Services______________________

Albany Liver and Pancreas Surgery (ALPS) brings expertise with the latest in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgery, to the Capital Region. Drs. Heckman and Keim work closely with a team of professionals (gastroenterologists, radiologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists) to provide a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment of complex liver, biliary and pancreatic diseases.

This encompasses a wide spectrum of diseases such as pancreatic cancer, pancreatitis, pancreatic cysts, cholangiocarcinoma, bile duct strictures/injuries, stone disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic colorectal cancer, benign and malignant lesions of the liver, gallbladder disease, and gallbladder cancer.

About the Hepatobiliary System

Liver

As the largest organ inside the body, the liver has many responsibilities. The liver changes food into energy and breaks down toxic substances in the system. It also makes a liquid substance called bile that helps with digestion. Bile is stored in the gallbladder.

Pancreas

The pancreas is a gland behind your stomach and in front of your spine. It produces fluids that help to break down food and hormones that help control blood sugar levels.

Bile Ducts/Gallbladder

As the body begins to digest fats, the gallbladder pushes bile into tubes called bile ducts. These special tubes transport bile into the small intestine.

Conditions Treated

Conditions that are surgically treated within the hepatobiliary system:

Liver
- Liver Cancer
  - HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma)
  - Bile Duct Cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)
  - Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
  - Neuroendocrine Cancer
  - Other Metastatic Tumors
- Benign Liver Lesions
  - Hepatic Cyst
  - Hemangioma
  - Adenoma
  - Focal Nodular Hyperplasia (FNH)
  - Liver Abscess
Pancreas
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Benign Pancreas Conditions
  - Pancreatitis (acute and chronic)
  - Pancreas Divisum
  - Pseudocyst
  - Cystic Neoplasms
- Neuroendocrine Cancer
Bile Ducts/Gallbladder
- Gallstones
- Stricture
- Leaks (from trauma and surgery)
- Cancer (cholangiocarcinoma/gallbladder)
Upper GI Tract Surgery
- Stomach and Duodenal