The pancreas sits deep in the abdomen, wrapped around major blood vessels. It makes digestive enzymes and insulin, and surgery on it is some of the most demanding in the abdomen.
Whether you have long-standing pancreatitis pain, a cyst found by chance, or a suspected tumour, I start by making sure we know exactly what we are dealing with — then we decide together whether to monitor, treat or operate.
Symptoms that need evaluation
- Severe, recurring upper abdominal pain that goes through to the back
- Unexplained weight loss or oily, loose stools
- New-onset diabetes with weight loss
- Jaundice without pain
- A pancreatic cyst or mass found on a scan
Pancreatic conditions I treat
Chronic pancreatitis
Long-term inflammation causing severe pain and digestive problems — drainage or resection operations in selected patients.
Pancreatic cysts
IPMNs, mucinous cysts and pseudocysts that need monitoring or removal.
Pancreatic tumours
Adenocarcinoma, neuroendocrine tumours and cystic neoplasms.
Whipple procedure
Complex surgery for tumours in the head of the pancreas.
What to expect
01Consultation
We listen, examine you and go through your reports and scans. A first visit usually takes 20–30 minutes, and family members are welcome.
02Tests and a clear plan
If more information is needed, we arrange blood tests or scans. Then we explain your options in plain language — including whether you need surgery at all.
03Surgery, if needed
Most operations are done by keyhole. Before the day you'll know what to expect: the procedure, anaesthesia, hospital stay and insurance paperwork.
04Recovery at home
You go home with clear instructions on food, activity, medicines and warning signs, plus a patient guide for common operations.
05Follow-up
A check-up to review healing and any biopsy results, and to clear you for your normal routine.
Common questions
What is chronic pancreatitis, and can it be fixed with surgery?
Chronic pancreatitis is long-term inflammation of the pancreas. Common causes include long-term alcohol use, genetic factors, autoimmune conditions and a blocked pancreatic duct.
Symptoms: severe, recurring abdominal pain; weight loss (the pancreas isn't making enough digestive enzymes); and diabetes (it isn't making enough insulin).
Surgery can help when the pancreatic duct is blocked (a drainage operation), pseudocysts are causing pain, or the disease is concentrated in the head of the pancreas.
The reality: surgery doesn't "cure" chronic pancreatitis, but in selected patients it can greatly reduce pain and improve quality of life.
Are pancreatic tumours always cancer?
No. Pancreatic lumps and cysts can be:
- Benign: simple cysts, serous cystadenomas, pseudocysts (from inflammation)
- Pre-cancerous: IPMNs and mucinous cysts — some of these can turn into cancer
- Malignant: pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and neuroendocrine tumours (which are often slower-growing)
Why imaging and biopsy matter: we need to know exactly what we're dealing with before deciding on treatment. Some cysts only need monitoring; others need surgery.
What does an HPB surgeon do that a general surgeon doesn't?
HPB (Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary) surgery is a specialised field because these organs don't forgive mistakes.
General surgery covers a wide range of procedures — hernias, appendix, gallbladder, bowel surgery.
HPB surgery focuses on liver resections (removing part of the liver), pancreatic surgery (tumours, chronic pancreatitis, cysts), complex bile duct problems (stones, strictures, tumours) and portal hypertension.
Why it matters: the liver and pancreas have complex blood-vessel anatomy, and a small technical error can be serious. Surgeons who do these operations regularly have better outcomes.
You may need an HPB specialist for: liver tumours or cysts, pancreatic tumours or chronic pancreatitis, bile duct stones that can't be removed endoscopically, and gallbladder cancer.
Can I drink alcohol after surgery?
First 2 weeks: no. Alcohol interferes with pain medication and slows healing.
Longer term: after gallbladder removal, moderation is fine. After pancreatic surgery, avoid or strictly limit alcohol — it stresses the pancreas. After cancer surgery, discuss it with your oncologist.