Liver and Biliary Surgery in Phoenix, AZ
There are several conditions of the liver and bile ducts that can be treated using surgery. Surgical options are typically only explored after less invasive methods have been exhausted since they often require a recovery period that can sometimes cause the patient a considerable amount of pain.
If you’re in need of liver or biliary surgery in the Phoenix area, the team of specialists at Dignity Health Medical Group is here to help. General surgeons Shawn Stevenson, DO, Van Leavitt, DO, and Gregory Robertson, MD are board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and have extensive experience performing safe and effective biliary and liver surgery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment in Chandler or Gilbert. We see patients from Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, and the surrounding areas.
Common Liver Conditions
Both benign and malignant conditions of the liver can eventually lead to surgery. Typical types of benign liver lesions include:
- Cysts
- Simple
- Multiple
- Cystadenomas
- Abscesses
- Bacterial
- Echinococcal
- Amebic
- Adenomas
- Hemangiomas
- Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH)
There are also a variety of malignant liver lesions, such as:
- Sarcoma
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC), which is generally known as liver cancer
- Cystadenocarcinoma
Biliary Diseases
Conditions that affect the bile ducts and gallbladder also present themselves in both benign and malignant forms. Benign biliary diseases consist of:
- Bile duct injuries
- Bile duct cysts
- Gallbladder stones or sludge
- Benign bile duct strictures
There are also a few different kinds of malignant bile duct conditions, which include:
- Bile duct cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Cholangiocarcinoma
Surgery for benign lesions is usually not required because the tissue does not pose a threat to the life of the patient. However, if the patient’s liver or bile duct condition is greatly affecting their quality of life, then surgery could be considered a viable option to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment for Liver and Biliary Conditions
Your options for surgery will depend on whether or not the liver or bile duct condition is malignant.
If Cancer is Present
In the case of a malignant lesion, your doctor will need to determine if it is resectable and if the patient is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Resectability is dependent upon the spread of the cancer and the physician’s personal opinion regarding their own ability to completely remove the affected tissue.
If the lesion is not resectable, your doctor will likely advise against surgery in favor of a treatment to reduce the amount of malignant tissue present in the body, such as a:
- Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE)
- Alcohol Injection
If Cancer is Not Present
Other complications can also arise from benign lesions if they shows signs of bleeding or an ability to become cancerous.
Types of Liver and Bile Duct Surgery
The particular type of surgery chosen by you and your doctor may vary based on the ideal outcome pursued, but, generally, it will involve a laparoscopic procedure. Such surgeries require small incisions and a camera in order for the surgeon to get a clear visual of the lesion while also making minimal incisions.
Schedule a Consultation in Chandler or Gilbert
General surgeons Shawn Stevenson, DO, Van Leavitt, DO, and Gregory Robertson, MD are expertly trained in biliary and liver surgery. If you are experiencing symptoms of a bile duct or liver disease, contact Dignity Health Medical Group at our surgery clinics in the Phoenix area to determine whether surgery is right for you. To schedule a consultation, please give us a call or request an appointment through our secure online form.
