Street Hospital

42-46 Weymouth Street, London, United Kingdom, W1G 6NP

4.70(299 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

25 Harley Street

25 Harley Street, London, United Kingdom, W1G 9QW

4.78(989 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

HCA Healthcare UK The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place, St Johns Wood, London, United Kingdom, NW8 9LE

4.68(3,232 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Paid Parking
View practice profile

Welbeck

1 Welbeck St, Marylebone, London, London, United Kingdom, W1G 0AR

4.91(1,653 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Paid Parking
View practice profile

Phoenix Hospital Chelmsford

Essex Healthcare Park, West Hanningfield Road, Chelmsford, United Kingdom, CM2 8FR

4.91(193 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday - Friday
Saturday
Sunday

LycaHealth Canary Wharf

1 West Ferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London, United Kingdom, E14 4HD

4.85(316 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Facilities

Wheelchair Accessible
Free Parking
View practice profile

9 Harley Street

9 Harley Street, London, United Kingdom, W1G 9QY

4.81(805 reviews)

Opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
09:00 - 13:00
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Areas of expertise

All
Reviews
Skill Endorsements
Gastroscopy
327
1
Hernia
118
Endoscopy (OGD)
64
1

Contact

Book online

Reviews

AI Review Summary

This summary was created by AI based on recent reviews

Mr Tan Arulampalam is consistently described by patients as professional, friendly, and reassuring in his interactions. Patients frequently praise his clear explanations and thorough approach, particularly for procedures such as hernia operations and gallbladder removal. His caring manner helps anxious patients feel at ease, from initial consultation through to post-operative care and swift recovery, often leading to excellent outcomes. Many reviews highlight his significant expertise in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures related to digestive health, most notably gastroscopy.

5
verified patient
09 Nov 2026

From my initial consultation through to my post op consultation Everything has been explained to me so clearly which I find incredibly helpful

Patient seen for:
Reply from Tan Arulampalam
10 Nov 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for your kind feedback. Making sure every step is clearly explained, from the first consultation to follow-up, matters a great deal to me, and I'm very glad you found it helpful. Wishing you all the best.

5
verified patient
06 Nov 2026

Excellent bedside manor and explaining everything in procedure

Patient seen for:
Reply from Tan Arulampalam
10 Nov 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for your kind review. I'm pleased the explanations helped and that you felt well looked after. Best wishes.

5
verified patient
04 Nov 2026

On time, clear, good natured doctor. Nothing negative to say.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Tan Arulampalam
10 Nov 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I'm glad everything ran on time and went smoothly. Wishing you well.

5
verified patient
04 Nov 2026

From start to finish I was looked after exactly how I would expect. Everyone was attentive and informative. All of my questions were answered and any concerns that I had were addressed. With regards to the actual procedure I can honestly say that it was awful, but I would hate to think just how much worse it would have been if it was carried out by a different team of medical professionals. Thank you all for looking after me and making me feel like I was a person and not just another procedure on the to-do list.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Tan Arulampalam
10 Nov 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for such an honest and thoughtful review. I'm sorry the procedure itself was so unpleasant; gastroscopy can be a difficult experience, and options for comfort, including sedation, are something I always want patients to feel able to discuss. I'm very glad that you felt cared for as a person throughout, and I'll pass your kind words on to the whole team. With best wishes.

5
verified patient
27 Oct 2026

I was diagnosed with a hernia and was referred to Professor Tan. He gave me excellent and professional advice after checking all my reports and observations etc. He's a brilliant doctor with a lovely smile.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Tan Arulampalam
02 Nov 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for your kind words. Taking the time to go through every result properly is an important part of giving the right advice, and I'm glad you found it helpful. Wishing you all the very best with your treatment and recovery.

5
verified patient
22 Oct 2026

Very professional approach but yet still kind and friendly.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Tan Arulampalam
27 Oct 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for your kind words. I'm glad the visit felt both professional and friendly, which is exactly what we aim for. Wishing you all the best.

5
verified patient
16 Oct 2026

I had an gastroscopy procedure this morning carried out by Dr Arulampalam and I was immediately put at ease. He was very kind and compassionate as he knew how scared I was. He made me feel comfortable and at ease throughout.. I think he is an excellent professional doctor.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Tan Arulampalam
27 Oct 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for taking the time to write this. Many people feel anxious before a procedure, and I'm very pleased you felt comfortable and at ease throughout. With best wishes.

5
verified patient
16 Oct 2026

Excellent care. The procedure was explained well and reassurance provided during this. It was great to get results so quickly and have a treatment plan.

Patient seen for:
Reply from Tan Arulampalam
27 Oct 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for your feedback. Getting clear answers and a plan in place quickly makes a real difference, and I'm glad that was your experience. Wishing you well.

5
verified patient
13 Oct 2026

MrTan Put me at ease and in a manner that was clear to me

Patient seen for:
Reply from Tan Arulampalam
27 Oct 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for your kind review. I'm pleased the explanations were clear and that you felt at ease. Best wishes for the future.

5
verified patient
11 Oct 2026

Professor Arulampalam has been great from the start. Explaining everything very clearly. My latest surgery included laser ablation, which seems to have gone well so fingers crossed this will lead to good healing.

Reply from Tan Arulampalam
27 Oct 2026
avatar-image

Thank you for your kind words and for your patience throughout your treatment. I'm glad the explanations have been helpful along the way, and I share your hopes for good healing. Do get in touch with the team if anything comes up.

Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews.
Learn more here

Skill Endorsements

Exceptional communicator, highly skilled surgeon who has travelled the country training others and above all is patient/person-focused.

10 Nov 2026
Endorsed for
Colorectal Surgery
Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT)

MS

Mr Kapil Sahnan

General Surgeon
Is a colleague

Tan is the best surgeon I have worked with. He was my trainer and I learnt a huge amount from him. I would recommend him to any patient.

17 Feb 2026
Endorsed for
Colorectal Surgery
Colon Cancer

Mr Rob Bethune

Mr Rob Bethune

General Surgeon
Is a colleague

It is a privilege to work with Professor Tan Arulampalam — a highly skilled, innovative, and compassionate colorectal surgeon. His patient-focused approach and calm professionalism inspire great confidence.

20 Oct 2025
Endorsed for
Colorectal Surgery
Video Consultation

Professor Bijendra Patel

Professor Bijendra Patel

General Surgeon
Is a colleague

01 Jan 2025
Endorsed for
Colorectal Surgery
Laparoscopic (Key-Hole) Surgery

Mr Yazan Masannat

Mr Yazan Masannat

Breast Surgeon
Is a colleague

FAQ

What are Professor Tan Arulampalam's reviews like?

Professor Tan Arulampalam's overall patient rating is 4.97 out of 5 stars on Doctify. This is based on 888 reviews.

What languages does Professor Tan Arulampalam speak?

Professor Tan Arulampalam speaks English

Where is Professor Tan Arulampalam located?

Professor Tan Arulampalam primarily practices at 9 Harley Street, located at 9 Harley Street, London, United Kingdom, W1G 9QY
See more locations

What are Professor Tan Arulampalam working hours?

Professor Tan Arulampalam is working Tuesday (09:00 - 13:00, 09:00 - 13:00, 09:00 - 13:00), Wednesday (09:00 - 13:00), Friday (13:00 - 17:00)

Find where Professor Tan Arulampalam operates today

Does Professor Tan Arulampalam accept new patients?

Professor Tan Arulampalam generally accepts new patients.

Get in touch with this specialist to enquire as a new patient