Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Treatment

What are hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases?

Hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases are conditions that affect the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts, such as pancreatitis, gallstones, pancreatic cancer, cirrhosis of the liver and jaundice. These organs have a large variety of functions, including processing food, absorbing nutrition, and eliminating waste and toxins from the body. Patients may consult a gastroenterologist regarding these conditions.

What are the symptoms of hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases?

The most common symptoms of hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases include, jaundice, darker coloured urine, lighter coloured or bloody stools, abdominal pain and swelling, chronic fatigue, bruising, vomiting, and nausea.

What causes hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases?

Hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases may be caused by viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, toxic chemicals, metabolic disorders, cardiac failure, and neoplasia (growth of abnormal cells).

Did you know?

Minimally invasive surgery has revolutionized surgical techniques, and has made a huge impact particularly in hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery.¹

What are the possible complications of hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases?

Hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases are often found in patients with irritable bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to serious complications such as infection, organ failure, life-threatening disease of the liver, liver transplantation, and even death.

When should I see a specialist for hepato-pancreato-biliary disease?

Early diagnosis is a key element in successful treatment and recovery. If your primary care doctor refers you to a specialist in hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases, it is advisable to make an appointment as soon as possible.

How should I prepare for my appointment?

Prior to your first appointment with your gastroenterologist, assemble a complete personal medical history and a detailed description of your symptoms and a timeline of how long you have experienced them. Your gastroenterologist will take a careful history and then perform a physical examination, observing also your appearance and physical condition. In most cases, you will also be required to complete further diagnostic tests.

Once a clear diagnosis has been confirmed, your gastroenterologist will put together a comprehensive treatment and recovery plan for your individual care.

How do specialists diagnose hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases?

Gastroenterologists take into account a number of factors when diagnosing hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases. Initially, it is important to discuss the patient’s personal medical history, symptoms and general physical state. Following this, a comprehensive physical examination is performed.

Additional diagnostic tests such as an x-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, or endoscopy may be ordered, as well as blood tests, to ensure a correct diagnosis.

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

The treatment of hepato-pancreato-biliary diseases may include lifestyle changes, antibiotherapy, and in many cases, surgical intervention. Your gastroenterologist will explain all your treatment options and accompany you on your road to recovery.

References:

[1] Chang SKY, Lee KY. Therapeutic advances: Single incision laparoscopic hepatopancreatobiliary surgery. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20(39): 14329-14337