My Commitment is to Combine the Best of Science and Empathy - Dr. Sarath Kumar Reddy

With 20 years of practice and 3,500+ surgeries behind him, Dr. Sarath Kumar (Reddy) Avula believes that the real success of oncology lies in giving patients back their lives with dignity

#CorporateWorld #Leadership #ColorectalCancer #LaparoscopicSurgery

From his formative years at Osmania Medical College to advanced training in the UK, Dr. Sarath Kumar (Reddy) Avula has steadily built a reputation as one of India’s leading colorectal onco-surgeons. Over two decades and more than 3,500 surgeries later, what stands out is not just his mastery of laparoscopic and robotic techniques, but the way he combines innovation with empathy. For him, surgery is never only about removing a tumour — it’s about restoring dignity, quality of life, and hope. A committed mentor to young surgeons and a strong voice for early awareness in colorectal health, he continues to push boundaries in a field that is both demanding and deeply human.

In this conversation with Corporate World, Dr. Avula speaks about the inspirations that shaped his journey, the advances that excite him most, and his vision for the future of cancer care.

Q. What initially inspired you to specialise in colorectal oncology, and how did your journey in this field begin?

My journey into colorectal surgical oncology was not the product of a single defining moment, but rather the steady pull of curiosity, challenge, and a desire to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. During my early years in medical training, I was drawn to the precision and complexity of gastrointestinal surgery. Yet, it was my encounters with patients battling colorectal cancer—individuals facing not just a disease, but an overwhelming transformation in their quality of life—that truly shaped my path.

In colorectal surgical oncology, I saw how precision, innovation, and compassion could turn a cancer diagnosis into a story of survival and dignity.

My formal journey began at Osmania Medical College, where I built my foundations, followed by advanced training in the UK, which exposed me to cutting-edge techniques and multidisciplinary cancer care.

In 2021, I returned to work in India after my mother was diagnosed with rectal cancer. Thankfully, with timely diagnosis and treatment, she is now disease-free. However, the experience made me even more determined to raise awareness about colorectal cancer screening in India, where conversations around bowel health often remain a taboo.

Over time, each patient’s story became both a responsibility and an inspiration—reminding me that our work is never just about removing a tumour, but about restoring hope. 

Today, as a colorectal onco-surgeon, my commitment remains to combine the best of science and empathy, pushing boundaries so that patients can look beyond their diagnosis towards a full and meaningful life.

Q. As a gold medalist from Osmania Medical College, what role did academic excellence play in your career path?

Earning the gold medal at Osmania Medical College was more than an academic milestone — it set the tone for how I approached my entire career. Academic excellence taught me discipline, attention to detail, and the importance of pushing beyond the obvious to find better answers. In surgery, these traits translate into precision in the operating room, rigorous decision-making, and the constant pursuit of innovation. It also reinforced that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about preparation, perseverance, and never losing sight of the patient at the heart of it all.

Q. Over your 20 years of practice, you’ve performed over 3,500 surgeries. What advancements in laparoscopic and robotic surgery have most transformed patient outcomes?

In the past two decades, I’ve seen laparoscopic and robotic surgery transform from promising innovations into everyday game-changers for patients. Laparoscopy brought smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery—making complex surgeries less daunting for patients. Robotics took that leap even further, offering unmatched precision, 3dimensional visualisation, and the ability to operate in tight or narrow spaces like the pelvis with minimal disruption to surrounding structures.

For colorectal cancer patients, these advances mean shorter hospital stays, quicker return to normal life, and, importantly, better preservation of bowel, bladder, and sexual function. It’s no longer just about removing disease—it’s about restoring quality of life. The technology has allowed us to be gentler while being more exacting, turning surgery into a more patient-centred experience than ever before.

Q.  As a senior consultant, how do you mentor young surgeons and pass on your expertise?

Mentoring young surgeons is as much about shaping their mindset as it is about teaching technique. I emphasise meticulous preparation, respect for anatomy, and the humility to keep learning—no matter how experienced you become. In the operating room, I encourage hands-on participation, gradually increasing responsibility while providing real-time feedback. Outside the theatre, we discuss cases, review outcomes, and explore emerging evidence so that they develop both technical skill and clinical judgment.

Ultimately, my goal is to pass on not just what I know, but how I think—so that each trainee carries forward a commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassionate care.

Q.  What is your key message for the public about colorectal health and cancer prevention?

Colorectal cancer is one of the most preventable cancers—yet it remains one of the most common. My message is simple: don’t ignore the warning signs, and don’t delay screening. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and a simple stool lest with timely colonoscopies can catch problems early, often before they become cancer. Awareness and action save lives, and the earlier we intervene, the better the outcome—not just in survival, but in quality of life.

Q.  What innovations or trends in colorectal surgery excite you most for the next decade?

The next decade in colorectal surgery will be defined by even greater precision and personalization. Advances in robotic platforms will make complex pelvic surgery safer and more accessible, while AI-assisted imaging and navigation will help us plan and execute operations with unprecedented accuracy. Minimally invasive techniques will continue to evolve, with smaller incisions, faster recovery, and better preservation of function.

I’m particularly excited about integrating molecular profiling and targeted therapies into surgical planning—allowing us to tailor treatment not just to the cancer, but to the individual. Combined with enhanced recovery protocols, we’re moving towards an era where patients spend less time in hospital, have fewer long-term side effects, and return to their lives sooner and stronger.