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Our Services

Hepatopancreatobiliary
Surgery

Hepatopancreatobiliary Service

Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery is a specialised field of general surgery that focuses on conditions affecting the liver, pancreas and biliary system. These organs play an essential role in digestion, metabolism and hormone regulation. When problems such as tumours, inflammation or blockages develop, surgery may be needed to treat the underlying condition, restore function and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Illustration of the Liver

Conditions Treated

We provide surgical care using minimally invasive techniques, where appropriate, for a wide range of hepatopancreatobiliary conditions.

Types of HPB Surgery

The type of HPB surgery performed depends on the organ involved and the underlying condition being treated. Common procedures include:

  • Liver Surgery (Hepatectomy) – This involves removing part of the liver to treat conditions such as tumours, severe abscesses or liver trauma.
  • Pancreatic Surgery – Procedures such as the Whipple operation or distal pancreatectomy are used to manage pancreatic tumours, chronic inflammation or blockages that affect digestion and hormone function.
  • Bile Duct and Gallbladder Surgery – These operations treat conditions including gallstones, bile duct strictures or tumours, helping to restore normal bile flow and reduce the risk of infection or jaundice.
  • Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery – Where appropriate, minimally invasive or robotic techniques may be used to improve precision, reduce surgical trauma and support faster recovery.
Early evaluation and timely surgical care play an important role in managing HPB conditions. Book a consultation to discuss your diagnosis and explore suitable treatment options.

Potential Risks and Complications of HPB Surgery

As with any major surgical procedure, HPB surgery carries certain risks. These vary depending on the organ involved, the complexity of the procedure and your overall health. Your surgical team will assess your individual risk factors carefully and take steps to reduce complications. All risks are closely monitored and managed as part of your overall treatment plan.

General Surgical Risks

These may occur with most major procedures and include:

  • Bleeding during or after surgery
  • Infection at the surgical site or internally
  • Temporary or permanent organ dysfunction
  • Complications related to general anaesthesia

Liver Surgery Risks

Operations involving the liver may be associated with:

  • Liver failure, particularly in patients with reduced liver reserve
  • Fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
  • Blood clotting abnormalities due to impaired liver function

Pancreatic Surgery Risks

Pancreatic procedures may carry risks such as:

  • Pancreatic fistula, where digestive fluid leaks from the surgical site
  • Delayed gastric emptying, which can slow the return to normal eating
  • Bleeding after pancreatic surgery

Biliary Surgery Risks

Surgery involving the gallbladder or bile ducts may include risks such as:

  • Leakage of bile from the bile ducts
  • Injury to the bile duct
  • Infection of the bile ducts (cholangitis)

Comprehensive HPB Surgery Care at Surgical Associates

At Surgical Associates, we provide comprehensive care for conditions affecting the liver, pancreas and biliary system. Our team manages complex HPB cases and uses laparoscopic and robotic-assisted techniques where appropriate to support accuracy and recovery. Care is coordinated from diagnosis through post-operative follow-up, ensuring continuity at every stage.

Contact us today to arrange a consultation and discuss your condition and available options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About HPB Surgery

Preparation focuses on optimising your health before surgery. This may include stopping smoking and alcohol use, managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure and following recommended prehabilitation exercises. You will also receive clear instructions on fasting and medication use before the procedure.

Many HPB procedures are eligible for insurance claims and MediSave use, although coverage and limits vary. It is always best to check with your insurer or financial counsellor to confirm eligibility and understand the applicable terms.

Recovery time varies depending on the type and extent of surgery performed, as well as individual health factors. Your surgeon will provide guidance on expected recovery timelines, activity restrictions and follow-up care based on your specific procedure.

Dr Lee Ser Yee

Our HPB Surgeon

Dr Lee Ser Yee
Senior Consultant Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgeon

MBBS (Singapore), MMed (Surgery), MSc (Research),
Fellow of the Academy of Medicine Singapore
Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

Dr Lee Ser Yee is a hepatopancreatobiliary surgeon with a clinical focus on complex liver conditions. He has formal training in laparoscopic HPB surgery and liver transplantation, and his practice involves the surgical management of a wide range of liver, pancreatic and biliary disorders. Treatment plans are tailored to individual clinical needs based on careful assessment.

Before entering private practice, Dr Lee was a founding member and Senior Consultant in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery at Singapore General Hospital. He also served as Director of the Laparoscopic Programme and Director of the Surgical Skills Training Programme at the SingHealth Surgical Skills Centre.

Doctor Lee Ser Yee

Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
#08-07, 3 Mount Elizabeth, Singapore 228510
Tel: 6454 0054 | Fax: 6764 0054 | Email: ask@surgicalassociates.sg

Gleneagles Medical Centre
#05-01, 6 Napier Road, Singapore 258499
Tel: 6471 0054 | Fax: 6271 0054

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