Complex Biliary Surgery

Overview

The biliary system refers to the organs that are responsible for producing and storing bile. Bile is a fluid that aids the process of nutrient absorption, digesting fat, and waste removal. When someone develops a tumor within the bile duct, gallbladder, liver, or pancreas, surgery is usually required. Complex biliary surgery consists of an operation on the gallbladder, bile ducts, and other structures involved in producing and transporting bile between the liver and the gastrointestinal tract. The biliary tree consisting of the liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts is essential to the body’s digestive and metabolic functions. These enzymes are involved in converting food into energy. These organs can be affected by several disorders including gallstones and liver cancer.
Historically, this surgery has used open abdominal methods. However, more modern techniques include laparoscopy and minimally invasive robotic surgery.

Related Procedures

Whipple Surgery for cancer of the pancreas

HPB Procedure for liver and pancreas

Treating various GI issues

Hepatic Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy

Major Hepatic Resection

Complex abdominal surgical procedures

Abdominal transplant procedure

Other biliary, liver and pancreas surgeries

Robotic Complex Biliary Surgery

Biliary surgery is perhaps the most complex surgical procedure since it involves more than one organ; liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts. Once these organs are dissected, the surgeon must reconnect the remaining organs to have a semblance of normal functioning.

When technically practical, minimally invasive duct repair (robotic) is preferred because of the reduced rate of complications after surgery, faster recovery, less pain, and returning to work earlier. Robotic complex biliary surgery enables highly precise dissecting of the bile ducts, hepatic artery, and portal vein.

Robotic surgery makes it possible to delicately suture the bile ducts and avoid fistula or leaks after surgery. However, robotic surgery enables the surgeon to do this more accurately and with less need for making big incisions, which gives the patient greater chances of healing successfully. Compared to the traditional laparoscopic technique, robotic complex biliary surgery is known for resulting in better outcomes

Before surgery

Patient preoperative preparations include:

An office visit for surgical consultation which includes a comprehensive history and physical, discussion of the details of the treatment plan, tests, and surgical procedure.
Completion of clinical tests for workup and staging.
Multidisciplinary tumor board review for an expert recommendation regarding treatment strategy.

After surgery

Generally, post-surgery care involves;

A brief admission to the ICU may be required for complex procedures. Recovery then continues in the hospital ward for another three to five days. Procedures performed robotically typically have faster recovery and can expect discharge from the hospital one or two days earlier than after open procedures.
The goals of postoperative care include: monitoring for and intervening on any complications that can occur, awaiting the resumption of normal bowel function, maintaining adequate hydration and nutrition, physical and occupational rehabilitation, and providing adequate pain control. Once these measures are met, the patient is discharged from the hospital. A post-operative follow-up office visit is typically scheduled one week from hospital discharge with Dr. Tierney.

Why Choose Dr. Tierney For Complex Biliary Surgery

Dr. Joshua S. Tierney, MD is a fellowship-trained Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeon with a wide breadth of experience in complex pancreatic surgery. In addition, he is one of the few surgeons in the country who performs robotic pancreatic surgery. He believes in a multidisciplinary team approach that requires personalized attention and extensive consultation with other medical professionals to develop a treatment plan that is on the cutting edge of cancer care.

Dr. Tierney received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University in 2006, a Doctor of Medicine Degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2011, completed his residency in General Surgery at Vanderbilt University, and completed his Hepatopancreatiobiliary (HPB) and Therapeutic Endoscopy Fellowship at the University of Louisville.

Do you have a medical concern that would require Dr. Tierney’s attention? Schedule an appointment by calling 970-221-5878.