Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Waliullah Siddiqui is a surgical gastroenterologist (DNB GI Surgery) — a gastro and liver surgeon. He treats diseases of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, stomach and intestines that need surgery, including liver transplant, and works closely with medical gastroenterologists and hepatologists in Lucknow.

Dr. Waliullah Siddiqui performs living and deceased donor liver transplants for adults and children at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, where he is Director – HPB & Liver Transplant Surgery.

At Max Super Speciality Hospital, Viraj Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow (Mon – Sat, 9 AM – 5 PM); at Gastro Care, Metro City, Nishatganj, Lucknow; and at Gastro Care, 45A/1A/5 Thornhill Road, Dhobighat Crossing, Civil Lines, Prayagraj.

Call or WhatsApp +91 94551 20500 for all centres. Our team will confirm a time slot and share the consultation fee for your chosen centre.

Liver cirrhosis and liver failure, liver cancer and liver tumours, gallbladder stones and gallbladder cancer, bile duct stones and strictures, pancreatitis and pancreatic tumours, stomach, colon and rectal cancers, and hernia — with laparoscopic, robotic and open surgery as needed.

Yes. Laparoscopic (keyhole) gallbladder removal is the standard treatment for painful gallstones. Most patients go home within 1–2 days. Robotic surgery is available in selected cases.

Yes. Robotic surgery is offered at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Lucknow for selected liver, pancreas and GI operations. Each patient is evaluated to decide whether robotic, laparoscopic or open surgery is safest.

Most patients stay in hospital for 2–3 weeks and return to normal daily activities within 3–6 months, with regular follow-up, lifelong medicines and lifestyle changes.

A liver transplant is recommended for patients with end-stage liver disease, liver cirrhosis, acute liver failure, or certain liver cancers when the liver can no longer function properly. Dr. Waliullah Siddiqui carries out a detailed evaluation to decide whether a transplant is the most suitable treatment.

Liver transplant is a major operation, but in an experienced transplant centre with a dedicated team it is a well-established and safe treatment. Careful evaluation of both patient and donor, modern surgical techniques and intensive post-operative care reduce the risks significantly.

A living donor is usually a healthy adult family member, typically between 18 and 55 years, with a compatible blood group and a healthy liver. Every donor goes through a complete medical and psychological evaluation, and their safety is the first priority.

Most patients stay in hospital for 2–3 weeks and gradually return to normal daily activities within 3–6 months. Regular follow-up visits, medicines and a healthy lifestyle are key to a successful long-term recovery.

Yes. Most transplant recipients return to work, family life and everyday activities. Taking anti-rejection medicines as prescribed, attending follow-ups and keeping a balanced lifestyle are essential.

HPB surgery is recommended for conditions of the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts — including liver and pancreatic tumours, gallstones, bile duct obstruction, pancreatic and liver cysts, and cancers of these organs. After imaging and tests, Dr. Waliullah Siddiqui recommends the most appropriate treatment for each patient.

Yes. HPB surgery is safe when performed by an experienced HPB surgeon in a well-equipped hospital. Modern techniques, advanced imaging and dedicated anaesthesia and critical care teams significantly improve safety and outcomes.

It depends on the operation and your overall health. Laparoscopic or robotic procedures usually need a shorter stay, while complex open surgery may need a few extra days. You will get a personalised recovery plan.

After laparoscopic or robotic surgery most patients recover within 2–4 weeks; major open surgery may take 6–8 weeks or longer. Follow-ups, good nutrition and following your surgeon’s advice help ensure a smooth recovery.

Many HPB procedures can be performed laparoscopically or with robotic assistance, depending on the condition. These techniques offer smaller incisions, less pain, less blood loss and a faster recovery.

Early liver cancer often causes no symptoms. As it grows, people may notice weight loss, loss of appetite, pain or a lump in the upper right abdomen, swelling, jaundice or tiredness. People with hepatitis B or C, cirrhosis or fatty liver disease should have regular screening.

Diagnosis usually involves blood tests (including AFP), an ultrasound, and a contrast CT or MRI scan. A biopsy is sometimes needed. These tests also show the stage of the cancer and how well the rest of the liver is working.

When it is detected early, liver cancer can often be cured with surgery (liver resection), a liver transplant or ablation. For advanced disease, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and other treatments can control the cancer and improve quality of life.

Options include surgical resection, liver transplantation, ablation (RFA or microwave), TACE, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and palliative care. The right choice depends on the size and number of tumours and on liver function.

Get vaccinated against hepatitis B, get tested and treated for hepatitis B and C, avoid alcohol, maintain a healthy weight, and have regular check-ups if you have cirrhosis or fatty liver disease.

Surgery is advised when gallstones cause pain, infection, jaundice or pancreatitis, or when there are large polyps. Medicines cannot dissolve most gallstones, and symptoms usually return, so removing the gallbladder is the permanent solution.

Yes. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most commonly performed operations and is very safe in experienced hands. Complications are uncommon.

Most patients go home within 1–2 days and return to light activities within a week. Full recovery usually takes 2–3 weeks.

Untreated gallstones can lead to repeated attacks of pain, gallbladder infection, stones slipping into the bile duct (causing jaundice), pancreatitis and, rarely, gallbladder cancer.

Most people eat normally after recovery. For the first few weeks, smaller, lower-fat meals can help while your digestion adjusts.

Pancreatic surgery may be needed for pancreatic cancer, benign or pre-cancerous tumours and cysts, neuroendocrine tumours, chronic pancreatitis with severe pain or blockage, and pancreatic injury.

The Whipple procedure (pancreaticoduodenectomy) removes the head of the pancreas along with part of the small intestine, the gallbladder and the end of the bile duct, then reconnects them. It is the main operation for tumours in the head of the pancreas.

Pancreatic surgery is a major operation, and results are best in specialised HPB centres with experienced surgeons and intensive care support. Careful patient selection and post-operative care keep risks as low as possible.

After a Whipple procedure most patients stay 7–12 days; after smaller operations the stay is shorter. Full recovery usually takes 6–8 weeks.

Some patients need enzyme supplements to digest food, and a few may need diabetes management. Small, frequent meals are usually advised at first. Your team will guide you.

Warning signs include persistent indigestion, difficulty swallowing, blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, anaemia and abdominal pain. These should be checked by a specialist.

Yes. Many stomach, colon and rectal cancers can be removed with laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which means smaller cuts, less pain and a faster recovery without compromising the cancer operation.

It depends on the type and stage of cancer. Some patients need chemotherapy or radiotherapy before or after surgery. The plan is made together with the oncology team.

Many patients can have sphincter-saving surgery. A temporary stoma is sometimes made to protect the join and is usually reversed later. A permanent stoma is needed only for very low tumours.

For many complex GI and HPB operations, robotic surgery offers greater precision, smaller incisions, less blood loss, less pain and a faster recovery. Dr. Waliullah Siddiqui evaluates each patient to decide whether robotic surgery is the safest option.

No. The surgeon controls every movement of the instruments from the console. The robot is a tool that improves vision and precision.

Robotic surgery usually costs more than laparoscopic surgery because of the equipment, but the shorter stay and faster return to work can offset part of the cost. Our team can share an estimate after consultation.

Many patients go home sooner than after open surgery — often within a few days, depending on the operation.