Hepato Pancreato Biliary Service (HPB)

What we do

We provide assessment, diagnosis, surgery and management for a wide variety of diseases and complex problems associated with the liver, pancreas, and gall bladder, working in collaboration with many other specialists in the hospital to provide a comprehensive treatment service.

These problems can include:

• Liver, gall bladder, biliary and pancreatic cancers
• Assessment of incidental liver and pancreatic lesions
• Gallstones
• Pancreatitis

The HPB service is actively involved in emergency and trauma care at The Alfred and continues to perform both acute and elective general surgery.

The HPB service was previously located within UGIS and continues to work collaboratively with the OGB service.

How to access this service

Referral from your GP

You need a referral letter from your GP or medical practitioner to access this service. Your doctor will fax your referral letter to us. Once we receive it, we will send you a confirmation letter.

If you need surgery, you will be placed on a surgical waiting list after being seen in clinic. You may also need to attend the Pre-Admission Clinic prior to your surgery.

What to bring

Every time you come

• Medicare card
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• Adverse drug alert card (if you have one)
• Previous X-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
• Medicines you need to take while you are here
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Glasses, hearing aid(s) and/or walking frame if needed

For a clinic appointment

• Your appointment letter
• Any special items listed on your letter
• TAC or WorkCover claim number (if relevant)

For a day procedure

• Responsible adult carer to stay with you to hear instructions, help you and take you home
• Comfortable day clothes, such as a tracksuit

For an overnight (or longer) stay

• Dressing gown and slippers, or comfortable day clothes and shoes
• Personal hygiene items, such as shampoo, shaving equipment, toothpaste and deodorant
• Something to do, like a book to read, a magazine or an iPad or tablet with headphones

What not to bring for an overnight (or longer) stay

• Your handbag, wallet, purse or large amounts of cash
• Valuables, such as jewellery or watches