Dr. Sanket Srinivasa Appointed President of the IHPBA Early Careers Group
Dr. Sanket Srinivasa was appointed President of the International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (IHPBA) Early Careers Group, taking on this prestigious leadership position at the IHPBA World Congress in Singapore. This appointment recognised Dr. Srinivasa’s ongoing contribution to the field of hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery, as well as his commitment to advancing surgical education, research and professional development. […]
Navigating GLP-1 Agonists: Balancing Metabolic Benefits with HPB Side Effects
The rapid rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists—commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes and significant weight management—has added another tool for optimising metabolic health. These medications offer profound metabolic benefits, improving glycaemic control and facilitating substantial weight loss for millions of people. In many countries, GLP-1 agonists are fast becoming the most prescribed drug. However, as […]
The Critical View of Safety in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: Why the Journey Matters Just as Much as the Destination
In modern HPB and general surgery, the Critical View of Safety (CVS) is widely accepted as the gold-standard method for preventing bile duct and vascular injuries during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. First formalized by Strasberg and colleagues, achieving the CVS means confirming three concrete criteria before dividing any structures: clearing the hepatocystic triangle of all fibrofatty […]
The Art of Visiting: Practical Hospital Etiquette Through the Eyes of a Surgeon, Patient, and Visitor
Over the course of my career in HPB surgery, I have spent countless hours inside New Zealand hospitals. But my perspective on the hospital environment hasn’t just been shaped from behind a surgical mask or a computer screen. I have also stood on the other side of the bed as a visitor, and I have […]
The Overlooked Necessity of Psychological Support in HPB Cancer Care
When we discuss major Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB) surgery for cancer, the conversation is often dominated by technical, tangible milestones. We focus on the resection margins, the operative time, the absence of complications and hospital stay. These metrics remain vital, but they represent only a portion of the patient’s experience. As an HPB surgeon, I see patients […]
The Case for Presence: Why In-Person Surgery Conferences Still Matter
In the post-COVID years, the professional conference landscape has changed significantly. The combination of improved teleconferencing technology and a heightened awareness of our environmental footprint has made “attending remotely” a standard, and often preferred, option. As someone who travels from New Zealand to international meetings—including upcoming commitments for the IHPBA in Singapore—I am acutely aware […]
The simple joy of operative surgery
Working as a surgeon can be quite fragmented. Between administrative tasks, research, clinical meetings, outpatient clinics etc, the day is usually divided into dozens of small, disconnected tasks that are often happening simultaneously. However, there is one place where this multi-tasking stops by necessity: the operating room. It facilitates the ability to do exactly one […]
The Role of Laparoscopic Suturing in Abdominal Surgery
In the evolution of abdominal surgery, the transition from open to minimally invasive techniques has been one of the most significant shifts in patient care. As an HPB surgeon, I regularly use both robotic and advanced laparoscopic techniques. This has led to a recurring discussion with surgical trainees: Is manual laparoscopic suturing a necessary core […]
Is There a Role for Routine Robotic Gallbladder Surgery? (No)
As an HPB surgeon, I am closely watching the rapid expansion of robotic platforms across New Zealand’s operating theatres. With this technological wave comes an inevitable question from both patients and colleagues: Should robotic cholecystectomy become our routine standard of care? If we look strictly at the data for an uncomplicated, everyday gallbladder removal, the […]
Understanding IPNB: Diagnosis and Management of Biliary Papillary Tumours
Intraductal Papillary Neoplasms of the Bile Duct (IPNB) are uncommon lesions that require a precise, methodical approach to both diagnosis and treatment. For patients, navigating this condition can be challenging due to its scarcity, while for clinicians, it represents an evolving area of biliary pathology. Recognized as a distinct entity in the World Health Organization […]