Best Doctors in India for Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment
- Liver Transplant Surgeon and HPB Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 20 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- With over 20 years of experience in performing complex operations for cancer, and other diseases involving the pancreas, liver, and gall bladder, Dr. Anupam Saha has been the foremost gastro intestinal and Hepato-Pancreato-biliary surgeon of the Indian Armed Forces.
- He did a 1-year fellowship in Liver Transplantation as well, at King’s College Hospital, London.
- For his service, Dr. Anupam Saha has also been awarded the Vishist Sewa Medal by the Armed Forces.
- Liver Transplant Surgeon & HPB Surgeon, Noida, India
- Over 17 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. K R Vasudevan is a surgical gastroenterologist who has been trained at one of India’s best hospitals. Over a short span of 17 years, his career has progressed to the role of leading a team.
- He has established and sustained a liver transplant program at PSRI over the last few years. Due to his experience with over 1200 live donor liver transplants, he was selected for this role.
- HBP & Liver Transplant Surgeon, Bengaluru, India
- Over 35 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sanjay Govil is an accomplished HBP & Transplant Surgeon. He completed FRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons in England.
- He has achieved a few major accomplishments throughout his life as well, which include the First Liver Resection in Karnataka, in 2007, First Laparoscopic Liver Resection in a Cirrhotic Liver in Karnataka in the year 2008, First Laparoscopic Pancreatic duodenectomy in Karnataka in 2008, First ALPPS procedure in India in 2012 and several more.
- He trained in liver surgery and transplantation at Kings College Hospital in London, Queen Mary’s Hospital in Hong Kong, and the Graduate School of Medicine in Tokyo.
- Hepatologist & Gastroenterologist, Chennai, India
- Over 18 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dinesh Jothimani is a Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist with over 18 years of experience.
- He completed his MRCP (UK) from the Royal College of Physicians, London in 2004.
- Dr. Dinesh Jothimani is a liver specialist trained in the UK and Australia. He cares for his patients who suffer from liver diseases and performs skillful liver transplants.
- Senior Consultant - Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Mumbai, India
- Over 13 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Uday Sanglodkar is a highly motivated and compassionate medical gastroenterologist with experience in hepatology/transplant hepatology.
- Dr. Uday Sanglodkar has vast experience in pre and post-liver transplant care, liver intensive care management, and evidence-based management of gastrointestinal and liver diseases.
- Dr. Sanglodkar is also an expert at diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal endoscopy.
- Liver Transplant Surgeon, New Delhi, India
- Over 30 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sanjiv Saigal is a trained Hepatologist who has spearheaded the medical team of liver transplantation in the largest liver transplant program in India for over a decade
- Dr. Saigal is a bright name in the field of Gastroenterology and a famous liver transplant specialist with over 3400 successful Liver Transplants in his career.
- Medical Gastroenterologist, New Delhi, India
- Over 54 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Sohan Lal Broor is a Gastroenterologist and has an experience of 54 years in this field. Dr. Broor practices at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi.
- He completed MBBS from Panjab University in 1967, MD – Medicine from PGIMER, Chandigarh in 1972, and DM – Gastroenterology from PGIMER, Chandigarh in 1974.
- Dr. Sohan Lal Broor is a member of the 2-Year Fellowship in Gastroenterology at Medical College Of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
- Some of the services provided by Dr. Broor are Irritable Bowel Syndrome ( IBS ) Treatment, Peptic/ Gastric Ulcer Treatment, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Treatment, Hemorrhoids Treatment, and Gastritis Treatment.
- Surgical Gastroenterologist, Chennai, India
- Over 22 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Jameel is an internationally acclaimed GI and Minimal Access Surgeon from India with more than 22 years of experience.
- He underwent higher surgical training and Oncology research in Yorkshire. Dr. Jameel also did Robotic Surgical training at the University College Hospitals, London.
- Following his successful completion of training and obtaining CCT, he practiced at MidYorkshire Hospitals. In addition to consultation, he was an educational supervisor and provided surgical training to many surgeons.
- Surgical Gastroenterologist, Chennai, India
- Over 41 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Bala Chandran T G is a veteran gastroenterologist with over 41 years of experience.
- Apart from completing his MBBS, MS, and MCh, he has done a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, the UK.
- He obtained training in laparoscopic techniques from Ethicon Endosurgery Institute, Mumbai.
- Dr. Bala Chandran T G has done much research, authored, and published several articles in many publications.
- Surgical Gastroenterologist, Chennai, India
- Over 48 years’ experience
Profile Highlights:
- Dr. Prasanna Kumar Reddy is a veteran gastroenterologist in Chennai.
- Along with MBBS and DNB in surgery, he has a Diploma in Laparoscopy from Strasbourg.
- Over the years, Dr. Prasanna Kumar Reddy has gained enough recognition and appraisals for his treatment methods and has become one of the most preferred doctors.
Best Hospitals in India for Cholangiocarcinoma Treatment
Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Wockhardt Hospitals were established in the year 1973, originally called First Hospitals and Heart Institute.
- Wockhardt Hospitals are super specialty health care networks in India, nurtured by Wockhardt Ltd, India’s 5th largest Pharmaceutical and Healthcare company.
- Wockhardt Hospitals is associated with Partners Harvard Medical International, an international arm of Harvard Medical School, USA.
- Wockhardt Heart Hospital performed India’s first endoscopic heart surgery.
- The hospital has a state-of-the-art infrastructure equipped with the latest technologies and modern equipment.
- It has special Centers of Excellence dedicated to the major specialties to provide hassle-free and high-quality clinical care.
Pushpawati Singhania Hospital & Research Institute, New Delhi
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Established in 1996, Pushpawati Singhania Research Institute is one of the top hospitals in the NCR region, as well as one of the top facilities in India for gastroenterology. The hospital is one of South Asia’s first institutes in medical and surgical treatment for diseases related to digestion.
- The hospital is equipped with state-of-the art facilities coupled with the latest equipment as well as renowned consultants from various parts of India as well as other parts of the world.
W Pratiksha Hospital, Gurgaon
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- W Pratiksha Hospital, Gurugram, is one of the best hospitals in the NCR region. It is also a top hospital in India for IVF. Since its inception, the hospital has performed over 5500 successful IVFs. The hospital also specializes in gynecology.
- With over 20 years of experience in providing quality healthcare, the hospital is known as one of the most trusted and valued health providers in India.
- Equipped with world-class medical facilities and advanced technology, the hospital’s doctors and clinicians also have a track record of delivering excellent results. The hospital is also known for focusing on preventive well-being as much as on curative treatment.
- The hospital has earned the trust of its patients, by providing the best available treatments at affordable costs.
Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Gurugram
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Situated near DLF Cyber City, Gurugram, Narayana Superspecialty Hospital is one of the top medical facilities in the Delhi NCR region, catering to the needs of the people. Known for its commitment to quality medical care and patient service, the hospital is a state-of-the-art facility with planned and well-equipped sections, which includes a spacious OPD area as well as comfortable patient rooms.
- It is the closest super-specialty hospital from Indira Gandhi International Airport towards Gurugram, and also the nearest super specialty hospital from DLF Cyber City. It is also close to major residential areas in Gurugram.
- It is part of the renowned Narayana Health Group. Established in 2000, by Dr. Devi Shetty, a renowned cardiac surgeon, it has grown to be one fo India’s leading healthcare groups.
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi is known to provide the latest medical procedures with the latest technology in all of its units.
- The hospital has a team of reputed doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals that ensure that patients receive quality care at affordable costs.
- Staffed with a team of highly qualified doctors, dedicated nurses, and paramedical and non-medical staff, the hospital aims to lead in healthcare delivery, medical education, training, and research.
- As per the vision of the founder, the hospital also provides free treatment to the economically weaker sections of society.
- Sir Ganga Ram Hospital also provides training to young doctors under the Diplomate in National Board(DNB) program. The DNB program at the hospital was started in 1984 and it is known for currently running the maximum number of DNB specialties in the country. It also has the distinction of having the first bone bank in India.
CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram
- City: Gurugram, India
Hospital Highlights:
- The CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram is a NABH-accredited multi-specialty hospital.
- The hospital strives to increase the quality of healthcare by focusing on UK NHS nurse and midwife training requirements. Policies and practices derived from the National Institute for Health and Treatment Excellence (NICE) recommendations in the United Kingdom ensuring that a strong focus on safety, high-quality clinical care, and sanitation is maintained.
- The hospital’s cutting-edge technology and facilities allow for real-time communication and seamless collaboration among caregivers, ensuring accuracy and the best possible results. Those with foreign experience and accreditations make up part of the hospital’s team of clinicians.
KIMS Hospital, Hyderabad
- City: Hyderabad, India
Hospital Highlights:
- KIMS Hospital (a brand name of Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences) is one of the largest and best multi-speciality hospitals in Hyderabad. The hospital provides various treatments to an enormous number of patients.
- The hospital has a capacity of more than 3000 beds. KIMS Hospitals offers different healthcare services in more than 25 specialities and super specialities.
- The hospital is equipped with modern medical equipment and technology. It has robotic equipment to provide minimal invasive techniques for patients.
- The hospital is aimed at providing world-class healthcare facilities and services at an affordable cost for patients.
- The various specialities and departments of the hospital include neurosciences, gastroenterology & hepatology, robotic science, reproductive sciences, dental science, oncological sciences, organ transplantation, heart and lung transplantation and mother and child care.
Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh
- City: New Delhi, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Fortis Hospital in Shalimar Bagh is a multi-super specialty hospital that strives to provide world-class patient care by leaving no stone unturned.
- Fortis, Shalimar Bagh, with 262 beds and a 7.34-acre footprint, provides the best level of medical care through its team of doctors, nurses, technicians, and management professionals.
Reliance Hospital, Mumbai
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Reliance Hospital is one of the best super-specialty care hospitals in Navi Mumbai.
- The main purpose of this hospital is to become a trustworthy place for the best health and hope for society. The hospital is well connected to the suburbs of Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
- The hospital has various specialty departments, viz., Accident & Emergency, Anesthesiology, Dental Services, Dermatology, Diabetology, Dietetics Nutrition, Endocrinology, ENT, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Gynaecology And Obstetrics, Hepato Pancreato Biliary Surgery, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, Interventional Radiology, Laboratory Medicine, Minimal Access Laparoscopic Surgery, Nephrology, Neurosciences, Opthalmology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Pain Management Palliative Care, Physical Medicine Rehabilitation, Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery, Psychiatry, Pulmonary Medicine, Radiology, Rheumatology, Transplant, Urology Andrology, Vascular Surgery
Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai
- City: Mumbai, India
Hospital Highlights:
- Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre is India’s premier multi-speciality tertiary care hospital and has been recognised as a global medical excellence centre.
- Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre has built an unrivalled level of trust with its patients over the years, thanks to a solid foundation that comprises cutting-edge facilities, the best medical competence, research, education, and charity endeavours.
- The hospital is quite proud of the fact that it now serves patients from all kinds of backgrounds, not just from the United States but from all around the world.
- The hospital has a total of 323 beds, one of the largest Intensive Care Units (ICUs), 12 Operation Theatres with modern amenities, over 300 consultants, and almost 1,800 personnel.
Cholangiocarcinoma
Cholangiocarcinoma, which is also known as bile duct cancer, is a cancer that forms in the slender tubes or bile ducts that carry the fluid bile, which helps the body digest fat. Bile ducts connect the liver to the gallbladder as well as to the small intestine. This condition, which is generally uncommon, occurs mostly in people who are over the age of 50. However, it can even appear in younger people.
Unfortunately, cholangiocarcinoma is one of the types of tumor that is difficult to treat.
Types
Cholangiocarcinoma is of three main types:
- Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma- This type occurs in the parts of the bile ducts that are within the liver and may also be classified as a type of liver cancer.
- Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma- This occurs in the bile ducts just outside of one’s liver. This type is also known as perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.
- Distal Cholangiocarcinoma- This type can occur in the portion of the bile duct which is nearest to the small intestine.
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of this condition can include the following:
- Yellowing of your skin as well as the white portion of your eyes, i.e. jaundice
- White-colored stool
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Intensely itchy skin
- Unintended weight loss
See your doctor if you continue to have persistent fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, or any such signs and symptoms that you are finding bothersome. He/she may refer you to a specialist in digestive diseases i.e. a gastroenterologist.
Causes & risk factors
Cholangiocarcinoma generally occurs when the cells in the bile ducts develop changes in their DNA. Your DNA is the material that provides instructions for every chemical process in the body. DNA mutations can change the instruction. One result is that cells might begin to grow out of control, and eventually form a tumor i.e. a mass of cancerous cells.
It is not yet clear what exactly leads to the genetic mutations leading to cancer.
Some of the factors that can increase the risk of cholangiocarcinoma include:
- Chronic liver disease- Scarring of the liver which can be caused by a history of the chronic liver disease also increases the risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis- This disease can cause hardening and scarring of the bile ducts.
- Bile duct problems present at birth- People who are born with a choledochal cyst, which can lead to dilated and irregular bile ducts, have an increased risk of having cholangiocarcinoma.
- A liver parasite- In certain areas of Southeast Asia, cholangiocarcinoma is associated with liver fluke infection. This can occur if one eats raw or undercooked fish.
- Smoking- Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma.
- Older age- Cholangiocarcinoma generally occurs among adults who are over the age of 50.
Cholangiocarcinoma is not inherited but according to studies blood relatives of a person with cholangiocarcinoma might have an increased risk of developing cancer compared to the general population. However, most of the people suffering from this condition do not have any family history of the disease.
Diagnosis
Liver function tests
Tumor marker test
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
Imaging tests
Biopsy
Biopsy is a procedure which involves removing a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.
If any suspicious area is located near where your bile duct joins the small intestine, your doctor might obtain a biopsy sample during ERCP. If the suspicious area is located within or near the liver, your doctor will need to obtain the tissue sample by inserting a long needle through your skin to the affected area. This is also known as fine-needle aspiration. He/she might use an imaging test as well, such as endoscopic ultrasound or CT scan, as it can help guide the needle to the area precisely.
How your doctor chooses to perform the biopsy will very likely influence which treatment options are going to be available to you later. For example, if your doctor uses y fine-needle aspiration for performing the biopsy, you will not be legible for liver transplantation.
Treating cholangiocarcinoma is difficult and therefore you should not hesitate to ask about your doctor’s experience with diagnosing this condition. If you have any doubts, you can get a second opinion.
Once your doctor confirms a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, he/she is going to try to determine the extent or the stage of the cancer. This generally involves additional imaging tests. Knowing the stage of the cancer is also going to help in choosing the treatment option.
Treatments
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy
Liver transplant
Surgery that involves removing a liver and replacing it with one from a donor is known as a liver transplant. This is an option in certain cases for people with hilar cholangiocarcinoma. For many, a liver transplant is generally a cure for hilar cholangiocarcinoma. However, there is a risk that the cancer might recur after the transplant.
Photodynamic therapy
In this method, a light-sensitive chemical is injected into a vein and it accumulates in the fast-growing cancer cells. Laser light which is directed at the cancer causes a chemical reaction in the cancer cells and thus causes them to die. Typically, multiple treatments are required. Photodynamic therapy can help in relieving your symptoms, and it may also slow the growth of cancer. After the treatments, you will need to avoid exposure to the sun.
Prevention
There’s no way in which you can entirely prevent cholangiocarcinoma.
However, taking certain steps can reduce the risk of the disease.
Stop smoking- Smoking is linked to an increased risk of this condition. If you smoke, it is best to stop. If you’ve tried to quit in the past and haven’t been successful, you can discuss this with your doctor.
Reduce your risk of liver disease- Chronic liver disease is also associated with an increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma. Some causes of liver disease are not preventable. But you should take proper care of your liver.
For example, to reduce your risk of liver inflammation, avoid alcohol or drink in moderation. It is best to maintain a healthy weight. When working with chemicals, it is also important to follow the safety instructions on the container.