Education

HPB Surgery Elective Objectives

 

Health Sciences North – Dr. Jeffrey Shum and Dr. Kengo Asai
Duration: 1 Month

By the end of this elective, the resident will be able to:

1. Develop proficiency in the assessment and management of HPB diseases

   • Perform focused histories and physical examinations for patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders.

   • Formulate diagnostic and treatment plans for common conditions including gallstone disease, pancreatitis, liver tumors, pancreatic neoplasms, biliary obstruction, and colorectal liver metastases.

2. Interpret HPB-specific diagnostic investigations

   • Review and interpret relevant laboratory investigations, cross-sectional imaging (CT, MRI, MRCP), ultrasound, and endoscopic findings.

   • Present imaging findings and apply them to operative decision-making and multidisciplinary treatment planning.

3. Participate effectively in operative HPB surgery

   • Demonstrate knowledge of operative anatomy and surgical principles in laparoscopic and open HPB procedures.

   • Assist in operations such as cholecystectomy, liver resection, pancreatic resection, biliary reconstruction, and management of surgical complications while progressively increasing technical responsibility according to level of training.

4. Manage perioperative and critical care issues in HPB patients

   • Participate in the preoperative optimization and postoperative management of patients undergoing major HPB surgery.

   • Recognize and manage common postoperative complications including bile leak, pancreatic fistula, hemorrhage, intra-abdominal infection, liver dysfunction, and nutritional challenges.

5. Function as a collaborative member of the multidisciplinary HPB team

   • Present patients effectively during rounds, clinics, and multidisciplinary cancer conferences.

   • Collaborate with radiologists, gastroenterologists, oncologists, intensivists, nursing staff, and allied health professionals to deliver comprehensive patient-centered care.

 

Additional Scholarly Objective

 

Critically appraise current HPB literature and present at least one brief teaching session, journal club, case presentation, or morbidity and mortality discussion during the rotation.

These objectives align with the competencies expected of residents rotating through a tertiary HPB service and emphasize clinical assessment, operative exposure, perioperative management, multidisciplinary collaboration, and scholarly development.