Hepatobiliary surgery

Diseases of the liver and biliary system can be caused by:

• Viral, bacterial and parasitic infections
• Neoplasia
• Toxic chemicals
• Alcohol consumption
• Poor nutrition
• Metabolic disorders
• Cardiac failure

Tumors in the liver are typically diagnosed with computed tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the abdomen or blood work. Although these tests could be enough to determine the type of liver tumor, patients could also require a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

Pancreas, bile duct and gallbladder tumors also require CT and MRI scans to make the initial diagnosis. Sometimes, an endoscopy is needed to pinpoint the exact problem. We use the latest in computed tomography, the CT Force, for cross-sectional imaging. It generates cross-sectional images of the body with less radiation, better resolution and twice the information in the same scan. The CT Force uses color overlay with finer and more slices to detect smaller nodules sooner. Our advanced MRI provides multi-slice, 3D imaging for high quality, complex MRI exams with fewer rescans that results in improved patient comfort. Specialty and Transplant also uses an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to produce detailed images of a patient’s pancreas and liver.

To be evaluated for hepatobiliary disease, patients can contact the HPB cancer coordinator at Methodist Hospital |Specialty and Transplant.

Most patients with hepatobiliary disease require multidisciplinary specialty care for successful treatment, with emphasis on aggressive surgical care. Highly specialized treatment options are available at Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant.

Our highly trained and experienced surgical team perform all the complex procedures (both minimally invasive and open) that these disease conditions mandate. Our Interventional Radiology (IR) care team also provides several treatment options including, chemoembolization (TACE), theraspheres (Ytrium-90), portal vein embolization, microwave ablation and ethanol ablation. We coordinate pre- and post-operative chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surveillance with several oncology teams across South Texas.

A multidisciplinary team of health professionals that includes surgeons, hepatologists, oncologists, radiologists review the clinical and radiological information of all patients. This LTC makes consensus decisions in a multi-disciplinary fashion to provide state of the art care for these patients. HPB cancer coordinator and navigators help expedite and deliver the comprehensive care in a timely fashion.

Physicians may refer patients to Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant by calling our hepatobiliary cancer coordinator at (210) 575-1020. The hepatobiliary cancer coordinator can provide additional information for the referral process.