Leading-Edge Surgery for Liver and Pancreatic Conditions
St. Joseph's Medical Center specializes in advanced surgical treatments for liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder disease, and biliary system disorders.
Hepatobiliary surgery
"Hepatobiliary" describes anything related to the liver, bile ducts, and gallbladder. These organs work together as the hepatobiliary system, which is often the focus of specialized hepatobiliary surgery procedures. Our specialized surgical team in Stockton performs complex hepatobiliary procedures, including tumor removal, using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce recovery time. We offer comprehensive care and advanced treatment options for patients seeking specialized hepatobiliary surgery in the Stockton region.
Why choose St. Joseph's?
Advanced Technology and Techniques: St. Joseph's Medical Center is equipped with the latest technology and surgical tools to ensure the most precise and effective treatment for liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder disease, and biliary system disorders
Multidisciplinary Care: We take a team approach to your care. Our specialized team works closely with gastroenterologists, oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists to provide comprehensive, coordinated treatment plans tailored to our patients’ individual needs.
Cancer Nurse Navigators: Nothing turns your life upside down like a cancer diagnosis. You may feel overwhelmed by the journey ahead of you, involving many specialists and procedures. This is where our team of specialized cancer nurse navigators, the most comprehensive in the region, come in. They will guide you through the process and support you every step of the way.
Compassionate, Patient-Centered Environment: At St. Joseph's, we prioritize your comfort and well-being. We’re committed to providing compassionate care and support throughout your health care journey.
Conditions treated
We treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Hepatobiliary cancer
- Ampullary cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Bile duct cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma)
- Neuroendocrine tumors
Treatment options
Our hepatobiliary procedure options include:
- Liver cancer surgery
- Pancreatic cancer surgery (Distal pancreatectomy)
- Whipple procedure (Pancreaticoduodenectomy)
Robotic Whipple for pancreatic cancer
Pancreatic cancer is a complex disease that requires swift and highly coordinated medical care. For patients with a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, St. Joseph's Medical Center offers advanced robotic Whipple surgery. This minimally invasive technique, also known as robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy or the Whipple procedure, uses smaller incisions for faster recovery and reduced pain. The Whipple procedure is a complex surgical operation to remove the head of the pancreas, the duodenum, the gallbladder, and part of the bile duct. It's a major surgery often performed for tumors in the head of the pancreas, ampulla of Vater, or bile duct, and sometimes for severe chronic pancreatitis. While robotic surgery has benefits, it also carries risks, so a detailed discussion with your doctor is essential.
Our experienced team specializes in this complex procedure, aiming for improved patient outcomes. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of robotic surgery and how it compares with other techniques, such as other types of minimally invasive surgery and conventional open surgery.
Frequently asked questions
Many common problems can affect the hepatobiliary organs, such as:
- Gallstones
- Fatty liver disease
- Liver cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver)
- Different types of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
- Bile duct issues such as choledocholithiasis (gallstones in the bile duct)
- Cancers that can start in the liver, bile ducts, or pancreas
These health problems can make it hard for your body to digest fats, absorb nutrients, and get rid of waste.
You would typically be referred to a hepatobiliary specialist if you have issues with your liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, or pancreas. These specialists provide diagnosis and treatment for complex conditions affecting these organs.
You might need a referral if you are:
- Experiencing symptoms: Such as abdominal pain, jaundice (yellow skin or eyes), nausea, vomiting, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue that suggests a problem with these organs.
- Diagnosed with a specific condition: This often includes common issues like severe gallstones or pancreatitis, but also more complex conditions like liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, or gallbladder cancer.
It's important to know that pancreatic cancer often doesn't cause symptoms until it's more advanced. When signs do appear, they can be vague. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain (which may spread to the sides or back)
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue
- Changes in bowel habits (such as light-colored or floating stools, dark-colored urine, diarrhea, or constipation)
- New diagnosis of diabetes or changes in blood sugar that are hard to control
- Itching
- Pain and swelling in an arm or leg (which might be caused by a blood clot)
If you experience these pancreatic symptoms, especially jaundice, unexplained weight loss, or pain and swelling, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.
Common early symptoms of a gallbladder condition can vary but frequently involve:
- Abdominal pain: Typically in the upper right or middle part of your abdomen. This pain can range from mild to severe and may spread to your back or chest. It often worsens after eating fatty foods.
- Digestive issues: Such as nausea (with or without vomiting), bloating, excess gas, frequent indigestion, or acid reflux.
- Changes in bowel habits: This can include persistent diarrhea, light-colored stools, or dark-colored urine, which may indicate a bile duct issue.
- Jaundice: A yellow tint to your skin and the whites of your eyes, which is a key sign of a bile duct blockage.
- Fever or chills: These can signal an infection within the gallbladder or bile ducts, requiring immediate medical attention.
If you experience these gallbladder symptoms, especially severe pain, fever, or jaundice, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Find care near you.
Do you have questions about your liver, gallbladder, or pancreas? For evaluation of hepatobiliary diseases and referral to our specialized surgical team in Stockton, schedule an appointment with a Dignity Health gastroenterologist today. We're committed to providing compassionate care on your wellness journey.