The Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) unit is a leading regional centre for the diagnosis and treatment of complex liver, pancreas, and biliary conditions. Our multidisciplinary team includes eight specialist surgeons, three clinical nurse specialists, and a dedicated research nurse.
Serving a population of over 3.5 million across Leicestershire, Peterborough, Kettering, and Northampton, the HPB unit is a busy and rapidly growing department. We perform a high volume of major cancer resections, complex benign surgeries, and advanced minimally invasive procedures, including laparoscopic adrenalectomies and day case laparoscopic surgery.
The unit is one of only four centres in the UK offering total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplantation—a highly specialised treatment for selected patients with severe pancreatic disease. We have the highest number of these procedures nationally.
Services
Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary unit
The Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) unit is a recognised tertiary referral centre, delivering care for both malignant and benign HPB conditions. The unit manages all aspects of complex HPB cancers and performs approximately 150 curative liver resections and over 100 pancreatic explorations each year annually.
In addition to surgical management, the unit offers a range of palliative treatments for HPB malignancies. These include tumour ablation, biliary stenting, complex interventional radiology procedures, transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE), and systemic chemotherapy. Significant improvements have been made to the two-week wait (2WW) referral pathway, ensuring faster diagnosis and treatment initiation for patients with suspected cancer.
Benign Biliary Work
Alongside its cancer services, the HPB unit also provides the majority of benign biliary care across Leicester. This includes the management of gallstone disease, acute and chronic pancreatitis, and obstructive jaundice. The team performs a range of complex benign HPB procedures and serves a large regional population.
The unit is among the highest-volume centres for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the UK, with over 1,000 procedures performed in the past year.
“Hot” Gallbladder Service
The unit currently attempts to undertake cholecystectomies for patients admitted with biliary colic or acute cholecystitis on their index admission. Suitable patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease are discharged with analgesia with definitive surgery scheduled the following week.
Research, Teaching and Education
As part of its commitment to timely care, the HPB unit runs an established “hot” gallbladder service. Where possible, patients admitted with biliary colic or acute cholecystitis undergo cholecystectomy during their initial hospital stay. Those with uncomplicated gallstone disease are discharged with appropriate pain management and scheduled for definitive surgery within the following week.
Further information
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary unit website
- Free apps for patients and professionals are available on the apple app store including: My Liver, My Pancreas, My Chronic Pancreatitis and My Acute Pancreatitis.
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