ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH

Contributing to the Future of Surgery

Alongside my clinical work, I maintain active involvement in research and education, contributing to both local and international surgical advancements. I completed a HumiGard Randomised Control Trial on surgical site infections in colorectal surgery, which is now publish and presented at international meetings. Furthermore, I am running in a large multinational trial with the Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand, which is investigating the effect of adding oral antibiotics to mechanical bowel preparation for reducing surgical site infections in elective colorectal surgery.

Robotic Surgery Proctoring & Global Collaboration

In addition to operating locally, I serve as a proctor in robotic colorectal surgery, mentoring surgeons both in Australia and internationally.

Through my affiliation with Device Technologies, the distributor of the da Vinci robotic surgical system, I provide structured, medicolegally compliant proctoring to support the safe rollout of robotic surgery programs.

Regular international visits include Middlemore Hospital and North Shore Hospital in New Zealand, where I assist in live proctoring, skill development, and the establishment of their robotic colorectal surgery capabilities. In addition, I support hospitals and colorectal teams across Australia, helping to grow expertise and ensure high standards of surgical practice.

I also visit GV Health in Shepparton, providing ongoing supervision and mentorship in endoscopy and colorectal surgery. This support helps maintain high procedural standards in regional settings and ensures equitable surgical education outside major metro centres.

This leadership role reflects my commitment to advancing surgical standards, not only in my own operating theatre, but across the profession.

Research & Teaching

I have published across several peer-reviewed journals and regularly teach medical students and surgical trainees in Melbourne’s major public hospitals.

Author of
Clinical Integration: Surgery

Media

Transforming Healthcare: Dr Arachchi’s Impact in the Pacific

Dr Asiri Arachchi, alongside a team of surgeons from Australia, recently made a significant contribution to the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital in Fiji. Through their efforts, essential medical equipment was donated, enhancing the hospital’s capacity to provide advanced surgical care. This initiative reflects Dr Arachchi’s ongoing commitment to supporting healthcare in the Pacific Islands, reinforcing his dedication to improving medical infrastructure and training in the region.

Woman's severe abdominal pain was caused by a toothpick

Dr Asiri Arachchi played a crucial role in the medical management of cases like the one where a woman’s severe abdominal pain was linked to an ingested toothpick. His expertise in colorectal surgery has been instrumental in diagnosing and treating complex gastrointestinal conditions, showing his commitment to resolving challenging medical issues.

Perspective on Bowel Cancer in Fiji

Dr Asiri Arachchi was recently featured in Ostomy New Zealand Magazine (Issue 126, October 2024) for his role in leading a volunteer team of surgeons to help treat bowel cancer in Fiji. The article highlights Dr Arachchi’s humanitarian efforts alongside colleagues from Australia and New Zealand to perform lifesaving operations, donate essential equipment, and provide education to local surgeons and nurses at Suva’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital. His work underscores a deep commitment to improving health care in the Pacific and addressing health inequalities in regions with limited resources.

HumiGard Randomised Control Trial

Magnetic Medics with Asiri

Fiji Podcast 1 - Lack of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Fiji

Procedural Videos

Ileo-Anal J Pouch

Reference:
Lekamalage BBW, Centauri SM, Arachchi A, Hulme-Moir M. Ileoanal J pouch construction. ANZ J Surg. 2023 Mar;93(3):687-688. DOI: 10.1111/ans.18301. Epub 2023 Feb 2. PMID: 36732916.

Splenic Flexure Mobilisation

Reference:
Lekamalage BBW, Vu AN, Duncan-were LJ, Arachchi A, Bui A. How to do it: Splenic flexure mobilisation via medial trans-mesocolic approach. Turk J Surg 2023;39(4):387-388. Read the full article.

Perineal Hernia

Reference:
Al-Diery M, Arachchi A, Lekamalage BBW, Patel PS, Moot AR. How to do it: perineal hernia repair. ANZ J Surg. 2023 Jun;93(6):1697-1698. DOI: 10.1111/ans.18487. Epub 2023 May 2. PMID: 37128801.