Hepatobiliary Surgery

Hepatobiliary surgery covers complex surgical conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas. I bring specialised expertise in both laparoscopic and open hepatobiliary procedures, delivering precise, safe surgical care for some of the most technically demanding conditions in general surgery.

What Is Hepatobiliary Surgery?

The hepatobiliary system includes the liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreas organs that work together to produce, store, and transport bile and digestive enzymes. Disease in any of these organs can significantly impact digestion, liver function, and overall health. Hepatobiliary surgery addresses these conditions through targeted surgical intervention, aiming to restore normal function and prevent serious complications.

Conditions Treated

  • Gallstones and Acute Cholecystitis
  • Common Bile Duct Stones (Choledocholithiasis)
  • Bile Duct Strictures and Obstructions
  • Liver Cysts and Abscesses
  • Gallbladder Cancer
  • Bile Duct Cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)
  • Pancreatic Cysts and Tumours
  • Chronic Pancreatitis
  • Jaundice Due to Biliary Obstruction

Gallbladder Surgery

Gallstones are one of the most common surgical conditions. When gallstones cause recurrent pain, infection, or obstruction, removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) is recommended. I perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy as the standard approach patients typically go home within 24 hours and recover fully within one week. In complex or emergency cases, open cholecystectomy is performed with the same standard of care.

Bile Duct Surgery

Stones or strictures in the bile duct can block the flow of bile, causing jaundice, infection (cholangitis), and liver damage. Treatment may involve endoscopic clearance via ERCP, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration, or open biliary surgery depending on the complexity of the blockage. I am experienced in all approaches and selects the safest option for each individual patient.

Liver Surgery

Liver conditions requiring surgery include hepatic/liver cysts, abscesses, hydatid cyst.

Pancreatic Surgery

The pancreas is a complex organ involved in both digestion and blood sugar regulation. Pancreatic surgery is indicated for pancreatic pseudo cysts, chronic pancreatitis/pancreatic stone causing persistent pain or obstruction. Each case is carefully planned based on cross-sectional imaging and multidisciplinary input.

Jaundice and Biliary Obstruction

Obstructive jaundice yellowing of the skin caused by bile duct blockage is a surgical emergency in many cases. Causes include bile duct stones, strictures, or tumours compressing the duct. Timely diagnosis and relief of the obstruction, whether through endoscopic stenting, surgical bypass, or resection, is essential to prevent liver failure and infection. I provide urgent evaluation and treatment for patients presenting with obstructive jaundice.

Laparoscopic vs Open Hepatobiliary Surgery

  • Laparoscopic approach is preferred for gallbladder, selected bile duct, and minor liver procedures
  • Open surgery is performed for major liver resections, complex biliary reconstruction, and pancreatic procedures
  • Hybrid approaches combining laparoscopy and open techniques are used when appropriate
  • The choice of approach is always determined by patient safety and the complexity of the disease

Pre-Operative Assessment

Hepatobiliary conditions require thorough pre-operative evaluation including blood tests (liver function, bilirubin, tumour markers), ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and sometimes ERCP or MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography). A detailed assessment ensures accurate diagnosis, appropriate surgical planning, and minimization of operative risk.

Recovery and Follow-Up

Recovery depends on the extent of the procedure. Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery typically requires 1–3 days in hospital. More complex liver or pancreatic procedures may require 5–10 days. Post-operative care includes pain management, dietary adjustments, wound care, and regular follow-up to monitor liver function and surgical outcomes. I provide personalized aftercare guidance for every patient.

When to Seek a Consultation

  • Persistent right upper abdominal pain or discomfort
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
  • Dark urine or pale stools
  • Unexplained fever with abdominal pain
  • Diagnosed liver cyst, gallstones, or pancreatic condition
  • Abnormal liver function tests or elevated bilirubin
  • Referred for hepatobiliary surgical opinion

Early consultation allows for timely treatment and significantly reduces the risk of serious complications such as infection, liver damage, or cancer progression.