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A practice of Gwinnett Surgical Specialists  |  Northside Hospital affiliate

Lawrenceville, GA · Gwinnett County

da Vinci Robotic & Minimally Invasive Surgery

Dr. Venkata Kakarla brings 2,500+ da Vinci robotic procedures and surgical experience across three continents to Gwinnett County. Fellowship-trained. Board certified. Accepting new patients with same-day and next-day appointments.

Mon–Thu 7 am–4:30 pm Fri 7–11 am 24/7 answering service
Dr. Venkata Kakarla, MD, FACS — Robotic Surgeon
2,500+
da Vinci robotic procedures
13+
Years board certified
Fellowship
Trained robotic surgeon
Same day
Appointments available
No referral
Call us directly

How can we help?

Find the Care You Need

Whether you have been diagnosed with a condition, need a second opinion, or are experiencing an urgent surgical problem, Dr. Kakarla provides comprehensive general surgical care for patients in Gwinnett County and the surrounding communities.

Procedures

Comprehensive General & Robotic Surgery

Looking for a Second Opinion?

If you have been told you need surgery, had a prior repair that failed, or want an independent evaluation of your options — Dr. Kakarla welcomes second-opinion consultations. Bring your imaging, reports, and any surgical recommendations you have received. He reviews everything and provides an honest, independent assessment.

Redo and revision surgery is a core part of Dr. Kakarla’s practice. Complex and recurrent cases are welcome.

The da Vinci advantage

Why Robotic Surgery?

Dr. Kakarla operates using the da Vinci® Surgical System — the most widely used surgical robot in the world. The surgeon controls every movement; the robot does not operate on its own. Here is what the da Vinci platform provides:

Not every procedure is performed robotically. Dr. Kakarla selects robotic, laparoscopic, or open technique based on what is safest and most effective for each patient.

Your surgeon

Why Dr. Kakarla?

Choosing a surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. Here is what sets Dr. Kakarla apart:

  • 2,500+ da Vinci robotic procedures — among the highest volume in the region, well beyond the learning curve where surgical outcomes plateau
  • Fellowship-trained in minimally invasive and robotic surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago — one of the top MIS training programs in the country
  • Board certified by the American Board of Surgery for more than 13 years
  • Surgical experience across three continents — this international breadth has refined Dr. Kakarla’s approach, allowing him to draw on a wider range of techniques than most surgeons encounter in a single career
  • Intracorporeal reconstruction — a technically advanced skill where the entire operation, including bowel or digestive tract reconnection, is performed through small incisions. Not all surgeons offer this
  • ERAS enhanced recovery protocols — multimodal non-narcotic pain management, early mobilization, and accelerated return to normal function
  • Comprehensive surgical capability — performs his own upper endoscopy (EGD), places chemotherapy ports, and coordinates closely with oncologists and gastroenterologists
  • Redo and revision surgery expertise — accepts patients with prior failed repairs or complications from previous surgery
Dr. Venkata Kakarla, MD, FACS

Dr. Kakarla takes a tailored approach to each patient, using shared decision-making to determine the best surgical plan for each individual case. He believes every patient deserves to understand their options, their risks, and what to expect.

MD, FACS Fellowship-Trained Board Certified

Where we operate

Three Facilities, One Surgical Team

The right procedure in the right facility. Dr. Kakarla selects the best setting for your surgery based on the complexity of your condition.

Outpatient robotic surgery

Northside Gwinnett Outpatient Surgery Center

2200 Medical Center Blvd, Suite 100
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Northside Pre-Surgery Line: (678) 312-2443

Robotic hernia, gallbladder, and other same-day procedures

Inpatient & complex surgery

Northside Hospital Gwinnett

1000 Medical Center Blvd
Lawrenceville, GA 30046
Northside Pre-Surgery Line: (678) 312-2443

GERD/hiatal hernia, colon & rectal, GI surgery, emergency, complex cases

Outpatient & office procedures

Gwinnett Surgery Center

631 Professional Drive, Suite 390
Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Anorectal, skin & soft tissue, pilonidal, small hernia, I&D

Getting started

Your First Visit

No referral needed

Call our office directly at (770) 962-9977. You do not need to see your primary care doctor or a gastroenterologist first — unless your specific insurance plan requires a referral.

Same-day and next-day appointments

We make it easy to be seen quickly. For urgent surgical conditions, call the same number — our 24/7 answering service will reach Dr. Kakarla directly.

Insurance verified before your visit

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, Aetna, Anthem/BCBS, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare, and most major plans. We verify your benefits so you know your out-of-pocket cost upfront, subject to your plan rules and patient responsibility.

Interpretation services

Available for all languages at our office and the hospital. Everyone receives the same level of care and communication regardless of language.

Office: 631 Professional Drive, Suite 300, Lawrenceville, GA 30046

Call (770) 962-9977 Request a Callback

What patients say

Patient Experiences

“Dr. Kakarla took his time, listened well and explained everything well throughout the whole process. Would recommend him for surgery to anyone needing it.”

— Google Review

“Dr. Kakarla is not only an outstanding surgeon but also a wonderful human being. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of surgical care, especially those dealing with complex conditions.”

— Healthgrades

“He explained my condition in plain language, reviewed my options without judgment or pressure, and established a rapport by patiently listening to my questions.”

— Google Review

“Muy profesional el Doctor Kakarla. Mi mamá tenía una hernia demasiada grande y muy complicada pero el doctor Kakarla le practicó la cirugía robótica y quedó excelente. La verdad que el doctor Kakarla tiene mucha experiencia y se los recomiendo.”

— Healthgrades (en español)

“Dr. Kakarla is such an engaging, kind and attentive Doctor. He listened and was very honest with me about my situation.”

— Healthgrades

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see Dr. Kakarla?

No. You can call our office directly at (770) 962-9977. No referral is needed unless your specific insurance plan requires one. You do not need to see your primary care doctor or gastroenterologist first.

How quickly can I be seen?

Same-day and next-day appointments are available for both new patients and urgent conditions. For after-hours emergencies, our 24/7 answering service connects you directly to Dr. Kakarla.

Does Dr. Kakarla accept my insurance?

We accept Medicare, Medicaid, and most major commercial plans including Aetna, Anthem/BCBS, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Tricare. We verify your benefits before your first visit so you know your costs upfront.

What is da Vinci robotic surgery?

da Vinci robotic surgery uses the da Vinci® Surgical System — the most widely used surgical robot in the world. Dr. Kakarla sits at a console and controls robotic arms through small incisions using a 3D magnified view and wristed instruments with 7 degrees of freedom. This allows more precise surgery through smaller incisions, which typically means less pain, less blood loss, and faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery. The robot does not operate on its own — Dr. Kakarla controls every movement.

What makes Dr. Kakarla different from other surgeons?

With 2,500+ da Vinci robotic procedures, Dr. Kakarla is well beyond the learning curve where surgical outcomes plateau. His fellowship training at UIC, experience across three continents, and commitment to intracorporeal reconstruction (performing the entire operation through small incisions) reflect a depth of technical skill that benefits patients across a wide range of conditions.

I need a second opinion. Can I come in?

Absolutely. Bring your imaging, reports, and any surgical recommendations you have received. Dr. Kakarla reviews everything and provides an independent assessment. Many patients seek him out specifically for redo or revision surgeries.

Serving Gwinnett County & beyond

Robotic Surgery Near You

Gwinnett Robotic & Hernia Surgery is located in Lawrenceville, Georgia, serving patients throughout Gwinnett County and the surrounding communities. Our patients come from Lawrenceville, Duluth, Suwanee, Buford, Grayson, Loganville, Snellville, and across North Fulton and Greater Atlanta. With three surgical facilities in the Lawrenceville medical corridor, we provide comprehensive surgical care — from same-day outpatient procedures to complex robotic operations requiring an overnight stay — close to where you live and work.

For patients traveling from outside the immediate area for a second opinion or specialized robotic surgery, our office coordinates scheduling to minimize trips. Same-day consultation and surgery can sometimes be arranged for straightforward cases.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Same-day and next-day appointments available. No referral needed.