UC Irvine Healthcare’s hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery team focuses on finding the right therapeutic measures for each patient while minimizing risk and maximizing comfort. We specialize in pancreatic and biliary problems such as recurrent pancreatitis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, bile duct stones and many other conditions including liver and pancreatic cancer. Our physicians are also specialists in interventional endoscopic procedures—minimally invasive surgeries performed through a flexible tube passed through the mouth into the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the team oversees a number of clinical trials involving hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) and pancreatic malignancies.

 

 David K. Imagawa, MD, PhD
 Surgeon

Dr. Imagawa is one of the leading experts in minimally invasive pancreatic surgery and the treatment of complex hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases and disorders. He specializes in such surgical procedures as the Whipple operation for pancreatic cancer, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, drainage procedures for complex pancreatitis, biliary reconstruction, liver resection and various ablative procedures. He is also participating in islet cell transplant studies combined with a total pancreatectomy to treat chronic pancreatitis.

Imagawa’s research has been published in numerous scientific journals and his interests include pancreatic cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, bile duct cancer and islet cell transplantation. In addition, he is a two-time John E. Connolly Award recipient, which is presented annually by the surgery residents to an outstanding professor of surgery.

Learn more information about Dr. Imagawa »

 

 Aram N. Demirjian, MD
 Surgeon

Dr. Demirjian is a fellowship-trained surgical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of complex hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases and disorders. He treats patients with conditions such as pancreatic cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, chronic pancreatitis, colorectal and liver metastases, hepatocellular cancer, cholangiocarcinoma and complex biliary strictures.

Demirjian also performs such specialized surgical procedures as the Whipple operation for pancreatic cancer, laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy, drainage procedures for complex pancreatitis, biliary reconstruction, liver resection and various ablative procedures. He is also involved in islet cell transplant studies in conjunction with a total pancreatectomy for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Learn more information about Dr. Demirjian »

 

 Janette Carbone PA-C
 Physician Assistant

Janette helps in the management of the post liver transplant patients and assists in directing patients for evaluation of liver transplantation. Janette is bilingual in Spanish and English.

 Madeline Morales
 Surgery Scheduler and Principal Admit Worker

Madeline is responsible for scheduling all new patient appointments, follow-up appointments and surgeries and procedures for the patients.

 Deserie Gonzalez
 Authorization Coordinator

Deserie works with insurance companies and patients to ensure the appropriate financial coverage and authorizations for surgeries, consultations and procedures necessary to provide the patient with the best care possible. Deserie is bilingual in English and Spanish.

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