Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery is surgery of the liver, pancreas and biliary system. Stomach cancer (aka gastric cancer) surgery is where a portion or all of the stomach is removed.
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Message from James Davis, M.D., FACS - Chief of Surgery, UCSF Fresno
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery is surgery of the liver, pancreas and biliary system. Stomach cancer (aka gastric cancer) surgery is where a portion or all of the stomach is removed.
We have created a program where a team of specialists care for and create an individualized plan for each patient. Our team includes physicians with various specialties to ensure patients are seen by a provider specializing in their diagnosis. In addition to our physicians, our team based treatment includes: nutritional, pain management and surgical options. We recognize the critical part a patient’s primary health provider plays in the coordination of disease treatment and work to ensure they are kept up to date on each patient’s progress throughout their treatment. Together, we have a unifying and common goal: To collaborate and coordinate in order to provide each patient the highest level of specialized care and restored health.
We are very pleased to have the Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery program here in the Central Valley. The program allows those in our community who find themselves needing HPB surgery to remain home for treatment. Our surgeons are fellowship trained and board certified in their field of practice. You have the added comfort that at one of the most difficult times in your life you are just a short drive from home.
James Davis, M.D.
Chief of Surgery, UCSF Fresno
Professor of Clinical Surgery, UCSF
Steven N. Parks, M.D. Endowed Chair of Surgery
Pancreas Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most complex and challenging cancers to treat due to the fact that symptoms are rarely present in early stages. As a result, Pancreatic cancer is usually diagnosed at a late stage and, typically, only ten to fifteen percent of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed when the patients are candidates for surgery.
Patients with pancreatic tumors frequently require several different kinds of treatment. The physicians in the pancreatic cancer team work together to provide a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Patients with pancreatic tumors frequently require several different types of treatment.
Pancreatic Cancer Screening
Since the incidence of pancreatic cancer in the general population is low, with a life time risk of 1.3%, screening is not recommended for the general population. However, it is recommended for individuals considered to be at high risk of developing pancreatic cancer. High Risk individuals include:
- Patients with a family history of Pancreatic Cancer
- Genetic Mutation Carriers (Patients with: Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, familial atypical multiple mole melanoma syndrome, Lynch syndrome)
- Patients with Hereditary Pancreatitis
Screening should only be offered to individuals who are candidates for surgery.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation, or irritation of the pancreas. This condition usually begins as a sudden episode known as acute pancreatitis and, in some cases, may result in long-term damage after severe and/or recurrent attacks, known as chronic pancreatitis. Mild cases of pancreatitis may go away without treatment, but severe cases can cause life threatening complications, such as the formation of a pseudocyst infection, malnutrition and pancreatic cancer.
Liver Cancer
The most common form of liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma, which begins in the native liver cells (hepatocytes). Other types of cells in the liver also can become cancerous. Due to the liver’s rich blood supply, cancers that begin in another area of the body, such as the GI tract, lung or breast, can easily spread to the liver. These lesions are called metastatic cancers of the liver.
Gallbladder Cancer
Gall bladder cancer is an uncommon disease that usually does not produce any symptoms at early stages. It may be found when the gallbladder is checked for gallstones or removed. When gallbladder cancer is discovered in its earliest stages, the chance for a cure is very good.
Bile Duct Cancer
Bile duct cancer is a rare but aggressive type of cancer that arises from the cells within the bile ducts, causing blockage of the bile flow from liver to the gut.
Due to the complexity of Liver, Gallbladder and Bile duct cancers, it is recommended that patients be seen by a program specializing in the treatment of such cancers. The surgeons of University Surgical Associates and University Specialty Surgery Associates are experienced and specialize in the treatment of these cancers.
The Liver Anatomy and Physiology
Liver Cancer Treatments
Liver Resection
Transplantation
Liver Cancer & Your Options
Multidisciplinary Cancer Conference
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is the second leading cause of cancer death in rest of the world, while becoming less common in the United States and Europe. Commonly, stomach cancer starts with the cancerous transformation of stomach cells. Stomach cancer can develop anywhere in the organ and spread to other parts of the body by growing beyond the stomach wall, entering the bloodstream or reaching the lymphatic system. Stomach cancer typically is a slow growing cancer and may not show symptoms for many years.
Dedicated to excellence, our team members provide the full range of therapies for gastric cancer. The team’s dedication to research and education ensures that patients have access to the latest advances in the treatment of gastric cancer.
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