Clinical Expertise

As a designated comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute, the UCI Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center has a multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment that includes medical and radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists and surgeons. Our hepatobiliary surgeons are highly trained in performing both partial and total pancreatectomies for benign or malignant neoplastic disease of the pancreas, along with islet cell transplants — at the only facility in Orange County where this procedure occurs. We employ laparoscopic or robotic surgical techniques, including for complex Whipple procedures. Our experienced team is known regionally for training other surgeons and the promotion of safe techniques associated with minimally invasive Whipple procedures.

Our UCI School of Medicine surgeons are also experienced in performing pancreatectomies and islet cell transplants for noncancerous conditions such as pancreatitis. In addition, we are experienced in managing pancreatic cysts. UCI is an innovation center for laparoscopic/robotic transgastric pancreatitis-associated cyst drainage.

As with pancreatic cancer, a multidisciplinary team is employed to manage hepatobiliary tumors. Whether metastatic or primary, the Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery offers a range of options to treat tumors of the liver or bile duct. For hepatic tumors, procedures include partial or hemihepatectomy, liver ablation and embolization, as well as portal vein embolization to promote growth of the healthy part of the liver. Our team is also responsible for the surgical management of cholangiocarcinoma.

Our division surgeons use minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic procedures to drain the bile duct and perform cholecystectomies for gallbladder disease. Our nationally renowned experts in these techniques ensure we treat patients from all over the region, often as a referral center for complex cases.