Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery

Hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HPB) surgery is a specialized branch of general surgery focused on disorders of the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. It encompasses the management of both benign and malignant conditions, including liver tumors, metastatic lesions, gallstones, bile duct strictures, pancreatic cysts, and pancreatic carcinoma. Complex hepatobiliary malignancies such as Hepatocellular carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma frequently require advanced surgical planning and multidisciplinary coordination.

Surgical procedures include hepatectomy (liver resection), cholecystectomy, bile duct reconstruction, and pancreatic resections such as pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure) for periampullary and pancreatic head tumors. Minimally invasive techniques, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches, are increasingly utilized to reduce postoperative morbidity and hospital stay while maintaining oncological safety.

Preoperative assessment involves detailed imaging with contrast-enhanced CT, MRI, MRCP, and sometimes PET scans to evaluate resectability and vascular involvement. In selected cases, portal vein embolization may be performed to enhance future liver remnant volume before major resection.

Postoperative care is critical due to potential complications such as bile leaks, pancreatic fistula, hemorrhage, and liver failure. With advances in surgical techniques, anesthesia, and perioperative critical care, HPB surgery offers improved survival outcomes and enhanced quality of life for patients with complex hepatopancreatic disorders.