HPB (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) and Liver Transplant
The Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) and Liver Transplant Department at Burjeel Cancer Institute specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting the liver, pancreas, bile ducts, and gallbladder. Our multidisciplinary team includes expert oncologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, and transplant specialists who work together to provide cutting-edge treatments, including complex liver resections and liver transplantation. We focus on advanced surgical techniques, minimally invasive procedures, and systemic therapies to deliver comprehensive, personalized care to our patients.
Conditions We Treat
Our HPB and liver transplant team treats a wide range of cancers and related conditions, including:
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (liver cancer)
- Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Gallbladder Cancer
- Liver Metastases (cancer that has spread to the liver from other organs, such as colorectal cancer)
- Neuroendocrine Tumors of the Pancreas
- Benign Liver Tumors
- Liver Cirrhosis with Cancerous Developments
- Other Rare Cancers of the Liver, Pancreas, and Biliary System
Treatment Options
We offer a variety of advanced treatment options for HPB cancers, with a focus on precision and minimizing recovery time:
Liver Transplantation
For patients with liver cancer who meet specific criteria, liver transplantation can provide a curative option by removing the cancer and replacing the diseased liver with a healthy donor liver. Our team specializes in both living donor and deceased donor liver transplants.
Liver Resection
Surgical removal of part of the liver for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or liver metastases. We use both open and minimally invasive approaches, depending on the size and location of the tumor.
Pancreatic Surgery (Whipple Procedure)
A complex surgery to remove tumors in the pancreas, bile duct, and small intestine, often used for pancreatic cancer or bile duct cancer.
Minimally Invasive Hepatobiliary Surgery
Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques are used to remove tumors with less damage to surrounding tissue, resulting in faster recovery times.
Chemoembolization
A targeted therapy for liver cancer that delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor through the hepatic artery, blocking its blood supply and minimizing exposure to the rest of the body.
Radioembolization (SIRT)
Uses tiny radioactive beads to target liver tumors, delivering radiation directly to the tumor and sparing healthy tissue.
Systemic Chemotherapy
For cancers such as pancreatic and bile duct cancer, systemic chemotherapy is often used to shrink tumors before surgery or as a primary treatment for advanced cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Focuses on specific genetic mutations or proteins driving cancer growth, offering personalized treatment options for certain types of liver and pancreatic cancers.
Immunotherapy
Boosts the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells, often used in advanced cases of liver cancer or bile duct cancer.
Our Approach to Treatment
At Burjeel Cancer Institute, we take a multidisciplinary approach to HPB and liver cancer care, ensuring comprehensive and coordinated treatment for every patient:
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Our HPB oncologists work closely with liver transplant surgeons, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and medical oncologists to develop personalized treatment plans.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive or robotic-assisted surgeries to reduce recovery times and minimize complications.
Liver Transplant Expertise
Our liver transplant program provides hope for patients with liver cancer who are eligible for transplantation, offering a potentially curative option.
Focus on Quality of Life
We prioritize treatments that not only target cancer but also preserve the patient's quality of life, focusing on symptom management and long-term survivorship.
Diagnostic and Monitoring Tools
We use advanced diagnostic tools to accurately diagnose and monitor HPB cancers, ensuring precise treatment planning:
Liver Biopsy
Used to diagnose liver cancer or assess the extent of liver damage in patients with cirrhosis or other liver diseases.
Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
A procedure that combines endoscopy and X-rays to visualize and treat problems in the bile and pancreatic ducts, often used to diagnose bile duct cancer.
Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP)
A non-invasive imaging test used to visualize the bile ducts, pancreas, and gallbladder, helping to diagnose cancers in these areas.
CT and MRI Scans
Provide detailed imaging of the liver, pancreas, and biliary system, helping guide treatment planning and surgical decisions.
PET-CT Scans
Used to detect cancerous activity and monitor the spread of HPB cancers.
Tumor Marker Tests
Blood tests that measure levels of certain proteins produced by cancer cells, helping to diagnose liver and pancreatic cancers and monitor response to treatment.
Supportive Care and Patient Services
In addition to medical and surgical treatments, we provide comprehensive supportive care services to improve the quality of life for patients with HPB cancers:
Liver Transplant Coordination
We provide full support for patients undergoing liver transplantation, including donor matching, surgical preparation, and post-transplant care.
Palliative Care
Symptom management and supportive care for patients with advanced HPB cancers, focusing on improving quality of life and managing pain, nausea, and other symptoms.
Nutritional Counseling
Personalized dietary plans to support liver health and manage treatment side effects, particularly important for patients with liver disease or after liver surgery.
Psychosocial Support
Counseling and emotional support for patients and families coping with the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and complex treatments like liver transplantation.
Rehabilitation Services
Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs to help patients regain strength and function after surgery or treatment.
Advanced HPB Oncology Techniques
Our HPB and liver transplant team uses the latest surgical and therapeutic techniques to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients:
Minimally Invasive Liver Surgery
Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted liver resections are performed with precision, reducing recovery times and minimizing complications.
Liver Transplantation for Cancer
Our highly experienced transplant surgeons perform liver transplants for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who meet specific eligibility criteria, offering a potentially curative treatment option.
Chemoembolization and Radioembolization
Advanced techniques that deliver chemotherapy or radiation directly to liver tumors, sparing healthy tissue and reducing systemic side effects.
Pancreatic Cancer Surgery (Whipple Procedure)
A complex surgery performed with precision to treat pancreatic cancer, often followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to ensure the best outcomes.
Patient Journey
Our HPB oncology patients receive comprehensive care and support throughout their treatment journey:
Initial Consultation
A thorough evaluation by an HPB oncologist or liver transplant specialist, including diagnostic imaging and blood tests to assess the type and stage of cancer.
Treatment Planning
A personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include surgery, liver transplantation, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Surgery and Treatment
Advanced surgical techniques, including liver resection or transplantation, are used to remove tumors and provide the best possible chance of cure.
Post-Treatment Care
Ongoing follow-up care to monitor recovery, manage side effects, and ensure long-term health and well-being.
Long-Term Monitoring
Regular check-ups and imaging to monitor for cancer recurrence, manage liver health, and ensure the success of liver transplants.
