Hepaticobiliary surgery

Hepaticobiliary surgery in Dubai

Advanced surgical care for liver, bile duct, gallbladder, and pancreatic conditions

The liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts form an intricate system vital for digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. Diseases affecting these organs can be complex and challenging, ranging from benign conditions to aggressive cancers.

When medical therapies fail, advanced surgical care, referred to as hepaticobiliary surgery, is a key avenue to regaining health and enhancing the quality of life.

At King’s Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence, our experienced multidisciplinary team specialises in advanced hepaticobiliary surgical procedures. We deliver holistic care that is designed around each patient’s requirements using the newest techniques and technology to achieve the optimal results.

What is hepaticobiliary surgery?

Hepaticobiliary (HPB) surgery involves expert surgical intervention for conditions affecting the:

The liver (Hepato-): Including benign and malignant tumours, cysts, and certain liver diseases.
The bile ducts (Biliary-): The system of tubes that distribute bile from the liver into the small intestine, treating blockages, stones, and cancers.
The pancreas (Pancreato-): Addressing pancreatic tumours, cysts, and severe pancreatitis.
The gallbladder: Primarily for gallstones and gallbladder cancer.

These are some of the most challenging procedures in general surgery, requiring exceptional skill, accuracy, and thorough knowledge of the involved organs’ anatomy and function.

Conditions treated with hepaticobiliary surgery

Our expert team at King’s Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence provides surgical solutions for a wide range of hepaticobiliary conditions, including:

Liver tumours (Benign and malignant):

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Primary liver cancer, often arising in patients with chronic liver disease or cirrhosis.

Metastatic liver cancer: Cancers that have metastasized to the liver from other organs (most often colorectal cancer).

Benign liver tumours: Adenomas, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and hemangiomas may require removal if they cause symptoms or have malignant potential.

Bile duct conditions:

Cholangiocarcinoma: Cancer of the bile ducts.

Bile duct strictures: Constriction of the bile ducts, usually due to inflammation, injury, or tumours, resulting in obstruction of bile flow.

Gallstones in bile ducts (Choledocholithiasis): Gallstones that have moved into the bile ducts can cause blockages and lead to infection.

Bile duct injuries: Often complications of previous surgeries.

Gallbladder conditions:

Gallstones (Cholelithiasis): Causing pain (biliary colic) or inflammation (cholecystitis).
Gallbladder polyps: Some of which may have malignant potential.
Gallbladder cancer: A rare but aggressive cancer.

Pancreatic conditions:

Pancreatic cancer: Including adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumours, and cystic tumours of the pancreas.
Pancreatitis complications: Such as pseudocysts or chronic pancreatitis requiring surgical intervention.

Liver Transplant Services

Advanced hepaticobiliary surgical procedures

Our surgeons are highly skilled in a comprehensive array of HPB surgical techniques, including:

Liver resection (Hepatectomy): Removal of a portion of the liver affected by tumours or disease while preserving sufficient healthy liver tissue. This can range from minor resections to complex hemihepatectomies or extended hepatectomies.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) / Microwave ablation (MWA): Minimally invasive techniques to destroy liver tumours using heat generated by radiofrequency waves or microwaves delivered through a needle.

Bile duct resection and reconstruction: Removal of diseased or cancerous sections of the bile ducts and reconstruction to restore bile flow.

Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder, most commonly performed laparoscopically (minimally invasive).

Pancreatectomy: An operation to surgically remove either a segment or the whole pancreas. This includes:

Whipple procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): A highly specialised procedure that involves excising part of the pancreas, duodenum, gallbladder, and bile duct to treat pancreatic head tumours.

Distal pancreatectomy: Removal of the pancreas’s body and/or tail.

Minimally invasive HPB surgery: Whenever appropriate, we utilise laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques to perform complex hepatobiliary procedures through small incisions, which reduces pain, speeds recovery, and reduces scarring.

The recovery journey

The recovery period after hepatobiliary surgery depends on the type of procedure, case complexity, and the patient’s general health. Our team provides detailed pre-operative instructions and a comprehensive post-operative care plan. This typically includes:

Pain management: Ensuring your comfort throughout recovery.

Early mobilisation: Gentle movement to speed healing and prevent issues.

Nutritional support: Diet guidance to promote healing.

Physical therapy: Customised rehab to restore strength and function.

Regular follow-up: Monitoring progress and adjusting care as needed.

Recovery can take weeks to months, depending on the procedure, and our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Why choose King's for hepaticobiliary surgery in Dubai?

King’s Liver Transplant Centre of Excellence in Dubai is known for delivering exceptional outcomes in hepaticobiliary surgery. Our internationally trained HPB surgeons work closely with a multidisciplinary team—including hepatologists, oncologists, radiologists, and specialised nurses—to create personalised treatment plans.

Equipped with advanced technology like robotic-assisted surgery, we ensure precision and safety throughout a comprehensive care journey—from diagnosis and pre-op preparation to surgery and recovery. Our focus is not only on effective disease treatment but also on preserving organ function and improving long-term quality of life.

FAQ'S

What are the main types of conditions treated by hepaticobiliary surgery?

Hepaticobiliary surgery primarily treats conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. This includes various benign and malignant tumours, gallstones, bile duct blockages, pancreatitis complications, and certain liver diseases requiring surgical intervention.

Is hepaticobiliary surgery always open, or are there minimally invasive options?

While complex hepaticobiliary surgery can sometimes require open procedures, our centre prioritises minimally invasive approaches whenever appropriate. We frequently utilise laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques, which involve smaller incisions, less pain, and generally faster recovery times.

What is the typical recovery time after hepaticobiliary surgery?

The hepaticobiliary surgery recovery time varies significantly. For less invasive procedures like a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, recovery can be a few days to a week. For complex surgeries like a liver resection or Whipple procedure, hospital stays may be extended (e.g., 5-7 days or more), with full recovery taking several weeks to months, depending on individual factors and the extent of the surgery.

What are the risks associated with hepaticobiliary surgery?

As with any major surgery, risks exist, though our expert team minimises them. Potential hazards can include bleeding, infection, bile leaks, pancreatic leaks, blood clots, and complications related to anaesthesia. Our surgeons will thoroughly discuss all possible risks during your consultation.