When to See a Hepatobiliary Surgeon in Dhaka — A Patient Guide

Why this guide exists

Most Bangladeshi patients with liver, gallbladder, or pancreas problems first see a general physician, then a gastroenterologist, and only reach a hepatobiliary (HPB) surgeon after weeks or months of investigation. For some conditions that delay is fine. For others it is the difference between a curative operation and palliative care.

This guide lists the symptoms and findings that should send you straight to an HPB surgeon's clinic in Dhaka.

Symptoms that warrant an HPB opinion early

• Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice) that comes on slowly, with itching, dark urine, and pale stools — especially over the age of 45.
• Right-upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back or right shoulder, with nausea after fatty meals.
• Unexplained weight loss with vague upper abdominal discomfort.
• A lump or fullness in the upper abdomen.
• Recurrent fevers with chills after a previous gallbladder operation — a classic sign of retained bile duct stones or stricture.
• An incidental liver lesion found on ultrasound or CT done for another reason.

Imaging findings that need a specialist

If your scans report any of the following, do not stop at the radiologist's note — get a surgical opinion:

• A liver mass of any size.
• Intra-hepatic or extra-hepatic bile duct dilatation.
• A pancreatic head mass, double-duct sign, or a dilated main pancreatic duct.
• Cystic lesions of the pancreas (IPMN, mucinous cystadenoma).
• Hilar bile duct stricture or Klatskin tumour appearance.
• A bile leak or sub-hepatic collection after recent laparoscopic surgery.

Why a specialist matters in Dhaka specifically

HPB surgery is one of the most volume-sensitive specialties in medicine. International studies repeatedly show that mortality for major liver and pancreatic surgery is two to five times lower in dedicated HPB units than in general surgical wards. In Bangladesh, where a single tertiary referral can determine whether a patient ever gets a curative operation, that volume effect matters even more.

A modern Dhaka HPB practice should give you:

• Same-week imaging review and an honest plan.
• A surgeon who actually performs liver resections and Whipple's procedures regularly, not occasionally.
• Access to laparoscopic cholecystectomy and bile duct repair without referral abroad.
• ICU-backed peri-operative care for major resections.

Where to find HPB care in Dhaka

Dr. Kazi Mazharul Islam runs HPB clinics across three chambers:

• Health and Hope Hospital — Advanced Gastroliver Centre, Room 402, Panthopath, Dhaka.
• Ibn Sina Diagnostic Center — Room 706, North Badda, Pragati Sarani, Dhaka (Sat–Wed, 4–6 PM).
• Standard Hospital of Total Health Care — Brahmanbaria Sadar (Thursday and Friday).

You can see all chamber details and phone numbers or book directly here.

Don't wait for certainty

A common mistake is to keep investigating in the hope that the problem will declare itself. For liver and pancreatic disease, earlier referral changes outcomes. If you or someone you love has any of the symptoms above, ask for an HPB surgeon by name. It costs you a single consultation — and it can change the operation you are eligible for.