Background
Dr. Venkata Kakarla is a board-certified general surgeon specializing in robotic and minimally invasive surgery. He has performed more than 2,500 da Vinci robotic procedures across a career that spans three continents — from surgical training in India and the United Kingdom to advanced fellowship training and practice in the United States.
Dr. Kakarla completed his fellowship in minimally invasive, robotic, and bariatric surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago — one of the leading MIS training programs in the country. He is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
Professional Experience
Gwinnett Surgical Specialists at Northside Hospital Gwinnett
July 2021 – Present · Lawrenceville, GA
Attending — General, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery. Member of the Robotic Surgery Steering Committee. Clinical focus: foregut surgery, colorectal surgery, hernia, abdominal wall reconstruction, and acute care general surgery including endoscopic and percutaneous interventions.
Progressive Surgical Associates at Silver Cross Hospital
May 2015 – June 2021 · New Lenox, IL
Attending — General, Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery. Member of the Robotic Surgery Steering Committee. Clinical Physician Liaison for the Cancer Committee. Member of the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
Christie Clinic
September 2012 – April 2015 · Champaign, IL
General and Bariatric Surgeon.
Education & Training
Fellowship — Minimally Invasive, Robotic & Bariatric Surgery
University of Illinois at Chicago · September 2011 – September 2012
Surgical Residency
New York Presbyterian Queens Hospital · New York
Surgical Rotations
United Kingdom
Medical Degree
India
Board Certification & Credentials
- Board Certified — American Board of Surgery
- Fellow — American College of Surgeons (FACS)
- Georgia Medical License
- Hospital Privileges — Northside Hospital Gwinnett, Northside Gwinnett Outpatient Surgery Center, Gwinnett Surgery Center, Northside Hospital Duluth
Research & Publications
Dr. Kakarla has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed publications and presented research at national and international surgical meetings, including the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress and the Southeastern Surgical Congress. His research spans:
- Robotic and laparoscopic colorectal surgery outcomes (NSQIP data)
- Esophageal cancer — transhiatal vs transthoracic approaches
- The role of fecal diversion in rectal cancer resection
- Laparoscopic bariatric surgery safety in superobese patients
- Spigelian hernia — clinical and minimally invasive approach
- EFAST ultrasonography in trauma diagnosis
- Mobile app technology for surgical patient data capture
Approach to Patient Care
Dr. Kakarla’s goal is to provide exceptional, compassionate and personable, evidence-based care by utilizing minimally invasive approach and cutting-edge technology. His philosophy of care is to establish an honest and educational partnership with his patients, making them a part of the decision-making process throughout treatment and help them to get back to their normal life quickly.
Dr. Kakarla lives in Duluth with his wife and daughter. Outside of the office, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, gardening, woodworking, reading books and learning new things.
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 in clear communication, realistic expectations, and comprehensive follow-up care. His international training and diverse surgical experience allow him to draw on a wider range of techniques than most surgeons encounter in a single career.
— Surgeon introduction video can be added here -->