Hepatobiliary Surgery at Swedish Hospital
Surgeons at Swedish Hospital, part of NorthShore University HealthSystem, are highly specialized in hepatobiliary surgery. Our program is on the leading-edge of research and techniques, allowing us to provide the highest level of care to our patients.
To schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call
773-293-8878.
Questions About Hepatobiliary Disease
What Does Hepatobiliary Mean?
Hepatobiliary refers to the liver and the bile ducts, which are associated with the liver.
The gallbladder is also part of the biliary system, but most of the information in this section does not apply to this organ, with the exception of gallbladder cancer. More information on gallbladder surgery and gallstones>>
What are the Common Signs and Symptoms of Biliary Disease?
One of the early signs of hepatobiliary disease is an abnormality in routine blood tests checking liver function. Additional symptoms include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin)
- Itching
- Dark or tea-colored urine
- Light-colored stools
Vague or intermittent pain, typically in the upper abdomen and sometimes radiating to the right, left, or back, can also be a symptom of hepatobiliary disease. But more often, these diseases are entirely painless.
What Causes Hepatobiliary Diseases?
Viruses such as Hepatitis B and C, heavy alcohol use, and sometimes genetics can increase a patient’s risk; however, there is often no identifiable cause for hepatobiliary diseases.
How are Hepatobiliary Diseases Diagnosed?
Hepatobiliary disease may be diagnosed using a combination of laboratory blood tests, ultrasound, MRI and/or CT scans.
What are Common Hepatobiliary Diseases?
Some common hepatobiliary diseases include:
- Liver adenoma
- Liver hemangioma
- Cancer originating in the liver (hepatoma)
- Metastatic cancer of the liver (cancer that traveled to the liver from another place)
- Gallbladder cancer
- Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
- Sclerosing cholangitis
- Bile duct stricture
- Pancreatic cancer
- Chronic pancreatitis
- Cancer of the duodenum
- GIST tumor of the duodenum
How are Hepatobiliary Diseases Treated?
Many hepatobiliary diseases are treated medically and do not require surgery; however, tumors or anything that causes bile drainage to back up often requires surgery or intervention by a gastroenterologist.
Some liver tumors can also be treated non-surgically by an interventional radiologist, but most of these require the input of a surgeon.
Cancers may require treatment such as radiation or chemotherapy in addition to surgery.
Are Hepatobiliary Diseases Curable?
Some hepatobiliary diseases are curable, while others require chronic management, and still some others may require a liver transplantation.
Questions About Hepatobiliary Surgery
What is Hepatobiliary Surgery?
Hepatobiliary surgery refers to the removal of a portion of the liver or bile ducts. This procedure also often requires re-routing of the bile ducts.
Additional areas that may be affected or operated on include the pancreas, pancreatic ducts and duodenum (the first portion of small intestine just past the stomach) due to their proximity and connection to the bile ducts.
Why Would I Need Hepatobiliary Surgery?
Hepatobiliary surgery is most often a treatment for a tumor or cancer in the liver, gallbladder, bile duct, pancreas or duodenum. Additionally, this type of procedure may be used to treat scarring of these organs from other diseases.
Who Performs Hepatobiliary Surgery?
Hepatobiliary surgery may be performed by a specialist in hepatobiliary surgery, a surgical oncologist or a general surgeon. The type of surgeon required to perform the procedure is determined by its type and complexity. Most gallbladder operations are performed by general surgeons.
Is Hepatobiliary Surgery Done Minimally Invasively or Robotically?
Some types of hepatobiliary surgery may be done using minimally invasive techniques to potentially improve recovery time and patient outcomes. When this is possible, it is most common to utilize robotic surgery.
Why Should I Choose Swedish Hospital/NorthShore University HealthSystem for Hepatobiliary Surgery?
Our surgeons are highly specialized and experienced in the treatment of hepatobiliary disease. Our program is on the leading-edge of research and techniques for this type of surgery, which allows us to provide the highest level of care to our patients.
Most complex hepatobiliary surgeries are centrally performed at our Evanston Hospital to assure patients have access to the most experienced teams with highly standardized care. For their convenience, patients can visit the Swedish Hospital campus for consultations and follow-up.
Contact Us
For more information and to schedule an appointment with a surgeon, please call
773-293-8878.
