Research

Clinical Research

Safety of liver Transplantation
Liver transplantation is a complex surgical procedure. Continuing research from around the world has greatly improved the safety and success of this operation. Our current areas of research are the role of portal haemodynamics in recipient and donor surgery, methods of improving outcomes of ‘small for size’ transplants, transplanting the very small infants and the role of auxiliary liver transplantation in selected liver diseases.

Vascular resection for HPB Tumors
Most patients with tumors of the bile duct and pancreas involving surrounding blood vessels are considered incurable and never offered surgery. Surgery in these cases is challenging because of the complex anatomy in the hepatic hilum. Our current research suggests that radical resection of these tumors along with the involved blood vessels and immediate careful reconstruction of the blood supply to the liver provides a chance of cure for these patients.

Basic Research

Liver Regeneration
Modern liver transplantation and liver surgery is based on the unique phenomenon of liver regeneration. There is still little clarity regarding the factors that initiate, propagate and terminate the regeneration process. Better understanding of these factors has the potential to radically improve the safety of liver surgery for transplant patients, donors and for patients with liver tumors. Our research is focused on understanding the mechanics of liver regeneration and the role of milieu modification in controlling the process.

Biliary Atresia
Biliary atresia is the most common cause of cholestatic liver disease in children. When diagnosed early (within 2months of birth), a majority will improve with a minor operation called ‘Portoenterostomy’. If diagnosis is delayed, liver transplantation is the only chance of survival for these children. Our research is investigating the etiopathogenesis of biliary atresia and its progression to end stage liver disease. We will be looking into these at cellular and molecular levels using histopathology, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. We are collaborating on this project with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, Ohio USA.