About HPB surgery
At Cromwell Hospital, our HPB surgery department provides multidisciplinary care in the diagnosis and management of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, and biliary tract.
These areas of the body are complex and closely connected to major blood vessels, which makes surgery in this region particularly challenging. Because of this, surgeons undergo many years of training to safely perform these procedures.
Whenever possible, we use minimally invasive techniques, often referred to as keyhole surgery. This approach involves making small incisions, which can help reduce pain, lower the risk of infection, and support a quicker recovery. However, due to the complexity of many liver and pancreatic operations, a larger incision may still be necessary in some cases.
Cromwell Hospital is proud to offer one of the most advanced robotic surgery programmes in the UK. This means many of our procedures can be performed using state-of-the-art robotic systems, including the Da Vinci Xi and Da Vinci SP. These technologies allow our surgeons to operate with exceptional precision and control.
Moreover, we at Cromwell Hospital are the winners of the Outstanding Healthcare Provider at the Surgical Robotics Industry Awards 2025 for the da Vinci SP robotic system.
Over 95% of our liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic surgeries are carried out robotically under the care of Professor Long Jiao, a leading expert in this field. He has performed more robotic HPB procedures than any other surgeon in the UK, placing him among the most experienced globally.
Robotic surgery offers many benefits for patients, including less pain, smaller scars, and a faster recovery. Cromwell Hospital is currently the only private hospital in the UK where liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic operations are routinely performed using robotic technology, ensuring our patients receive the most advanced and effective care available.
