When you are diagnosed with a complex condition of the liver, pancreas, or biliary system, your first priority is finding a surgeon who combines deep technical skill with the latest medical technology. In the modern surgical landscape, the “HPB” (Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary) designation represents the pinnacle of abdominal surgery—a sub-specialty that demands rigorous training and a commitment to lifelong learning.

A Foundation Built in the World’s Leading Centres

My journey to specializing in HPB surgery involved years of advanced training in some of the most respected medical institutions globally. After surgical training in NZ, I completed my HPB Fellowship training in Edinburgh, Scotland, a city with a centuries-old legacy of surgical innovation. To further refine my skills, I undertook fellowship training governed by the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA) at Washington University in St Louis.

The AHPBA is the gold standard for HPB surgical governance in North America, ensuring that surgeons are equipped to handle the most intricate oncological and reconstructive challenges. Local;y, I am a dedicated Member of the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand HPB Association (AANZHPBA). This allows me to integrate my global experience with the specific clinical standards and collaborative networks of the Australasian medical community, ensuring my patients receive the best of both worlds.

The Evolution of the Operating Room: MIS and Robotics

The most significant shift in my field over the last decade has been the move toward Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). In my practice, I prioritize Robotic-assisted and Laparoscopic (keyhole) techniques whenever clinically appropriate.

Traditional “open” surgery for the liver or pancreas often required large incisions and lengthy recovery periods. Today, robotic technology allows us to perform these same complex operations through small, centimeter-long ports. Using a high-definition 3D camera and “wristed” instruments that mimic the human hand—but with far greater precision and stability—I can navigate the delicate vascular structures surrounding the pancreas and liver with unparalleled accuracy.

Why This Matters to the Community

For a patient, the benefits of choosing a surgeon with this specific international background and technological focus are tangible:

Reduced Physical Impact: Robotic and laparoscopic surgeries result in significantly less blood loss and a reduced risk of wound infections. This is particularly vital for cancer patients who may need to start chemotherapy or radiotherapy shortly after their operation.

A Faster Journey Home: By minimizing the trauma to the abdominal wall, my patients typically experience less postoperative pain, require fewer opioids, and enjoy a much faster return to their families and daily routines.

Oncological Precision: Research shows that in the hands of a specialized HPB surgeon, minimally invasive techniques do not compromise the “cleanness” of cancer margins. We are achieving the same—and often better—oncological outcomes with a fraction of the recovery time.

Your Partner in Care

Surgery is more than just a technical procedure; it is a partnership. My goal is to ensure that every patient in our community has access to the same level of care they would find in a major center in the UK or USA. By combining my international fellowship training with my active involvement in the AANZHPBA, I am proud to offer a practice that is globally informed, technologically advanced, and deeply committed to your recovery.