Specialist General Surgery and Surgical Oncology
For complex abdominal conditions
Welcome
Dear visitor,
Thank you for visiting my website. A surgical problem, or a diagnosis that may need an operation, often brings many questions and understandable concern. My aim is to give you clear information, an honest assessment and a plan built around you, from the first consultation to full recovery. I will be by your side at every step, together with an experienced team at the German Medical Institute in Limassol.
With warm regards,
Charalambos Charalambous, MD, ChM (Ed)
General Surgeon – Surgical Oncology
The Team Behind Surgical Care
The best surgical care is built around a team. Complex decisions benefit from the knowledge and experience of different professionals working together: surgeons, anesthesiologists, specialist nurses, radiologists, pathologists, oncologists, gastroenterologists, intensive-care clinicians, and allied health professionals. Each contributes an important perspective before, during, and after surgery.
This teamwork helps ensure that diagnosis is accurate, treatment is thoughtfully planned, and every aspect of care is coordinated. A radiologist may clarify the extent of disease; a pathologist may provide essential diagnostic information; an anesthesiologist helps optimize safety; oncology colleagues contribute to the broader treatment strategy; and nurses and rehabilitation professionals play a vital role in recovery. Bringing these perspectives together allows the team to anticipate challenges and make decisions based on the full clinical picture.
At the German Medical Institute, multidisciplinary collaboration is an important part of my practice. For patients with cancer and other complex abdominal conditions, cases are reviewed jointly to consider imaging, pathology, treatment options, current evidence, and the individual patient’s overall health and priorities. The aim is not simply to choose an operation, but to develop the most appropriate and coordinated plan of care.
Professor Athanasios Petrou has been my mentor and an important influence on my professional development as a surgeon. Working alongside him in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery and surgical oncology has reinforced the value of careful preparation, open discussion of complex cases, sound clinical judgment, and shared responsibility within a surgical team. His commitment to collaboration, teaching, and continuous professional development continues to shape my daily practice.
The patient remains the most important member of this team. Clinical recommendations are discussed openly, and treatment decisions are made with respect for the patient’s wishes, understanding, and personal circumstances.
Specialist Surgical Care
Charalambos Charalambous is a Consultant General Surgeon whose clinical practice includes surgical oncology, abdominal surgery and gastrointestinal cancer surgery.
Assessment and treatment planning consider the diagnosis, the patient’s health and preferences, and multidisciplinary discussion where appropriate.
Select a topic below to expand its description.
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Robotic surgery uses instruments controlled by the surgeon through a console. Suitability depends on the condition, the planned procedure and individual assessment. Benefits, limitations, risks and alternative approaches are discussed during consultation.
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Laparoscopic surgery uses a camera and instruments introduced through small incisions. Suitability depends on the condition and the operation required. The proposed approach, alternatives, possible conversion to open surgery and recovery are discussed individually.
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Assessment of abdominal conditions that may require complex or repeat surgery. Imaging, previous operative records, nutrition and general health inform planning. Consultation considers the expected benefit, limitations, alternatives and support needed during recovery.
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Assessment of groin, umbilical, incisional and recurrent hernias. Options may include observation or repair, depending on symptoms and hernia type. The operative approach, use of mesh, possible complications and recurrence are discussed before treatment.
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Assessment of colorectal cancer and benign bowel conditions, including diverticulitis, polyps and strictures. Investigations and multidisciplinary review guide treatment. Where surgery is indicated, discussion includes bowel function, possible complications and whether a stoma may be needed. More about colorectal surgery.
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Assessment of benign and malignant conditions of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. Imaging and other investigations guide consideration of monitoring, nonsurgical treatment or surgery, with multidisciplinary input where appropriate.
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Assessment of gastric and gastroesophageal disease, including cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and stage. Surgery may form part of a wider plan that includes medication, nutritional support and follow-up.
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Assessment of abdominal and retroperitoneal sarcomas through imaging, pathology and multidisciplinary discussion. Treatment planning considers the tumor subtype, its relationship to adjacent organs, the possible extent of surgery and other treatment options.
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Cancer treatment planning considers pathology, imaging, disease stage, general health and personal preferences. Surgical and nonsurgical options are discussed with relevant specialists and then with the patient before treatment decisions are made.
Robotic Surgery
Robotic surgery is a form of minimally invasive surgery that can offer smaller incisions, three-dimensional vision and greater precision in selected operations. Suitability always depends on the diagnosis and the operation. Learn more about robotic surgery →
Assessment & Treatment Planning
Assessment and treatment planning begin with a careful review of the medical history, clinical findings and available investigations. Imaging, pathology and laboratory results are considered together to clarify the nature and extent of the condition and to define a realistic treatment goal.
For complex or cancer-related conditions, planning may involve multidisciplinary discussion with radiologists, pathologists, medical and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, anesthesiologists and other relevant specialists. The discussion considers not only whether surgery is appropriate, but also the best sequence of surgery, systemic therapy, radiotherapy or interventional radiology when these have a role.
The choice between an open, laparoscopic or robotic approach is individualized according to the diagnosis, anatomy, extent of surgery, previous operations and the patient’s overall health. Technology may support precision and operative execution, but it does not replace clinical judgment and is not suitable for every case.
Before major surgery, nutritional status, anemia, physical condition, other medical problems and anesthetic risk are also assessed. Additional investigations, preoperative optimization and support from the appropriate teams are arranged when needed.
The proposed plan is explained together with the alternatives, expected benefits, important risks, possible functional effects and anticipated recovery. The possibility that the original plan may need to change in response to operative findings or the course of disease is also discussed. Each patient’s values and preferences remain an essential part of shared decision-making.
The Centre: German Medical Institute
German Medical Institute is a state-of-the-art healthcare institution centered on each patient, their individual needs, and safe, evidence-based decision-making. It brings together specialized medical professionals, advanced technology, and modern facilities to provide care with quality, consistency, and a genuinely human approach.
Close collaboration among surgeons, anesthesiologists, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and other specialists enables a thorough assessment of every case. Through multidisciplinary review and individualized planning, each patient receives a treatment approach tailored to their diagnosis, overall health, and personal priorities.
Guided by innovation, scientific precision, and respect for every individual, German Medical Institute provides an environment of trust and high-level medical care—from the first consultation through treatment, recovery, and long-term follow-up.
Your Consultation
Private and GeSY consultations are available at the German Medical Institute in Limassol.
Appointments are also offered every Wednesday afternoon at the GMI outpatient offices within Zoi Medical Diagnostic Center, 2 Dimofontos Street, 1075 Nicosia.
✉ charalambos.charalambous1@goc.com.cy
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Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 16:00