Professor Tom Hugh
People_

Professor Tom Hugh

MB BS FRACS MD
Professor of Surgery, Chair of Surgery
Northern Clinical School
Director of the RNSH SERT Institute
Phone
+61 2 9463 2899
Fax
+61 2 9463 2080

Thomas J Hugh

Tom Hugh is Chair in Surgery at the Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, and Director of the Surgical Education, Research and Training (SERT) Institute at Royal North Shore Hospital. His clinical interests include the management of patients with benign and malignant liver disease, gallbladder disease and abdominal wall hernias. He is passionate about clinical audit and is responsible for establishing and embedding prospective total practice audit in the Upper GI Surgical unit at RNSH. He developed and introduced the novel idea of establishing a dedicated Data Analysis and Surgical Outcomes (DASO) unit for the Division of Surgery at RNSH. His main clinical research focus is on long-term outcomes after resection for colorectal liver metastases. His laboratory research is in biological markers in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer, Investigating biological nanoparticles for the delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs in cancer. He is a long-standing board member of CanSur, a not-for-profit surgical research foundation based at Royal North Shore Hospital. He is also a past long-serving executive board member of the Australian and New Zealand Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association. He is the founder and director of the Surgical Education, Research and Training (SERT) Institute and the DASO unit at Royal North Shore Hospital.

  • Clinical outcomes after resection of colorectal liver metastases
  • Clinical outcomes of patients with primary liver and bile duct cancer
  • Biological markers in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer
  • Quality of life studies after liver cancer surgery
  • Proteomic and genomic profiling of colorectal liver metastases- the search for molecular signatures to guide treatment
  • Long term follow-up and quality of life after hernia surgery
  • Variation in hernia practice- dissecting factors that influence decision making and outcomes
  • Surgical skills training (Sydney Clinical Skills and Simulation Centre, RNSH)
  • Surgical research and writing skills
  • SMP (University of Sydney) teaching
  • Predictive biomarkers in the stromal tumour microenvironment in primary colorectal cancer and colorectal liver metastases

  • Investigating long term outcomes, quality of life and the impact of surgical treatment variance in patients who undergo Hernia Surgery

  • Treatment patterns and outcomes after exposure to biological agents (Cetuximab and Avastin) in patients who under resection of colorectal liver metastases

  • Abnormal operative cholangiogram findings in patients without pre-operative risk factors who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy

  • Measuring the cost of cancer care - what is the cost of extending life after a diagnosis of metastatic bowel cancer?

  • Biological markers in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer

  • Outcomes after resection of hepatocellular adenoma based on the Bordeaux classification system

  • Para-inguinal and Spigelian hernias: poorly understood and just as poorly managed

  • Establishment of the Surgical Education, Research and Training (SERT) Institute at Royal North Shore Hospital – a model to re-engage surgeons in the public sector

  • Molecular patterns and long-term clinical patterns in patients who undergo radical resection for GB cancer

ANZHPBA

RACS

RNSH SERT Institute

RNSH DASO Unit

Cancer
Project titleResearch student
The cost of treatment and quality of life in patients with colorectal liver metastasesNazim BHIMANI

Publications

Book Chapters

  • Hugh, T., Jamieson, N. (2020). Malignant diseases of the hepatobiliary system. In Julian A. Smith, Andrew H. Kaye AM, Christopher Christophi AM, Wendy A. Brown (Eds.), Textbook of Surgery, (pp. 173-190). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.
  • Nahm, C., Nozawa, S., Hugh, T. (2018). Cholecystostomy: Indications and Subsequent Management. In Michael R. Cox, Guy D. Eslick, Robert Padbury (Eds.), The Management of Gallstone Disease A Practical and Evidence-Based Approach, (pp. 263-278). Cham: Springer. [More Information]

Journals

  • Akabane, M., Kawashima, J., Woldesenbet, S., Altaf, A., Cauchy, F., Aucejo, F., Popescu, I., Kitago, M., Hugh, T., Bhimani, N., et al (2025). Analyzing the interaction between time to surgery and tumor burden score in hepatocellular carcinoma. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 29(2), 101903. [More Information]
  • Catalano, G., Alaimo, L., Chatzipanagiotou, O., Ruzzenente, A., Aucejo, F., Marques, H., Bhimani, N., Hugh, T., Maithel, S., Kitago, M., et al (2025). ASO Visual Abstract: Advantage of Log Odds of Positive Lymph Nodes After Curative-Intent Resection of Gallbladder Cancer. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 32(3), 1839-1840. [More Information]
  • Bhimani, N., Dieng, M., Kelly, P., Hugh, T. (2025). Information Provision for Patients Who Undergo Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases. Journal of Cancer Education. [More Information]

2025

  • Akabane, M., Kawashima, J., Woldesenbet, S., Altaf, A., Cauchy, F., Aucejo, F., Popescu, I., Kitago, M., Hugh, T., Bhimani, N., et al (2025). Analyzing the interaction between time to surgery and tumor burden score in hepatocellular carcinoma. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 29(2), 101903. [More Information]
  • Catalano, G., Alaimo, L., Chatzipanagiotou, O., Ruzzenente, A., Aucejo, F., Marques, H., Bhimani, N., Hugh, T., Maithel, S., Kitago, M., et al (2025). ASO Visual Abstract: Advantage of Log Odds of Positive Lymph Nodes After Curative-Intent Resection of Gallbladder Cancer. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 32(3), 1839-1840. [More Information]
  • Bhimani, N., Dieng, M., Kelly, P., Hugh, T. (2025). Information Provision for Patients Who Undergo Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases. Journal of Cancer Education. [More Information]

2024

  • Patel, M., Tranter-Entwistle, I., Sirimanna, P., Hugh, T. (2024). 3D visualization systems improve operator efficiency during difficult laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a retrospective blinded review of surgical videos. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 94(6), 1114-1121. [More Information]
  • Moazzam, Z., Cauchy, F., Lam, V., Poultsides, G., Popescu, I., Alexandrescu, S., Martel, G., Guglielmi, A., Hugh, T., Aldrighetti, L., et al (2024). A Prognostic Model To Predict Survival After Recurrence Among Patients With Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Annals of Surgery, 279(3), 471-478. [More Information]
  • Kovoor, J., Maddern, G., Gupta, A., Bacchi, S., Stretton, B., O’Callaghan, P., Murphy, E., Hugh, T., Padbury, R., Trochsler, M. (2024). Achieving equity: patient demographics and outcomes after surgical and non-surgical procedures in South Australia, 2022. ANZ Journal of Surgery. [More Information]

2023

  • Patel, M., Hugh, T. (2023). A Comparison of Three-Dimensional Visualization Systems and Two-Dimensional Visualization Systems During Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Narrative Review. Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques Parts A & B, 33(10), 957-962. [More Information]
  • Endo, Y., Alaimo, L., Lima, H., Moazzam, Z., Ratti, F., Marques, H., Soubrane, O., Lam, V., Kitago, M., Poultsides, G., Hugh, T., et al (2023). A Novel Online Calculator to Predict Risk of Microvascular Invasion in the Preoperative Setting for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Curative-Intent Surgery. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 30(2), 725-733. [More Information]
  • Alaimo, L., Bauer, T., Alexandrescu, S., Popescu, I., Poultsides, G., Maithel, S., Marques, H., Martel, G., Pulitano, C., Shen, F., Hugh, T., et al (2023). An attempt to establish and apply global benchmarks for liver resection of malignant hepatic tumors. Surgery, 174(6), 1384-1392. [More Information]

2022

  • Alaimo, L., Endo, Y., Lima, H., Moazzam, Z., Shaikh, C., Ruzzenente, A., Guglielmi, A., Ratti, F., Aldrighetti, L., Marques, H., Hugh, T., et al (2022). A comprehensive preoperative predictive score for post-hepatectomy liver failure after hepatocellular carcinoma resection based on patient comorbidities, tumor burden, and liver function: the CTF score. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 26(12), 2486-2495. [More Information]
  • Kovoor, J., Jacobsen, J., Duncan, J., Addo, A., Tivey, D., Babidge, W., Penn, D., Churchill, J., Collinson, T., Kok, J., Hugh, T., Woo, H., et al (2022). Achieving safe surgery after COVID-19 vaccination. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 92(5), 946-949. [More Information]
  • Chui, J., Ziaziaris, W., Mohtashami, A., Lim, C., Bhimani, N., Hugh, T. (2022). Biliary Metastases from Colon Cancer: A Rare Differential Diagnosis for Obstructive Jaundice. American Journal of Surgical Case Reports. [More Information]

2021

  • Bhimani, N., Molloy, C., Dieng, M., Kelly, P., Hugh, T. (2021). An overview of colorectal cancer in the Australian healthcare system over the past 20 years. Frontiers in Gastroenterology & Hepatology, 1(1), 1-7. [More Information]
  • Wei, T., Zhang, X., Bagante, F., Ratti, F., Marques, H., Silva, S., Soubrane, O., Lam, V., Poultsides, G., Popescu, I., Hugh, T., et al (2021). ASO Visual Abstract: Postoperative Infectious Complications Worsen Long-term Survival After Curative-Intent Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 28, 668-669. [More Information]
  • Pu, H., Heighes, P., Simpson, F., Wang, Y., Liang, Z., Wischmeyer, P., Hugh, T., Doig, G. (2021). Early oral protein-containing diets following elective lower gastrointestinal tract surgery in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Perioperative Medicine, 10(1), 10. [More Information]

2020

  • Nguyen, C., Van Dijk, A., Smith, G., Leibman, S., Mittal, A., Albania, M., de Reuver, P., Hugh, T. (2020). Acute cholecystitis or simple biliary colic after an emergency presentation: why it matters. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 90(3), 295-299. [More Information]
  • Tsilimigras, D., Sahara, K., Moris, D., Mehta, R., Paredes, A., Ratti, F., Marques, H., Soubrane, O., Lam, V., Poultsides, G., Hugh, T., Pulitano, C., et al (2020). Assessing Textbook Outcomes Following Liver Surgery for Primary Liver Cancer Over a 12-Year Time Period at Major Hepatobiliary Centers. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 27(9), 3318-3327. [More Information]
  • Tsilimigras, D., Sahara, K., Moris, D., Hyer, J., Paredes, A., Bagante, F., Merath, K., Farooq, A., Ratti, F., Marques, H., Hugh, T., et al (2020). Effect of Surgical Margin Width on Patterns of Recurrence among Patients Undergoing R0 Hepatectomy for T1 Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An International Multi-Institutional Analysis. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 24(7), 1552-1560. [More Information]

2019

  • Tsilimigras, D., Bagante, F., Moris, D., Merath, K., Paredes, A., Sahara, K., Ratti, F., Marques, H., Soubrane, O., Lam, V., Hugh, T., et al (2019). Defining the chance of cure after resection for hepatocellular carcinoma within and beyond the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer guidelines: A multi-institutional analysis of 1,010 patients. Surgery, 166(6), 967-974. [More Information]
  • Wennmacker, S., Bhimani, N., Van Dijk, A., Hugh, T., De Reuver, P. (2019). Predicting operative difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with acute biliary presentations. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 89(11), 1451-1456. [More Information]
  • Tsilimigras, D., Bagante, F., Sahara, K., Moris, D., Hyer, J., Wu, L., Ratti, F., Marques, H., Soubrane, O., Paredes, A., Hugh, T., et al (2019). Prognosis After Resection of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Stage 0, A, and B Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Assessment of the Current BCLC Classification. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 26(11), 3693-3700. [More Information]

2018

  • Nahm, C., Nozawa, S., Hugh, T. (2018). Cholecystostomy: Indications and Subsequent Management. In Michael R. Cox, Guy D. Eslick, Robert Padbury (Eds.), The Management of Gallstone Disease A Practical and Evidence-Based Approach, (pp. 263-278). Cham: Springer. [More Information]
  • Free, J., Wang, F., Williams, N., Gundara, J., Staerkle, R., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2018). Gallbladder mucosal lesions associated with high biliary amylase irrespective of pancreaticobiliary maljunction. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 88(6), E517-E521. [More Information]
  • de Reuver, P., van der Walt, I., Albania, M., Samra, J., Hugh, T. (2018). Long-term outcomes and quality of life after surgical or conservative treatment of benign simple liver cysts. Surgical Endoscopy, 32(1), 105-113. [More Information]

2017

  • Van Dijk, A., De Reuver, P., Besselink, M., van Laarhoven, K., Harrison, E., Wigmore, S., Hugh, T., Boermeester, M. (2017). Assessment of available evidence in the management of gallbladder and bile duct stones: a systematic review of international guidelines. HPB, 19(4), 297-309. [More Information]
  • Kulkarni, A., Gundara, J., Gill, A., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2017). Cholangiocarcinoma following external beam radiotherapy: A report of two cases. Oncology Letters, 14(1), 423-426. [More Information]
  • Kam, J., Hugh, T., Joseph, A. (2017). Delayed biloma formation in a patient with blunt liver injury after low velocity trauma. British Journal of Hospital Medicine, 78(2), 110-111. [More Information]

2016

  • Schlichtemeier, S., Pang, T., Williams, N., Gill, A., Smith, R., Samra, J., Lam, V., Hollands, M., Richardson, A., Pleass, H., Hugh, T., et al (2016). A pre-operative clinical model to predict microvascular invasion and long-term outcome after resection of hepatocellular cancer: The Australian experience. European Journal of Surgical Oncology, 42(10), 1576-1583. [More Information]
  • Batabyal, P., Haddad, R., Samra, J., Wickins, S., Sweeney, E., Hugh, T. (2016). Inguinal hernia repair with Parietex ProGrip mesh causes minimal discomfort and allows early return to normal activities. The American Journal Of Surgery, 211(1), 24-30. [More Information]
  • de Reuver, P., Gundara, J., Hugh, T., Samra, J., Mittal, A. (2016). Intra-operative amylase in peri-pancreatic fluid independently predicts for pancreatic fistula post pancreaticoduodectomy. HPB, 18(7), 608-614. [More Information]

2015

  • Xue, A., Julovi, S., Hugh, T., Samra, J., Wong, M., Gill, A., Toon, C., Smith, R. (2015). A patient-derived subrenal capsule xenograft model can predict response to adjuvant therapy for cancers in the head of the pancreas. Pancreatology, 15(4), 397-404. [More Information]
  • Pang, T., Spiro, C., Ramacciotti, T., Choi, J., Drummond, M., Sweeney, E., Samra, J., Hugh, T. (2015). Complications following liver resection for colorectal metastases do not impact on longterm outcome. HPB, 17(2), 185-193. [More Information]
  • Mittal, A., de Reuver, P., Shanbhag, S., Staerkle, R., Neale, M., Thoo, C., Hugh, T., Gill, A., Samra, J. (2015). Distal pancreatectomy, splenectomy, and celiac axis resection (DPS-CAR): Common hepatic arterial stump pressure should determine the need for arterial reconstruction. Surgery, 157(4), 811-817. [More Information]

2014

  • Wang, F., Gill, A., Neale, M., Puttaswamy, V., Gananadha, S., Pavlakis, N., Clarke, S., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2014). Adverse tumor biology associated with mesenterico-portal vein resection influences survival in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Annals of Surgical Oncology, 21(6), 1937-1947. [More Information]
  • Chen, J., Gundara, J., Haddad, R., Schiavone, V., Meldrum, C., Samra, J., Gill, A., Hugh, T. (2014). Clinicopathological and molecular aspects of foregut gastrointestinal stromal tumours. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 84(1-2), 52-58. [More Information]
  • Wong, M., Xue, A., Julovi, S., Pavlakis, N., Samra, J., Hugh, T., Gill, A., Peters, L., Baxter, R., Smith, R. (2014). Cotargeting of epidermal growth factor receptor and PI3K overcomes PI3K-Akt oncogenic dependence in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Clinical Cancer Research, 20(10), 4047-4058. [More Information]

2013

  • Hugh, T. (2013). Gallstones: causes, diagnosis and treatment. Medicine Today, 14(11), 37-42.
  • Gundara, J., Gill, A., Neale, M., Collins, P., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2013). Inferior vena cava epithelioid hemangioendothelioma. Journal Of Vascular Surgery, 1(1), 75-77. [More Information]
  • Gundara, J., Gill, A., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2013). Redefining the apical lymph node at right hemicolectomy. European Journal of Surgical Oncology, 39(6), 662-665. [More Information]

2012

  • Wang, F., Arianayagam, R., Gill, A., Puttaswamy, V., Neale, M., Gananadha, S., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2012). Grafts for Mesenterico-Portal Vein Resections Can Be Avoided During Pancreatoduodenectomy. Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 215(4), 569-579. [More Information]
  • Nguyen, T., Neale, M., Lane, R., Schiavone, V., Samra, J., Hugh, T. (2012). Laparoscopic management of the median arcuate ligament syndrome. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 82(4), 265-268. [More Information]
  • Williams, N., Gundara, J., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2012). Many faces of pancreaticobiliary reflux. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 82(6), 403-407. [More Information]

2011

  • Koch, M., Garden, J., Padbury, R., Rahbari, N., Adam, R., Capussotti, L., Tat Fan, S., Crawford, M., Makuuchi, M., Christophi, C., Hugh, T., et al (2011). Bile leakage after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery: A definition and grading of severity by the International Study Group of Liver Surgery. Surgery, 149(5), 680-688. [More Information]
  • Nahm, C., Ng, K., Lockie, P., Samra, J., Hugh, T. (2011). Focal Nodular Hyperplasia-A Review of Myths and Truths. Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 15(12), 2275-2283. [More Information]
  • Gundara, J., Alvarado(-Bachman), R., Williams, N., Gananadha, S., Gill, A., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2011). Multivisceral resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: A report of two cases. World Journal of Surgical Oncology, 9(93), 1-8. [More Information]

2010

  • Wang, S., Bester, L., Burnes, J., Clouston, J., Hugh, T., Little, A., Padbury, R., Price, D. (2010). Clinical care and technical recommendations for yttrium microsphere treatment of liver cancer. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Oncology, 54(3), 178-187. [More Information]
  • Alvarado(-Bachman), R., Choi, J., Gananadha, S., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2010). The infracolic approach to pancreatoduodenectomy for large pancreatic head tumours invading the colon. European Journal of Surgical Oncology, 36(12), 1220-1224. [More Information]
  • Pang, T., Kuo, S., Hugh, T., Davidson, T., Eckstein, R., Bell, C., Samra, J. (2010). The Role of Peribiliary Cysts in Biliary Obstruction. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 80(10), 699-702. [More Information]

2008

  • Gananadha, S., Samra, J., Smith, G., Smith, R., Liebman, S., Hugh, T. (2008). Laparoscopic ePTFE mesh repair of incisional and ventral hernias. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 78(10), 907-913. [More Information]
  • Kong, J., Gananadha, S., Hugh, T., Samra, J. (2008). Pancreatoduodenectomy: role of drain fluid analysis in the management of pancreatic fistula. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 78(4), 240-244. [More Information]
  • Samra, J., Gananadha, S., Hugh, T. (2008). Surgical management of carcinoma of the head of pancreas: extended lymphadenectomy or modified en bloc resection. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 78(4), 228-236. [More Information]

2007

  • Cosman, P., Shearer, C., Hugh, T., Biankin, A., Merrett, N. (2007). A novel approach to high definition, high-contrast video capture in abdominal surgery. Annals of Surgery, 245, 533-535. [More Information]
  • Smith, R., Xue, A., Gill, A., Scarlett, C., Saxby, A., Clarkson, A., Hugh, T. (2007). High Expression of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-2 (PAI-2) is a Predictor of Improved Survival in Patients with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. World Journal of Surgery, 31(3), 493-502. [More Information]
  • Cosman, P., Hemli, J., Ellis, A., Hugh, T. (2007). Learning the Surgical Craft: A Review of Skills Training Options. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 77, 838-845. [More Information]

2006

  • Samra, J., Gananadha, S., Gill, A., Smith, R., Hugh, T. (2006). Modified extended pancreatoduodenectomy: en bloc resection of the peripancreatic retroperitoneal tissue and the head of pancreas. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 76(11), 1017-1020. [More Information]
  • Bell, C., Samra, J., Hugh, T., Baxter, R., Smith, R., Saxby, A., Nielsen, A., Scarlett, C. (2006). Proteomic profiling of cholangiocarcinoma: Diagnostic potential of SELDI-TOF MS in malignant bile duct stricture. Hepatology, 44(3), 658-666. [More Information]

2005

  • Samra, J., Sved, P., Sullivan, D., Hugh, T., Smith, R. (2005). Lipid metabolism in omental adipose tissue during operative surgery. Journal of Surgical Research, 124(1), 23-28. [More Information]
  • Saxby, A., Samra, J., Hugh, T., Smith, R. (2005). Role of duodenojejunostomy in distal duodenal obstruction. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 75(3), 177-178. [More Information]

2002

  • Rindani, R., Roche, J., Hugh, T., Roach, P., Smith, R. (2002). 131I Lipiodol therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 72(3), 210-214. [More Information]
  • Biankin, A., Biankin, S., Kench, J., Morey, A., Lee, C., Head, D., Eckstein, R., Hugh, T., Henshall, S., Sutherland, R. (2002). Aberrant p16INK4A and DPC4/Smad4 expression in intraductal papillary mucinous tumours of the pancreas is associated with invasive ductal adenocarcinoma. Gut, 50, 861-868.

Selected Grants

2019

  • Surgeons choices: Why arent same-day hernia operations the norm in Australia, Hugh T, HCF Research Foundation/Research Grant