1. Who is Dr Appou Tamijmarane?
Dr Appou Tamijmarane is a UK-trained Consultant General Surgeon practicing at Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai Silicon Oasis. He holds two Fellowships of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons (FRCS Edinburgh and FRCS Glasgow), has 35 years of surgical experience including 18 years as an NHS Consultant, and specializes in HPB, Upper GI, and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery. He is DHA licensed (No. 50530660-001) and has 25+ peer-reviewed publications in HPB and upper GI surgery.
2. Is Dr Appou Tamijmarane DHA licensed?
Yes. Dr Appou holds an active Dubai Health Authority license, number 50530660-001, valid at Fakeeh University Hospital. His license can be independently verified through the DHA Sheryan portal at services.dha.gov.ae.
3. What awards has Dr Appou Tamijmarane received?
Dr Appou was awarded the Norman Tanner Medal and the Glaxo Travelling Fellowship by the Royal Society of Medicine, London, one of the most respected individual honors in British surgery. He was awarded for excellence in upper gastrointestinal surgical research. The fellowship enabled him to undertake specialist training at the Shizuoka Cancer Center in Japan.
4. Why choose Dr Appou for laparoscopic and HPB surgery in Dubai?
Dr Appou brings a combination of qualifications, experience, and patient-centered care that is uncommon in a single surgeon. He holds two Fellowships of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons, has served as a Selector for the UK Joint Committee on National Surgical Trainees Selection, and was awarded the Norman Tanner Medal by the Royal Society of Medicine. His 35 years of surgical experience includes 18 years as an NHS Consultant Surgeon in the UK, with dedicated HPB subspeciality training at the Royal Free Hospital London and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. He performs the full range of laparoscopic, robotic, and open surgical procedures, meaning patients with complex or multiple diagnoses are managed by a single experienced consultant rather than being passed between specialists.
5. What is the difference between laparoscopic and robotic surgery?
Both are minimally invasive approaches using small incisions, but robotic surgery adds a computer-assisted system that gives the surgeon a 3D high-definition view and instruments with greater range of motion than standard laparoscopic tools. For patients, robotic surgery can mean more precise tissue handling, particularly in complex or confined spaces. Dr Appou performs both laparoscopic and robotic procedures at Fakeeh University Hospital and will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your specific condition and anatomy.
6. What is a hepatobiliary (HPB) surgeon and when is HPB surgery needed?
A hepatobiliary surgeon is a Consultant Surgeon with specialist training in conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder. HPB surgery may be needed when a patient is diagnosed with liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, bile duct cancer, gallbladder disease, pancreatic cysts, or complex biliary conditions that cannot be managed by medication or endoscopy alone. Dr Appou has specialized in HPB and upper gastrointestinal surgery throughout his 35-year career and treats the full range of HPB conditions at Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai Silicon Oasis.
7. What are the common symptoms of gallbladder disease and when should I see a surgeon?
The most common symptom is pain in the upper right abdomen, often after eating fatty meals, which may radiate to the right shoulder or back. Other symptoms include nausea, bloating, and intolerance to fatty foods. If a gallstone moves into the bile duct it can cause jaundice – yellowing of the skin or eyes – alongside dark urine and pale stools, which requires prompt attention. You should see a surgeon if symptoms are recurring, worsening, or significantly affecting your quality of life, or if an ultrasound has already confirmed gallstones.
8. I have been told I need surgery, but I am nervous. What should I expect at a first consultation?
At your first consultation there is no pressure and no rush. Dr Appou will listen to your symptoms and concerns, review your scans and results, then explain your diagnosis in plain language and outline all options including non-surgical ones. If surgery is the right path, he will walk you through exactly what the procedure involves, what recovery looks like, and what risks are relevant to your specific case. You are encouraged to bring a family member or friend,- Dr Appou is equally comfortable addressing the concerns of the people who matter most to you.
9. Does health insurance in Dubai cover laparoscopic or robotic surgery?
Most comprehensive health insurance plans in Dubai cover laparoscopic surgery when it is clinically indicated. Robotic surgery coverage varies between insurers, some cover it in full, others require pre-authorization. Fakeeh University Hospital accepts over 450 insurance plans. https://fuh.okadoc.com/en-ae/doctor/general-surgery/dubai/appou-tamijmarane Dr Appou’s team can assist with insurance queries and pre-authorization paperwork at the time of your consultation so that cost and coverage are clear before any decision about surgery is made.
10. How do I book an appointment with Dr Appou in Dubai?
Appointments can be booked online through the Fakeeh University Hospital portal at fuh.care, via Okadoc, by calling +971 503 567 569, or by emailing info@drappou.com. Both face-to-face consultations at Fakeeh University Hospital in Dubai Silicon Oasis and video consultations are available.
