Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) Service

Synonym(s):

The Hepato-pancreato-biliary service in Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) specialises in the management of benign and malignant (cancerous) conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts. 

Such diseases are often complex and require multidisciplinary, coordinated care. We work closely with our colleagues from Gastroenterology, Radiology and Medical Oncology to provide the full spectrum of management options. Cases are regularly discussed in multidisciplinary team meetings in order to tailor-make comprehensive, evidence-based care plans for each and every patient.

Our team of surgeons is highly experienced at performing complex operations of the liver, pancreas, bile ducts and gallbladder, having trained both locally and internationally in high-volume centers. We offer both open and minimally-invasive (laparoscopic) surgical procedures for treatment of these conditions. The use of minimally-invasive procedures benefits patients by allowing smaller incisions, reduced post-operative pain, faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay.

If you have questions, or want to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the liver, pancreas, bile ducts or gallbladder, make an appointment with the SKH Hepato-pancreato-biliary team. You may also attain a referral from your family physician, the polyclinic or your local GP clinic.

 

Our Approach

Each patient's treatment is overseen by our surgeons and is supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising but not limited to:

  • Interventional GI endoscopists
  • Gastroenterologists
  • Radiologists (Diagnostic / Interventional)
  • Oncologists
  • Nurse practitioners and oncology nurses


This collaborative approach ensures that patients are provided with timely diagnosis and individualised care in order to achieve the best possible outcomes.

 

 

Our Clinical Services

We offer clinical consultation and evaluation of patients with the following symptoms /complaints:

  • Abdominal pain / discomfort / bloatedness
  • Dyspepsia / indigestion / frequent belching
  • Abdominal swelling/mass
  • Gallstones / bile duct stones
  • Jaundice
  • Anaemia
  • Vomiting
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Groin swelling
  • Raised tumour markers
 

 

FAQs

What are some common hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) conditions?

One of the most common benign HPB conditions is gallstones and its related conditions. Gallstones frequently present with pain and upper abdominal bloatedness. Gallstones can also result in cholecystitis, cholangitis and pancreatitis. The management of symptomatic / complicated gallstone disease is surgery to remove the gallbladder and the stones.

Primary malignant diseases of the HPB include hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (pancreas cancer) and cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Though uncommon, prompt diagnosis and treatment is required to ensure the best outcomes for patients.

What are some symptoms that I should look out for?

Symptoms related to HPB diseases can include, but are not limited to:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Dark-colored urine
  • Jaundice—a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
  • Pale-coloured or bloody stool
  • Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss

If you are experiencing any  of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

 

How are liver, pancreatic, biliary & related diseases diagnosed?

Each consult begins by your doctor taking a detailed medical history and performing a thorough physical examination. We may also ask about your personal medical history as well as family history to determine if you are at higher risk for specific disorders. This is usually followed by additional diagnostic modalities such as blood tests, cross-sectional imagining and biopsies.

What treatments are available for hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases?

Today, there is an extensive array of surgical and non-surgical options available for the management of hepato-pancreato-biliary diseaes. As mentioned, the team works closely with several disciplines in order to provide high-quality, evidence-based, patient-centred care. When surgery is required, both minimally invasive as well as conventional approaches may be considered as appropriate.

 

Our Care Team

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