Graham M. Starkey is a Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgeon working at 145 Studley Road, Austin Health, Heidelberg VIC 3084, Australia.
This type of surgery deals with organs that can be really complex to manage, like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Dr Starkey looks after people with conditions such as gallbladder disease and problems that can lead to cholecystitis, as well as issues needing gallbladder removal. He also helps with broader hepatobiliary problems where fluid flow, blood flow, and organ function can all be involved.
Over time, patients see him for a mix of planned and urgent care. At times that might mean surgery for serious inflammation or damage, including gangrene, and treatment for complications that affect the liver. In other cases, people need care for liver failure or long-term liver problems. He also works with cases involving veins and circulation, like Budd–Chiari syndrome.
Many patients come with cancer in the liver, pancreas, or nearby areas. That can include pancreatic cancer, and situations where a bigger operation is needed to remove and reconstruct parts of the digestive tract. He also does procedures such as pancreatectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy when the goals of treatment and safety line up.
Some people are referred for liver surgery such as hepatectomy. Others may be part of a wider care pathway around liver transplant care, where the work is often team-based and timed carefully. Dr Starkey also provides endoscopy services where that fits the overall plan, as it can help with diagnosis and treatment in the same setting.
His work is not only limited to adults. There are also complex conditions seen in childhood, including congenital issues like congenital cardiovascular shunt, as well as congenital defects such as omphalocele and Kawasaki disease. Some patients also need help with hernias, including umbilical hernia and hiatal hernia, when these problems show up alongside other medical needs.
In surgery, the basics matter a lot: careful assessment, clear planning, and calm follow-up. Dr Starkey brings that approach to each case, working alongside other doctors and nurses at Austin Health. He keeps up with new practice through ongoing learning and discussion with colleagues, rather than chasing quick fixes.
Education and deeper training sit behind this role, with specialist surgical training in hepatobiliary and pancreatic care. If a case involves a tricky decision or a high-risk situation, the focus stays practical—what will help, what to watch for, and what recovery is likely to look like.