Biliary Tract Cancer near Shelby, NC

Biography: Dr. Kuykendal has spent many years in North Carolina but has called Charlotte home since 2013. He believes in bringing the latest evidence-based medicine to his patients and working with them to make the best treatment decisions. During his career he has worked in basic science, clinical trials and patient outcomes research to advance the oncology field for current and future patients. He treats patients with a variety of cancers and blood diseases but has a special focus on cancers of the GI tract including colon, rectum, pancreas and liver cancer as well as prostate, kidney and testicular cancer. He has three children who keep him quite busy, and during his free time enjoys sporting events, theater and trying new restaurants.

Biography: I am one of only a few Charlotte surgeons whose medical training includes a dual fellowship in hepatobiliary (liver, pancreas and bile duct) surgery and surgical oncology (cancer surgery). This means I focus on care for individuals with liver, pancreas, biliary, stomach, neuroendocrine, sarcomas, ovarian and peritoneal disease. These areas of medicine focus on less common tumors that can have a dramatic impact on a patient's quality of life and well-being. That is why I have dedicated my career to caring for patients who need a specialist with expertise in treating these diseases, and I truly enjoy being of service. \n At Novant Health, I lead more than a dozen physicians in the gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary group as well as the hepatobiliary multidisciplinary conference, which promotes best practices for treating patients who have liver, pancreas and bile duct disorders. I also serve on a committee that selects novel therapies to study through Novant Health Cancer Institute clinical trials. All of this, combined with my membership in the American Board of Surgery and the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, keeps me connected to the latest treatments and research. \n I take a patient-centered, hands-on approach when caring for patients. You also will have access to the expertise of a team of other skilled and experienced providers who are well-versed in your medical history and will help manage your treatment. I am committed to developing techniques that help patients recover faster and see better outcomes. This can include minimally invasive laparoscopic and/or robotic surgery, as well as help with food choices, pain control and therapy before, during and after surgery. \n Communication, both to my patients and their loved ones, is important to me. I want my patients to be informed and empowered to make decisions about their care. \n In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and traveling. I am married and have two children.