The AHPBA Podcast

En este episodio conversamos con el Dr. Domenech Asbun, cirujano especializado en cirugía hepatobiliar, pancreática y del tracto gastrointestinal superior, con una práctica enfocada en técnicas mínimamente invasivas. Formado en cirugía general en UCSF Fresno y posteriormente en cirugía hepatopancreatobiliar, foregut y mínimamente invasiva en Mayo Clinic Florida, actualmente desarrolla su actividad clínica y académica en Baptist Health, en Miami.

Más allá de revisar aspectos técnicos, en esta conversación buscamos conocer a la persona detrás del cirujano: su trayectoria, sus influencias, su filosofía de trabajo y las experiencias que han definido su compromiso con la educación y la seguridad quirúrgica.

Una parte central del episodio está dedicada a su extraordinaria labor promoviendo la colecistectomía segura. El Dr. Asbun ha impulsado, a través de SAGES, el curso International Safe Cholecystectomy, una iniciativa dirigida especialmente a cirujanos de países de ingresos bajos y medios, con el objetivo de difundir principios reproducibles que ayuden a prevenir lesiones de la vía biliar y mejorar la seguridad de una de las operaciones más frecuentes en cirugía general.

Durante la conversación reflexionamos sobre la visión crítica de seguridad, la identificación correcta de la anatomía, la pausa antes de dividir cualquier estructura, las estrategias de rescate frente a una colecistectomía difícil y la responsabilidad de reconocer cuándo es necesario cambiar el plan quirúrgico.

Un episodio cercano e inspirador que permite conocer al Dr. Domenech Asbun, su vocación por la enseñanza y su compromiso con llevar los principios de la colecistectomía segura a cirujanos y pacientes de todo el mundo.

A lo largo de la entrevista, el Dr. Pekolj comparte su trayectoria personal y profesional, reflexionando sobre los momentos que marcaron su carrera, su filosofía quirúrgica y su enfoque frente a escenarios complejos como la lesión de la vía biliar y el colangiocarcinoma hiliar.

La conversación también profundiza en el desarrollo de la cirugía hepatobiliar en Latinoamérica, los desafíos actuales en la formación de nuevas generaciones de cirujanos, y la importancia de mantener un equilibrio entre innovación y seguridad oncológica.

Finalmente, se aborda la visión detrás del ILLS 2027 en Buenos Aires, un evento que promete ser un punto de encuentro clave para la comunidad global, con énfasis en cirugía hepática mínimamente invasiva, robótica y colaboración internacional en las Américas.

Un episodio que combina experiencia, reflexión y proyección hacia el futuro de la cirugía HPB.

Dr. Clarke is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin, surgical oncologist and division chief of surgical oncology at the Froedtert Hospital Cancer Center, and this past year’s president of the Association for Academic Surgery.  Her research interests include personalized cancer care, surgical workforce diversification as a means to ameliorate cancer disparities, and targeted approaches in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.  We're excited to discuss updates in neuroendocrine tumors and mentorship in HPB!

Papers Referenced:

1. Oslock WM, Williams LJ, Kinard CG, Long JJ, Montgomery KB, Clarke CN. Roses & Thorns of academic surgery: Demystifying the journey with Dr. Callisia Clarke. Am J Surg. 2024 Sep;235:115776. doi: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2024.115776. Epub 2024 May 29. PMID: 38906748; PMCID: PMC11330347.

Welcome back to another episode of the AHPBA Podcast.  Today we are extremely excited to welcome Dr. Hop Tran Cao.  Dr. Tran Cao is a surgical oncologist, HPB surgeon, and associate professor of surgery at MD Anderson, where he also serves as the MIS training curriculum director.  Dr. Tran Cao is a passionate researcher in biliary tract cancer and MIS HPB techniques, which we discuss in the episode.  Enjoy!

 

Papers Referenced:

1. Maithel SK, Keilson JM, Cao HST, Rupji M, Mahipal A, Lin BS, Javle MM, Cleary SP, Akce M, Switchenko JM, Rocha FG. NEO-GAP: A Single-Arm, Phase II Feasibility Trial of Neoadjuvant Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, and Nab-Paclitaxel for Resectable, High-Risk Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol. 2023 Oct;30(11):6558-6566. doi: 10.1245/s10434-023-13809-5. Epub 2023 Jun 27. PMID: 37368098; PMCID: PMC10883654.
2. Shroff RT, King G, Colby S, Scott AJ, Borad MJ, Goff L, Matin K, Mahipal A, Kalyan A, Javle MM, El Dika I, Tan B, Cheema P, Patel A, Iyer R, Kelley RK, Thumar J, El-Khoueiry A, Guthrie KA, Chiorean EG, Hochster H, Philip PA. SWOG S1815: A Phase III Randomized Trial of Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, and Nab-Paclitaxel Versus Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Newly Diagnosed, Advanced Biliary Tract Cancers. J Clin Oncol. 2025 Feb 10;43(5):536-544. doi: 10.1200/JCO-24-01383. Epub 2024 Dec 13. PMID: 39671534; PMCID: PMC11798714.
3. Landry J, Jain AJ, Tzeng CW, Newhook TE, Ikoma N, Chun YS, Vauthey JN, Cheah YL, Hawksworth JS, Tran Cao HS. Robotic Hepatic Parenchymal Transection Techniques: A Choice Between Imperfect Tools. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Jan;32(1):438-439. doi: 10.1245/s10434-024-16350-1. Epub 2024 Oct 16. PMID: 39414702.
4. van der Lei S, Puijk RS, Dijkstra M, Schulz HH, Vos DJW, De Vries JJJ, Scheffer HJ, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Aldrighetti L, Arntz M, Barentsz MW, Besselink MG, Bracke B, Bruijnen RCG, Buffart TE, Burgmans MC, Chapelle T, Coolsen MME, de Boer SW, de Cobelli F, de Jong K, de Wilt JHW, Diederik AL, Dooper AMC, Draaisma WA, Eker HH, Erdmann JI, Futterer JJ, Geboers B, Groot GMC, Hagendoorn J, Hartgrink HH, Horsthuis K, Hurks R, Jenniskens SFM, Kater M, Kazemier G, Kist JW, Klaase JM, Knapen RRMM, Kruimer JWH, Lamers ABGN, Leclercq WKG, Liefers GJ, Manusama ER, Meier MAJ, Melenhorst MCAM, Mieog JSD, Molenaar QI, Nielsen K, Nijkamp MW, Nieuwenhuijs VB, Nota IMGC, Op de Beeck B, Overduin CG, Patijn GA, Potters FH, Ratti F, Rietema FJ, Ruiter SJS, Schouten EAC, Schreurs WH, Serafino G, Sietses C, Slooter GD, Smits MLJ, Soykan EA, Spaargaren GJ, Stommel MWJ, Timmer FEF, van Baardewijk LJ, van Dam RM, van Delden OM, van den Bemd BAT, van den Bergh JE, van den Boezem PB, van der Leij C, van der Meer RW, van der Meijs BBM, van der Ploeg APT, van der Reijden JJ, van Duijvendijk P, van Erkel AR, van Geel AM, Van Heek NT, van Manen CJ, van Rijswijk CSP, van Waesberghe JHTM, Versteeg KS, Vink T, Zijlstra IAJ, Zonderhuis BM, Swijnenburg RJ, van den Tol MP, Meijerink MR. Thermal ablation versus surgical resection of small-size colorectal liver metastases (COLLISION): an international, randomised, controlled, phase 3 non-inferiority trial. Lancet Oncol. 2025 Feb;26(2):187-199. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(24)00660-0. Epub 2025 Jan 20. PMID: 39848272.

En este episodio imperdible, conversamos con el Dr. Juan Rocca, cirujano de trasplantes y pionero en cirugía robótica, sobre su extraordinario recorrido desde Argentina hasta algunos de los centros más avanzados de Estados Unidos.

Hablamos de técnica quirúrgica con precisión quirúrgica, pero también de las decisiones humanas detrás del bisturí: los riesgos que asumimos, la reinvención profesional, la familia, la visa, el idioma, y lo que significa abrir camino en contextos desconocidos. Rocca comparte anécdotas potentes, reflexiones profundas y lecciones sobre cómo liderar, adaptarse y avanzar sin perder la esencia.

Un episodio para cirujanos, estudiantes de medicina, y para cualquiera que alguna vez haya sentido el vértigo de apostar por algo grande.

Today’s episode features a special guest, Dr. Rohan Jeyarajah.  Dr. Jeyarajah is a hepatobiliary and complex GI surgeon, inaugural chair and professor of surgery at the TCU Burnett School of Medicine, and program director for the HPB and Complex GI surgical fellowships at Methodist System.  He has a unique practice in the world of HPB, combining private practice and academics, which we were delighted to discuss today.  Enjoy!

 

Papers References in Episode:

Jackson T, Lim JS, Cho E, Osman H, Nagatomo K, Jeyarajah DR. Hepatopancreatobiliary Fellowship Graduates: Where Do They Stand today? Am Surg. 2022 Jun;88(6):1250-1255. doi: 10.1177/0003134821995066. Epub 2021 Feb 10. PMID: 33565895.

Today’s episode features Dr. Shishir Maithel.  Dr. Maithel is a hepatobiliary surgeon, professor of surgery, and chief of the division of Surgical Oncology at a Northwestern University.  He holds multiple national leadership positions, including as chair of the gastrointestinal surgery working group of ECOG and a member of the scientific and medical advisory board of the international cholangiocarcinoma research network.  Dr. Maithel leads multiple clinical trials in the field of HPB and we are excited today to discuss his many national and international research efforts.  Enjoy!

 

Papers Referenced in Episode:

1. Maithel, S. K., Keilson, J. M., Cao, H. S. T., Rupji, M., Mahipal, A., Lin, B. S., ... & Rocha, F. G. (2023). NEO-GAP: a single-arm, phase II feasibility trial of neoadjuvant gemcitabine, cisplatin, and nab-paclitaxel for resectable, high-risk intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Annals of surgical oncology, 30(11), 6558-6566.
2. Oh DY, Ruth He A, Qin S, Chen LT, Okusaka T, Vogel A, Kim JW, Suksombooncharoen T, Ah Lee M, Kitano M, Burris H, Bouattour M, Tanasanvimon S, McNamara MG, Zaucha R, Avallone A, Tan B, Cundom J, Lee CK, Takahashi H, Ikeda M, Chen JS, Wang J, Makowsky M, Rokutanda N, He P, Kurland JF, Cohen G, Valle JW. Durvalumab plus Gemcitabine and Cisplatin in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer. NEJM Evid. 2022 Aug;1(8):EVIDoa2200015. doi: 10.1056/EVIDoa2200015. Epub 2022 Jun 1. PMID: 38319896.
3. Goyal L, Meric-Bernstam F, Hollebecque A, Valle JW, Morizane C, Karasic TB, Abrams TA, Furuse J, Kelley RK, Cassier PA, Klümpen HJ, Chang HM, Chen LT, Tabernero J, Oh DY, Mahipal A, Moehler M, Mitchell EP, Komatsu Y, Masuda K, Ahn D, Epstein RS, Halim AB, Fu Y, Salimi T, Wacheck V, He Y, Liu M, Benhadji KA, Bridgewater JA; FOENIX-CCA2 Study Investigators. Futibatinib for FGFR2-Rearranged Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. N Engl J Med. 2023 Jan 19;388(3):228-239. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206834. PMID: 36652354.
4. Kelley RK, Ueno M, Yoo C, Finn RS, Furuse J, Ren Z, Yau T, Klümpen HJ, Chan SL, Ozaka M, Verslype C, Bouattour M, Park JO, Barajas O, Pelzer U, Valle JW, Yu L, Malhotra U, Siegel AB, Edeline J, Vogel A; KEYNOTE-966 Investigators. Pembrolizumab in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin compared with gemcitabine and cisplatin alone for patients with advanced biliary tract cancer (KEYNOTE-966): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet. 2023 Jun 3;401(10391):1853-1865. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00727-4. Epub 2023 Apr 16. Erratum in: Lancet. 2023 Sep 16;402(10406):964. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(23)01904-9. Erratum in: Lancet. 2024 Mar 23;403(10432):1140. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(24)00545-2. PMID: 37075781.
5. Zhu AX, Macarulla T, Javle MM, Kelley RK, Lubner SJ, Adeva J, Cleary JM, Catenacci DVT, Borad MJ, Bridgewater JA, Harris WP, Murphy AG, Oh DY, Whisenant JR, Lowery MA, Goyal L, Shroff RT, El-Khoueiry AB, Chamberlain CX, Aguado-Fraile E, Choe S, Wu B, Liu H, Gliser C, Pandya SS, Valle JW, Abou-Alfa GK. Final Overall Survival Efficacy Results of Ivosidenib for Patients With Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma With IDH1 Mutation: The Phase 3 Randomized Clinical ClarIDHy Trial. JAMA Oncol. 2021 Nov 1;7(11):1669-1677. doi: 10.1001/jamaoncol.2021.3836. PMID: 34554208; PMCID: PMC8461552.
6. Harding JJ, Fan J, Oh DY, Choi HJ, Kim JW, Chang HM, Bao L, Sun HC, Macarulla T, Xie F, Metges JP, Ying J, Bridgewater J, Lee MA, Tejani MA, Chen EY, Kim DU, Wasan H, Ducreux M, Bao Y, Boyken L, Ma J, Garfin P, Pant S; HERIZON-BTC-01 study group. Zanidatamab for HER2-amplified, unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (HERIZON-BTC-01): a multicentre, single-arm, phase 2b study. Lancet Oncol. 2023 Jul;24(7):772-782. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(23)00242-5. Epub 2023 Jun 2. PMID: 37276871.
7. Primrose JN, Fox RP, Palmer DH, Malik HZ, Prasad R, Mirza D, Anthony A, Corrie P, Falk S, Finch-Jones M, Wasan H, Ross P, Wall L, Wadsley J, Evans JTR, Stocken D, Praseedom R, Ma YT, Davidson B, Neoptolemos JP, Iveson T, Raftery J, Zhu S, Cunningham D, Garden OJ, Stubbs C, Valle JW, Bridgewater J; BILCAP study group. Capecitabine compared with observation in resected biliary tract cancer (BILCAP): a randomised, controlled, multicentre, phase 3 study. Lancet Oncol. 2019 May;20(5):663-673. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30915-X. Epub 2019 Mar 25. Erratum in: Lancet Oncol. 2019 May;20(5):e242. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(19)30216-5. PMID: 30922733.

Clinical Trials:

1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05514912 (The OPTIC Trial)
2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03579758?cond=gallbladder%20cancer&term=maithel&rank=1 (Chemotherapy Before & After Surgery in Patients with Resectable Gallbladder Cancer)

We are excited to welcome Dr. Guido Torzilli to the podcast! Dr. Torzilli is a world-renowned hepatobiliary surgeon and Professor of Surgery at Humanitas University in Milan, Italy. In this episode, we have a fantastic conversation about his career, the concepts that have shaped his extraordinary and innovative approach to liver surgery, and much more!

We are excited to welcome Dr. David Iannitti to the podcast!  Dr. Iannitti is a hepatobiliary surgeon, professor of surgery, program director of the HPB fellowship, and the chief of the HPB Surgery Division at Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina.  His clinical and research interests include the pathophysiology of hepatocellular carcinoma and other therapies for liver lesions.  We’re excited to share a fantastic conversation discussing history and innovations of electrosurgery, novel therapies for liver disease, and much more!

Papers Referenced in Episode:

1. Swan, R. Z., Tsirline, V., Sindram, D., Martinie, J. B., & Iannitti, D. A. (2012). Fundamentals of microwave physics: application to hepatic ablation. Journal of Microwave Surgery, 30, 25-40.
2. Ricker AB, Baker EH, Strand MS, Kalabin A, Butano V, Wells A, Phillips M, Wang H, McKillop I, Iannitti G, Casingal J, Martinie JB, Vrochides D, Iannitti DA. Surgical microwave ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in 791 operations. HPB (Oxford). 2024 Mar;26(3):379-388. doi: 10.1016/j.hpb.2023.11.009. Epub 2023 Nov 25. PMID: 38102029.
3. Wells AB, Butano VW, Phillips MC, Mckillop IH, Martinie JB, Baker EH, Iannitti DA. Outcomes after Surgical Microwave Ablation for the Treatment of Colorectal Liver Metastasis. J Am Coll Surg. 2024 Apr 23. doi: 10.1097/XCS.0000000000001097. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38651746.
4. Davis JM, Salibi PN, Motz BM, Vrochides D, McKillop IH, Iannitti DA. Irreversible Electroporation-Assisted Resection for Locally Advanced Pancreas Cancer. Surg Innov. 2023 Jun;30(3):332-339. doi: 10.1177/15533506231157442. Epub 2023 Feb 15. PMID: 36792137.

 

The early career group of IHPBA presents recording from discussions at the Early Career Retreat and ECG Lounge sessions from the 2024 IHPBA World Congress in Cape Town.

In this episode, we join the ECG Lounge where past and current presidents of HPB surgery societies talk with early career IHPBA attendees about how to get involved in surgical societies like the IHPBA. Listen to Drs. Marc Besselink (president of EAHPBA), Sean Cleary (immediate past president of AHPBA), Rebecca Minter (past president of AHPBA), and Shailesh Shrikhande (president of APHPBA) answer questions from early career surgeons and provide advice on how to engage in surgical societies. Discussions are moderated by Drs. Mary Dillhoff and Janet Kung.