Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary surgery, commonly called HPB surgery, focuses on diseases affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. GEM Hospital provides detailed diagnosis, medical support and advanced surgical care for both non-cancerous and cancerous HPB conditions. Patients seeking HPB Surgery in Chennai or HPB Surgery in Coimbatore receive a treatment plan based on their diagnosis and overall health.
Highlights of HPB Surgery
What Is HPB Surgery?
HPB surgery is a specialised area of gastrointestinal surgery. It treats conditions involving:
Hepato
The liver
Pancreato
The pancreas
Biliary
The gallbladder and bile ducts
These organs work together to support digestion, control metabolism and remove waste from the body. Because they are closely connected, a problem in one organ may affect the others. HPB conditions therefore require careful assessment and treatment from an experienced multidisciplinary team.
Conditions Treated by Our HPB Team
Liver Conditions
Our specialists evaluate and treat conditions such as:
Pancreatic Conditions
Pancreatic conditions may affect digestion and blood sugar control. Our care covers:
Gallbladder and Bile Duct Conditions
The biliary system carries bile from the liver to the intestine. Conditions treated include:
Symptoms That Need Medical Attention
Symptoms of HPB conditions may appear similar to common digestive problems. Consult a specialist if you experience:
Persistent or severe upper abdominal pain
Pain that spreads to the back
Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Dark urine or pale stools
Repeated nausea or vomiting
Fever with abdominal pain
Abdominal swelling
Ongoing itching
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Sudden severe pain, jaundice with fever, confusion or repeated vomiting requires prompt medical attention.
How HPB Conditions Are Diagnosed
At GEM Hospital in Chennai, diagnosis begins with a review of the patient’s symptoms, medical history and previous reports. Tests are selected according to the suspected condition.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be used to assess liver function, detect infection and measure pancreatic enzymes. Certain tumour markers may support the evaluation, but they are not used alone to confirm cancer.
Imaging Tests
Ultrasound, CT and MRI scans help doctors examine the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and nearby structures. MRCP is a specialised MRI scan that provides detailed images of the bile and pancreatic ducts.
Endoscopic Tests
Endoscopic ultrasound may be used to examine the pancreas, bile ducts and nearby tissues closely. It can also help obtain tissue samples when required. ERCP may be recommended to remove bile duct stones, place a stent or relieve a blockage. The specialist will explain whether the procedure is intended for diagnosis, treatment or both.
Biopsy
When a suspicious growth is identified, a small tissue sample may be collected and examined to determine its nature. Not every patient requires a biopsy before treatment.
HPB Treatment and Surgical Options
Treatment depends on the affected organ, stage of the disease and patient’s general health. The team may recommend medical management, an endoscopic procedure or surgery.
Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery
Selected liver tumours, cysts and other conditions may be treated using laparoscopic or robotic techniques. Suitability depends on the size and position of the affected area.
Liver Resection
A liver resection removes the diseased portion of the liver while preserving healthy tissue. It may be performed for selected cancerous or non-cancerous growths.
Pancreatic Surgery
Depending on the location of the condition, pancreatic surgery may include:
- Whipple procedure: Removes the head of the pancreas along with nearby affected structures.
- Distal pancreatectomy: Removes the body or tail of the pancreas.
- Drainage procedures: May be used for selected complications of chronic pancreatitis.
The surgeon explains the recommended procedure in clear language before treatment.
Gallbladder and Bile Duct Surgery
Surgery may be performed to remove the gallbladder, clear or repair a bile duct, treat a bile duct injury or remove a tumour. Complex bile duct reconstruction may be needed in selected cases.
Liver Transplantation
For suitable patients with end-stage liver disease or selected liver cancers, transplantation may be considered after a detailed evaluation. Both the patient and potential living donor undergo careful medical assessment.
People consulting for HPB Surgery in Coimbatore receive guidance on the available approaches and the expected benefits and risks of each option.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive HPB Surgery
When medically suitable, laparoscopic or robotic surgery may offer:
Smaller surgical cuts
Less discomfort after surgery
Reduced blood loss in selected procedures
A shorter hospital stay
Faster return to regular activities
Not every HPB condition can be treated through minimally invasive surgery. Complex disease may require open surgery to provide safe and effective treatment.
Recovery After HPB Surgery
Recovery varies according to the procedure and the patient’s general health. Post-surgical care may include:
Pain and wound management
Close monitoring of liver or pancreatic function
Nutrition and hydration support
Breathing and movement exercises
Gradual return to food and physical activity
Follow-up tests and consultations
Patients should follow the diet, medicine and activity instructions provided by their surgical team. The doctors at GEM Hospital in Coimbatore continue to monitor recovery after discharge.
Why Choose GEM Hospital for HPB Care?
HPB surgery can involve several connected organs and requires precise planning. GEM Hospital brings together HPB surgeons, gastroenterologists, liver specialists, radiologists, endoscopy experts, cancer specialists, anaesthetists and critical-care teams.
Patients choose us for:
At GEM Hospital in Chennai, every patient receives an individual assessment to identify the best-suited treatment rather than a standard surgical approach.
Coimbatore Center
For advanced evaluation and HPB Surgery in Coimbatore, speak with the multidisciplinary team at GEM Hospital.
Chennai Center
Schedule a consultation for HPB Surgery in Chennai or a second opinion regarding your diagnosis with our expert team.
Consult an HPB Specialist
Early specialist evaluation can help identify liver, pancreatic or bile duct conditions before complications develop. Schedule a consultation for HPB Surgery in Chennai or a second opinion regarding your diagnosis.
For advanced evaluation and HPB Surgery in Coimbatore, speak with the multidisciplinary team at GEM Hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. HPB surgery is used for both cancerous and non-cancerous conditions, including gallstones, pancreatic cysts, chronic pancreatitis, liver growths and bile duct blockages.
Selected liver, pancreatic, gallbladder and bile duct procedures can be performed using laparoscopic or robotic techniques. The decision depends on the condition, its location and the patient’s health.
No. Jaundice can have several causes. Blood tests and imaging are required to identify the reason before deciding whether medicines, an endoscopic procedure or surgery is appropriate.
Preparation may involve blood tests, scans, heart and lung assessment, nutritional evaluation and changes to certain medicines. The surgical team will provide instructions specific to your procedure.
Recovery depends on the type and complexity of surgery. Some patients recover within a few weeks, while major liver or pancreatic procedures may require a longer period.
Possible risks include bleeding, infection, blood clots, leakage from a surgical connection and complications related to liver or pancreatic function. Your surgeon will explain the risks relevant to your procedure.
