Hepato Pancreato Biliary Medicine
Care of the liver, pancreas and biliary system
Hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) is a branch of medicine consisting of a wide range of services in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and bile ducts.
About HPB medicine
As HPB conditions and diseases typically have common symptoms, the medical expertise required usually encompasses the areas of the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and bile ducts; and is delivered via a network model in the MDT (multidisciplinary) approach.
Liver disease is one of the top five causes of premature death in England and HCA UK is uniquely positioned to respond to HPB needs, given the scale of our facilities, the calibre of our consultants and the vast reach of our network.
Our HPB consultants, have a depth of knowledge and experience in managing the body's life-sustaining HPB system. In that regard, we're proud that HCA UK’s team at the London Liver Centre at London Bridge Hospital, was the first ever to perform a living donor auxiliary liver transplant; a procedure where the donated ‘auxiliary’ liver remains in place until the patient’s own liver regenerates and regains functionality. This ultimately removes the need for a lifetime of immunosuppressant medication. This pioneering spirit drives all that we do, in the diagnosis, treatment and care of HPB conditions.
HPB medicine expertise
World-class expertise, technology, facilities and care in all aspects of HPB medicine.
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Chemosaturation therapy
Need to know
Chemosaturation therapy treats liver cancer. The liver is temporarily sealed from the body's blood circulation, allowing targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs at more concentrated doses than systemic chemotherapy. By 'saturating' the whole liver, both visible and undetected tumours can be targeted.
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Gallbladder removal
Need to know
Gallstones are small stones that form in your gallbladder. Your gallbladder stores bile to help you digest fats in food. To treat gallstones, your gallbladder can be removed using keyhole surgery. You can live without a gallbladder and your liver will still make bile.
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Liver transplant
Need to know
Living donor liver transplantation increases the recipient’s quality of life and life expectancy. The surgery can be performed at an optimal time before the recipient’s health deteriorates unduly. The recipient will receive a high-quality graft (the section of donated liver), usually...
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Whipple procedure
Need to know
An effective surgical procedure to remove pancreatic or bile duct cancer. The Whipple procedure removes the head of the pancreas, part of the bile duct, the gallbladder, the duodenum and part of the stomach.The remaining pancreas, bile duct and stomach are joined to another part of the small bowel, which...
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Acute liver disease
Need to know
Acute liver disease occurs when onset is sudden and symptoms can be severe but last for a short period. When the liver stops functioning properly, this can — in rare instances —lead to liver failure. Examples of acute liver disease include acute viral hepatitis, acute alcohol-related liver disease...
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Alcohol related liver disease
Need to know
Prolonged alcohol misuse can reduce the liver's ability to regenerate. ALD refers to liver damage caused by excess alcohol intake. It has three stages: 1. Alcoholic fatty liver disease. A build-up of fats in the liver. 2. Alcoholic hepatitis. Inflammation of the liver. 3. Cirrhosis. Accumulated scar...
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Autoimmune hepatitis
Need to know
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an uncommon but serious chronic condition where your body's immune system attacks the liver cells, causing inflammation of the liver. If left untreated, it can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis and, eventually, liver failure and liver cancer. If you are concerned you may have...
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Bile duct cancer
Need to know
Bile helps to break down and digest fat. It's made in the liver, stored in the gallbladder and carried around the body by bile ducts. Though rare, bile duct cancer can be aggressive. It accounts for 10-15% of all primary liver cancers and affects both men and women. At HCA Healthcare UK, we offer a variety...
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Bile duct injuries
Need to know
Your bile duct can be cut, burned or damaged during gallbladder surgery. Although relatively rare, these injuries can affect the normal flow of bile, which helps your body to break down fat. As a result, bile duct injuries can lead to serious symptoms, like jaundice. If left untreated, they can also...
Our HPB consultants
Our locations
A number of our facilities diagnose and treat conditions that affect the liver, pancreas, gall bladder and bile ducts.
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The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
The Wellington Liver & HPB Unit
North Building, Circus Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 6DP
Contact us about HPB medicine
Our helpline advisors can assist with enquiries about booking an appointment with a HPB specialist.