Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB)

“Hepatopancreatobiliary” refers to a specialized branch of surgery focused on four main interconnected organs in your digestive system:

• Hepato (Liver):Treats liver tumours, cysts, and cancers that have spread from other organs (liver metastases).
• Pancreato (Pancreas):Manages pancreatic inflammation (pancreatitis), cysts, and tumours.

Biliary (Gallbladder & Bile Ducts): Treats gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, bile duct blockages, and jaundice.

Digestive organs often send distinct signals when they are under stress. You should see a specialist if you experience:

• Sharp or crampy pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, especially after eating oily or heavy meals.
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice), often accompanied by dark urine or pale stools.
• Unexplained nausea, persistent bloating, or fever paired with stomach pain.
• Pain that radiates or spreads from your stomach around to your upper back or shoulder blade.

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. If gallstones do not cause pain or blockages, they may simply be monitored. However, if they cause severe pain (biliary colic), infection, or block the bile duct, surgical removal of the gallbladder usually via laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery is the safest and most effective solution to prevent recurring attacks.

Liver metastases occur when cancer cells originating from another part of the body (such as the colon or rectum) spread to the liver. Specialized HPB surgeons work alongside oncologists to safely remove these secondary tumours using precise surgical resection or laparoscopic techniques, giving patients the best chance for long-term health and recovery.

Both are advanced, minimally invasive techniques used by HPB specialists, but they serve different purposes:

• ERCP: A specialized endoscopic procedure where a flexible tube with a camera and X-ray imaging is passed down the throat into the digestive tract. It allows the surgeon to locate, treat, or remove gallstones blocked inside the bile ducts and place stents to clear blockages without any external skin incisions.
• Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery: Small, tiny incisions are made in the abdomen through which surgical instruments and a camera are inserted to perform operations, such as gallbladder removal or liver resection, resulting in less pain and faster healing.

Yes. Because HPB surgeons undergo extensive training in general surgery before specializing further, they also diagnose and perform surgical care for common general conditions, including abdominal hernias, appendix issues, and emergency general surgical needs.

Yes, absolutely. We recognize that abdominal discomfort or post-surgical recovery can make movement challenging. Our hospital is built around a strict wheelchair-friendly design concept. Broad hallways, accessible consultation rooms, and barrier-free pathways ensure a comfortable, hassle-free visit for every patient.