Diabetes is a chronic disease which is diagnosed through blood work indicating abnormally high levels of blood sugar. The incidence is increasing with age and body mass index. Older and overweight individuals are more prone to diabetes when compared to their counterparts. Diabetes is a very common disease in America affecting almost 35 millions of people, therefore it is recognized …

Many patients present with a large liver tumor occupying majority of the liver lobes.  The tumor can take up to 75% of the total liver volume, and only sparing 25% of healthy part.  This is a condition that is often not realized by the patient, since the liver function is still preserved (compensated), despite the presence of a large liver …

During this COVID-19 pandemic, there is uncertainty about the healthcare delivery for patients with liver, gallbladder and biliary cancers.  It had been difficult to find liver surgeons who are willing to see patients immediately.  As a liver specialist, we are fully aware of the situation and anxiety experienced by the patient and their family.  On the other hand, cancer care …

In about less than 10% of liver tumors, abdominal bleeding can be encountered as part of the cancer progression or cancer complications.  The abdominal bleeding (secondary to liver tumor rupture/crack) can be major/massive and can be life threatening.  Many patients present to the emergency department with significant abdominal pain, syncope, low blood pressure, and sometimes loss of consciousness.  This condition …

New technology in modern liver surgery is developing rapidly.  At the beginning of liver surgery era in 1980s, the surgical instruments used in operating room to do liver resections are very simple, such as suture materials, Kelly clamps, and electrocautery.  With these basic instruments, the reported intraoperative blood loss during a major liver resection was significant (sometime measured in liters) …

Alcoholism is a common is order in the North America, affecting more than 3 million people per year. Alcoholism is defined as consumption of 8 or more drinks per week for woman and 15 or more drinks per week for man. Alcoholism is a known cause of liver disease such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and eventually liver …

In about less than 10% of liver tumors, abdominal bleeding can be encountered as part of the cancer progression or cancer complications. The abdominal bleeding (secondary to liver tumor rupture/crack) can be major/massive and can be life threatening. Many patients present to the emergency department with significant abdominal pain, syncope, low blood pressure, and sometimes loss of consciousness. This condition …

Currently over 30 million Americans have diabetes mellitus, over 9% of the US population, and this number continues to rise. It is not uncommon for liver surgeons to encounter diabetic patients who require liver surgery for liver cancers. There is currently no clear answer as to what and if any, increased risk this patients are facing in term of postoperative …

Recently, Dr. Iswanto Sucandy and his colleagues participated in the annual 2020 Southeastern Surgical Congress held in Sheraton New Orleans, Louisiana, as abstract presenter, surgical technique video presenter, and session moderator. Southeastern Surgical Congress is the largest regional academic organization for general surgeons, only second after the American College of Surgeons.  The Surgical Congress reached its highest attendance of almost …

Celebrating 300 Liver Operations by Dr. Iswanto Sucandy and Team in Tampa Bay Last week, our team has reached an important milestone of completing 300th liver surgery for liver cancer, gallbladder cancer, and biliary tract cancer in Tampa Bay Area. Our liver surgery program formally began in early 2017 working collaboratively with a team of hepatobiliary surgeons, diagnostic radiologist, interventional …