Research &
Publications
Generating evidence, advancing knowledge, and shaping the future of hepato-pancreato-biliary care in East Africa through rigorous clinical research and collaborative inquiry.
Research Focus Areas
Our research programme spans the full breadth of HPB disease, with particular emphasis on conditions and challenges unique to the East African context.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma in East Africa
Investigating the epidemiology, viral hepatitis-driven risk factors, and surgical outcomes of HCC in the region. Our studies aim to characterise presentation patterns, improve early detection strategies, and evaluate treatment efficacy in resource-variable settings.
Pancreatic Surgery Outcomes
Tracking and analysing Whipple procedure outcomes, post-operative morbidity, and long-term survival data. Our pancreatic surgery registry enables benchmarking against international standards and identification of modifiable factors to reduce perioperative mortality.
Biliary Disease Patterns
Studying the prevalence and management of gallstone disease, cholangiocarcinoma, and iatrogenic bile duct injuries in the Tanzanian population. Research encompasses both open and laparoscopic approaches and aims to define best-practice pathways for the region.
Surgical Education Research
Evaluating training efficacy, simulation-based learning, and competency assessment in HPB surgery. Our education research informs curriculum design for fellowship programmes and measures the impact of structured training on surgical outcomes.
Recent Publications
A selection of our members' contributions to the global body of HPB literature.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma Presentation Patterns and Surgical Outcomes at a Tertiary Centre in Dar es Salaam
Mwanga A, Kahinga P, Lema B, et al.
Perioperative Outcomes of Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multi-Centre Retrospective Analysis
Kahinga P, Mwanga A, Ngowi B, et al.
Bile Duct Injuries Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Tanzania: Incidence, Management, and Outcomes
Lema B, Mwanga A, Josephat S, et al.
Simulation-Based Training in HPB Surgery: Impact on Operative Confidence Among East African Surgical Trainees
Ngowi B, Kahinga P, Mwanga A, et al.
Multi-Disciplinary Tumor Board Impact on Treatment Decisions for Hepatobiliary Malignancies: A Prospective Study from Tanzania
Josephat S, Mwanga A, Lema B, et al.
Research Grants & Funding
THPBA is committed to supporting HPB research in East Africa. We provide seed grants for pilot studies, facilitate access to international funding opportunities, and assist members in developing competitive grant applications.
THPBA Seed Grants
Annual competitive seed grants of up to $5,000 for members conducting original HPB research. Priority given to early-career investigators and projects addressing regional disease burden.
International Partnership Grants
Collaborative funding opportunities through our partnerships with IHPBA and international academic institutions, supporting multi-centre research with global impact.
Travel & Presentation Awards
Funding support for THPBA members to present original research at the IHPBA World Congress, E-AHPBA meetings, and other international surgical conferences.
International Collaborations
Through strategic partnerships with leading institutions worldwide, we amplify the reach and impact of HPB research conducted in East Africa.
IHPBA
International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association
As an IHPBA-affiliated national chapter, we participate in global registries, multi-centre trials, and benefit from research mentorship programmes connecting trainees with world leaders in HPB surgery.
University Partnerships
MUHAS, University of Cape Town, Johns Hopkins, Karolinska
Collaborative research agreements with leading universities enable joint study protocols, visiting researcher exchanges, shared biostatistics support, and co-authored publications in high-impact journals.
Regional Surgical Networks
COSECSA, E-AHPBA, East African HPB Consortium
Multi-national research collaborations across East and Southern Africa pool patient data, harmonise surgical protocols, and create the statistical power needed to generate evidence specific to the African context.
Have a Research Idea?
We Want to Hear It.
THPBA welcomes research proposals from members at all career stages. Whether you are an established investigator or a surgical trainee with a compelling question, our Research Committee provides mentorship, methodological guidance, and institutional support to help bring your study to life.