The Rutgers Health Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery program addresses irregularities in the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts.

Hepatobiliary Surgery

The hepatobiliary system refers to the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts – organs that aid the production, storage, transport, and release of bile (a secretion that prepares fats for further digestion). Liver damage may result from many causes, including:

• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Excessive alcohol use
• Exposure to toxic drugs or chemicals
• Genetic disorders
• Heart failure
• Shock
• Viral infections (such as hepatitis A, B, and C)

Many of these conditions can harm the hepatobiliary system; some are life threatening and may require surgery and/or liver transplantation.

Signs and symptoms of liver disease can include:

• Ascites (swelling of the abdomen with fluid)
• Blood in the stool (bright red blood or black, tar-like stool)
• Dark, tea-colored urine
• Easy bruising and bleeding (bleeding gums or frequent nosebleeds)
• Fatigue
• Itching
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eye)
• Mental confusion
• Muscle wasting
• Vomiting blood
• Weight loss

Liver Transplant Surgery

The liver has an innate ability to repair itself; however, it may need treatment to return to working effectively. But if damage is severe enough, the organ may not recover, which can result in life-threatening liver failure. Should this happen, a person may need a new liver.

Our program has been performing liver transplants for about 30 years. We evaluate and treat potential transplant candidates for complex hepatobiliary disorders. Our physicians are active in most phases of transplantation, including organ procurement, surgical transplantation, and postoperative care.

Physicians who serve our practice are on the faculty of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, a part of Rutgers University, one of the top research institutions in America. Our doctors are active in research and teach about all aspects of hepatobiliary surgery and liver transplants. Each brings leading-edge knowledge from the classroom to the exam room.

If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for conditions of the hepatobiliary system, or may be under consideration for a liver transplant, the Rutgers Health Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Surgery practice can provide outstanding care.