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Liver.lk

International Expertise for Complex Liver Care in Sri Lanka

Specialist care for liver transplantation, liver cancer and complex conditions of the liver, pancreas, bile ducts and gallbladder — led by Prof. Thamara Perera, an internationally experienced and extensively published hepatobiliary and HPB surgeon at Kings Hospital Colombo.

Clinical leadership by Prof. Thamara Perera Liver transplant & hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgeon
Kings Hospital Colombo
Clinical leadership by Prof. Thamara Perera Liver transplant & hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgeon
Kings Hospital Colombo
International experience. Published expertise. Specialist surgical care.

Specialist Care Led by Prof. Thamara Perera

Prof. Thamara Perera is an internationally experienced and extensively published liver transplant and hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgeon, specialising in complex surgery of the liver, pancreas, bile ducts and gallbladder. At Kings Hospital Colombo, he provides specialist assessment and surgical care for patients in Sri Lanka and overseas.

His clinical experience includes senior liver transplant appointments in the United Kingdom, specialist training in Japan and academic work spanning transplantation, liver cancer and complex HPB surgery.

1,300+ Adult and paediatric liver transplant operations directly involved in
15+ years Consultant-level liver transplant experience
UK + Japan International specialist appointments and training
175 Published research papers and academic contributions
Explore Research by Prof. Thamara Perera
Liver disease information for patients in Sri Lanka

Liver Disease Symptoms & Common Conditions

Many types of liver disease cause few or no symptoms in the early stages. Possible liver disease symptoms include persistent fatigue, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss, nausea, itching, jaundice, dark urine, pale stools, and swelling or discomfort in the abdomen. These symptoms can have many causes and require medical assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Liver disease can progress without obvious warning signs

Why Early Assessment Matters

Some liver conditions are identified through blood tests or scans before a person feels unwell. Timely assessment can clarify the cause and stage of liver disease and whether monitoring, medical treatment, interventional care or liver surgery should be considered.

1

More treatment options may be available

Earlier-stage disease can sometimes allow a wider range of medical, radiological or surgical approaches.

2

Complications can be identified sooner

Investigations can reveal bile duct obstruction, reduced liver function, portal hypertension or other concerns that need attention.

3

Patients and families can plan with clarity

A defined diagnosis and treatment pathway helps patients understand the next step and prepare for care.

View Liver Patient Resources
Specialist care at Kings Hospital Colombo

Specialist Liver Surgery at Kings Hospital Colombo

Complex liver and HPB surgery in Sri Lanka requires coordinated assessment, advanced diagnostics, anaesthesia, critical care, radiology, laboratory support, rehabilitation and long-term follow-up. Kings Hospital Colombo brings these services together around the patient pathway.

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Advanced surgical and diagnostic facilities

A modern multi-specialty hospital environment supporting complex surgery, imaging, laboratory testing and post-operative care.

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Multidisciplinary decision-making

Complex cases can be reviewed with relevant specialists to build an individual treatment plan.

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Established living donor liver transplant pathway

Dedicated coordination for donor and recipient assessment, surgery, recovery and follow-up.

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Coordinated diagnostics and post-operative support

Access to laboratory services, radiology, critical care, pharmacy, physiotherapy and other hospital services needed around complex surgery.

Liver transplant research and HPB innovation

Liver Transplant Research & HPB Innovation

Prof. Perera was part of the Birmingham team behind the first reported human liver transplant using a marginal donor liver resuscitated through normothermic machine perfusion after an initial period of cold storage.

Explore his liver transplant research, machine perfusion work and wider HPB research contributions, with clear explanations of how surgical research can inform clinical practice in Sri Lanka and internationally.

175Publications
9,800+Research citations
39h-index
Explore Liver Transplant & HPB Research
Liver patient resources for Sri Lanka

Your Patient Journey

Every pathway is individual. These liver patient resources explain the usual stages from consultation and diagnosis to treatment planning, surgery, recovery and follow-up.

1

Consultation

Discuss symptoms, diagnosis, previous treatment and concerns.

2

Diagnosis

Review blood tests, imaging and further investigations where needed.

3

Treatment Plan

Understand recommended options, benefits, risks and alternatives.

4

Surgery

Proceed with the agreed operation and peri-operative care plan.

5

Recovery

Hospital care, mobilisation, nutrition and discharge preparation.

6

Follow-up

Ongoing review, wound care, tests and long-term guidance.

In their own words

Patient Testimonials

Heartfelt messages shared by patients and families, kept in the language they were written in — Sinhala — as a mark of respect for their own words.

For patients living outside Sri Lanka

Travelling for Treatment?

Patients living overseas can contact the clinic team for guidance on sharing medical records, scans and previous treatment information before planning travel for specialist liver or HPB care in Sri Lanka. The team can explain the consultation pathway, hospital coordination and documents usually required.

Clear answers to common search questions

Liver & HPB Care: Frequently Asked Questions

Concise, clinically focused answers help patients and referring doctors understand symptoms, specialist roles, appointments and referral pathways.

What is an HPB surgeon?

An HPB surgeon is a hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgeon who specialises in complex conditions and surgery involving the liver, pancreas, bile ducts and gallbladder. HPB surgeons may manage cancers, bile duct obstruction, pancreatic conditions, gallbladder disease and selected transplant-related cases.

What are common liver disease symptoms?

Liver disease may cause no obvious symptoms early. Possible symptoms include persistent tiredness, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss, nausea, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, and swelling or discomfort in the abdomen. These symptoms can have different causes and should be assessed by a doctor.

When should I see a hepatobiliary surgeon?

A hepatobiliary surgeon may be consulted when scans or tests identify a liver tumour, bile duct obstruction, complicated gallstones, a pancreatic tumour or cyst, or another condition that may require complex liver or HPB surgery. A referral from your treating doctor can help provide the relevant clinical information.

How do I book a liver surgeon appointment in Colombo?

You can request a consultation with Prof. Thamara Perera at Kings Hospital Colombo through the Liver.lk appointment form or by contacting Kings Hospital. The clinic team will advise which reports, scans and previous treatment records to bring.

How can a doctor refer a patient to an HPB specialist in Sri Lanka?

Referring doctors can use the Liver.lk doctor referral pathway and share the patient’s clinical summary, recent blood tests, imaging reports and images, pathology or endoscopy reports, and details of previous treatment. The clinic team can advise on the next suitable appointment or review pathway.

Book specialist liver care in Colombo

Book a Liver Surgeon Appointment

Request a consultation with Prof. Thamara Perera at Kings Hospital Colombo for a new diagnosis, abnormal scan, ongoing liver condition, liver cancer, transplant assessment or a second opinion on complex liver or HPB surgery.

Book a Liver Surgeon Appointment

For doctors: HPB specialist referral in Sri Lanka

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