Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB surgery)

Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery (HPB surgery) in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group. The intricate network of organs within the upper abdomen – the liver, pancreas, and biliary system – plays a vital role in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. Problems with any of these organs can lead to serious health complications. At Emirates Hospitals Group our HPB Surgeons are part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure a customized approach is taken to each patient for the optimal outcome.

HPB Surgery in Dubai at Emirates Hospitals Group.

HPB surgeons are highly trained specialists who’s skillset combines residency in general surgery followed by a fellowship specifically focused on HPB surgery. This rigorous training program equips them with in-depth knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the liver, pancreas, and biliary system. Modern HPB surgery using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic surgery whenever possible to reduce complications and promote faster recovery times.

Symptoms of HPB Conditions:

The symptoms of HPB conditions vary depending on which of the organs (liver, pancreas, biliary system) are affected. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain: Upper abdominal pain, particularly in the right upper quadrant, can be a symptom of liver, gallbladder, or bile duct issues.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, indicative of a problem with bilirubin processing, often caused by blocked bile ducts.
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Fatigue
• Dark urine or light-colored stools
• Itchy skin
• Fever

HPB Conditions

The most common HPB conditions our HPB specialists in Dubai see include:

• Gallstones: Formed cholesterol deposits in the gallbladder that can cause pain and inflammation.
• Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, often caused by gallstones.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, causing severe abdominal pain.
• Biliary duct obstruction: Blockage of the bile ducts, leading to jaundice and other symptoms.
• Liver tumors: Benign or malignant tumors in the liver.
• Pancreatic tumors: Benign or malignant tumors in the pancreas.

Less common but serious conditions also include:

• Cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver tissue that hinders its function.
• Hepatitis: Viral infection of the liver.
• Pancreatitis cancer: A rare and aggressive form of cancer arising from the pancreas.
• Biliary atresia: A birth defect affecting the development of the bile ducts.
• Caroli disease: A rare condition causing abnormal development of the bile ducts.

HPB Treatments and Surgeries in Dubai

Where possible our HPB surgeons in Dubai focus on the use of minimally invasive approaches.  Laparoscopic HPB surgery can results in smaller incisions, reduced pain, faster recovery times and reduced hospitals stays. Surgeries that HPB specialists may recommend include:

• Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Minimally invasive removal of the gallbladder, the most common HPB surgery performed for gallstones.
• Biliary duct surgery: Procedures to address blockages or remove stones from the bile ducts.
• Whipple procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy): Complex surgery to remove part of the pancreas, duodenum (first part of the small intestine), and bile duct, often used for pancreatic tumors.
• Liver resection: Removal of a portion of the liver, performed for tumors or other liver problems.
• Liver transplantation: In severe cases of liver failure, a liver transplant may be necessary.