About Dr. Pratapa Varma Penmetsa
Dr. Pratap Varma Penmetsa is a distinguished Surgical Oncologist with over two decades of experience in performing complex cancer surgeries. Regarded as a leading surgical oncologist in India, he is renowned for his expertise in Head & Neck oncology, Thoracic surgery, and advanced Gastrointestinal malignancies. Dr. Penmetsa is a pioneer in Minimally Invasive and Robotic cancer surgeries, offering patients precision-based treatments with faster recovery times. His training at prestigious global institutes in the USA has equipped him with cutting-edge skills in managing advanced stage cancers, including the use of HIPEC. He is frequently sought after for his high success rates in treating complex oral, thyroid, and oesophageal cancers.
Qualifications & Credentials
- MBBS – Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (2000)
- MS (General Surgery) – Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi (2004)
- MCh (Surgical Oncology) – Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore (2014)
- Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery (MAS)
- Observership in Surgical Oncology – University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA (2013)
- Observership in Thoracic Surgery and Oncology – Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA (2018)
- Registered with the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council
- Certified in Robotic and Advanced Laparoscopic Oncology
Areas of Expertise
- Head & Neck Cancers (Oral Cavity, Thyroid, Parotid)
- Thoracic Cancers (Lung, Oesophagus, Mediastinal Tumours)
- Gastrointestinal Cancers (Stomach, Colorectal, Anal Canal)
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) Malignancies (Liver, Pancreas, Gallbladder)
- Gynaecological Cancers (Ovarian, Uterine, Cervical)
- Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy)
- Organ Preservation Surgeries
- Complex Reconstruction Surgery
- Robotic Thyroidectomy and Esophagectomy
- Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
- Whipple’s Procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
- Radical Hysterectomy and Cytoreduction
List of Disease and Treatment for which Dr. Pratapa Varma Penmetsa can be consulted
Professional Experience
Current & Past Hospital Affiliations
- Current Affiliation: Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Citizens Specialty Hospital, Hyderabad.
- Past Affiliations:
- Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Medicover Cancer Institute, Hyderabad
- Consultant, Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute
- Consultant, American Oncology Institute
- Consultant, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad
- Senior Resident, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bangalore
Academic & Research Roles
- Faculty and speaker at various national and international oncology conferences.
- Conducted CME programs and cancer screening initiatives across India.
- Active involvement in training surgical residents and registrars.
Key Achievements & Contributions
- Pioneered advanced robotic surgical techniques for thoracic and GI cancers in Hyderabad.
- Implemented advanced protocols for HIPEC in the management of peritoneal surface malignancies.
- Contributed significantly to research on mucositis scoring in head and neck radiotherapy.
Awards & Recognitions
National & International Awards
- Presented papers and posters at major conferences including ASICON, ISGCON, and NATCON.
Recognitions & Honours
- Recognised for high precision in complex Head & Neck reconstruction surgeries.
- Acknowledged as a leading expert in Thoracic Oncology by peer groups in South India.
Memberships
- Association of Surgeons of India (ASI)
- Indian Association of Surgical Oncology (IASO)
Research & Publications
Published Papers in Medical Journals
- Mucositis Scoring System in patients receiving adjuvant radiation for oral malignancies – European Journal of Cancer Supplements (2007)
- Skin nodules as a presenting feature of diffuse large B cell Gastric Lymphoma – Indian Journal of Dermatology (2008)
- Influence of postoperative complications on relapse-free survival in gastrointestinal malignancies – Gastrointestinal Cancer Research (2009)
- Risk-scoring system for predicting mucositis in patients of head and neck cancer receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy – Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics (2010)
- Ovarian Cancer and Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) Syndrome a Rare Combination – Indian Journal of Gynaecologic Oncology (2016)
Patient Success Stories & Testimonials
Patient Feedback
- Advanced Head & Neck Reconstruction
Patients treated for complex oral cavity tumours often highlight Dr. Pratap Varma Penmetsa’s meticulous surgical skills. Reviews frequently mention his ability to perform extensive tumour removal while prioritising cosmetic and functional reconstruction. - Robotic Surgery for Faster Recovery
Feedback regarding robotic thoracic and GI surgeries performed by Dr. Penmetsa consistently points to swift recovery and minimal pain. Patients appreciate the advanced minimally invasive approach, which allows for shorter hospital stays. Many testimonials mention the seamless coordination provided by Cancer Rounds, which helps patients focus entirely on healing while the logistical aspects are managed professionally. - Compassion in Complex GI Cases
For advanced gastrointestinal malignancies requiring procedures like HIPEC, Dr. Penmetsa’s approach is described as deeply reassuring and transparent. Families value his honesty regarding surgical outcomes and his dedication to multidisciplinary care. The support from his team, combined with the guidance from Cancer Rounds, provides a safety net for patients navigating difficult diagnoses away from home.
Treatment Approach & Philosophy
- Patient-Centred Care
Dr. Penmetsa adopts a personalised approach, ensuring that every patient understands their diagnosis and surgical options. He prioritises organ preservation whenever possible to maintain the highest quality of life post-surgery. - Technology & Innovation
A strong advocate for technology, Dr. Penmetsa utilises state-of-the-art robotic systems to achieve higher surgical precision. His adoption of HIPEC and minimally invasive techniques demonstrates his commitment to evidence-based, modern oncology.
Treatment Costs
The following table provides estimated costs for procedures performed by Dr. Pratap Varma Penmetsa. These are indicative ranges.
Treatment / Procedure | Estimated Cost (INR) | Estimated Cost (USD) |
Mastectomy / Breast Conservation | ₹1,80,000 – ₹3,80,000 | $2,100 – $4,500 |
Head & Neck Tumour Resection | ₹2,80,000 – ₹4,80,000 | $3,300 – $5,700 |
Gynaecological Cancer Surgery | ₹2,30,000 – ₹4,20,000 | $2,700 – $5,000 |
Lung Cancer Surgery / VATS | ₹3,20,000 – ₹5,80,000 | $3,800 – $6,900 |
Robotic Oncology Procedures | ₹3,80,000 – ₹6,80,000 | $4,500 – $8,100 |
HIPEC Procedure | ₹4,00,000 – ₹7,00,000 | $4,750 – $8,300 |
Note: For consultation fees or personalised cost estimates, you can connect with the Cancer Rounds team.
International Patient Assistance
Dr. Pratap Varma Penmetsa and the Cancer Rounds team are dedicated to supporting international patients throughout their medical journey:
- Medical Opinion: Detailed review of reports and virtual consultations prior to travel.
- Visa & Travel Assistance: Support with medical visa letters and flight logistics.
- On-Ground Support: Airport transfers, accommodation assistance, and daily transport.
- Language Interpretation: Professional interpreters to ensure no language barriers exist.
- Post-Operative Care: Coordination for follow-up consultations after returning home.














