Liver resection surgery is a procedure that removes diseased liver tissue while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible. It may be recommended to treat certain liver cancers, benign liver tumours and other liver conditions when surgery is considered an appropriate treatment option.
Learning that you may need liver resection surgery can feel overwhelming. Understanding why the procedure is recommended, how it is performed and what to expect before and after surgery can help you feel more informed and prepared for your treatment journey.
Key Takeaways
- Liver resection surgery removes diseased liver tissue while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible.
- Surgery may be recommended for certain liver cancers, benign liver tumours and selected liver conditions.
- Open, laparoscopic and robotic techniques may be used depending on your diagnosis.
- The liver can regenerate after part of it has been removed.
- Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis and overall health.
Why Might Liver Resection Surgery Be Recommended?
Liver resection surgery may be recommended to treat certain liver cancers, benign liver tumours and selected liver conditions. The decision depends on the type of condition, its location and whether surgery is considered the most appropriate treatment option.
The procedure may be recommended for:
- Primary liver cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma
- Colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver (liver metastases)
- Selected benign liver tumours causing symptoms or complications
- Certain liver cysts
- Some bile duct cancers involving part of the liver
Not everyone with these conditions will require surgery. Treatment recommendations are based on a comprehensive assessment of your condition and whether liver resection is the most appropriate option.
How Is Liver Resection Surgery Performed?
The surgical approach depends on factors including the location and size of the liver lesion, the amount of liver to be removed and your overall health. Liver resection surgery may be performed using one of the following approaches:
Open Liver Resection
Open liver resection is performed through an incision in the abdomen, allowing direct access to the liver. This approach may be recommended for larger tumours, more complex procedures or situations where greater surgical access and visibility are required.
Laparoscopic and Robotic Liver Resection
Laparoscopic and robotic liver resection are minimally invasive techniques performed through small incisions. For suitable patients, they may be associated with less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster recovery than open surgery.
The most appropriate surgical approach is selected after careful evaluation of your condition and treatment needs.
What Should You Expect Before and After Liver Resection Surgery?
Preparing for surgery and understanding the recovery process can help you feel more informed. Before the operation, assessments are carried out to plan the safest surgical approach.
How Can You Prepare for Liver Resection Surgery?
Before surgery, you may undergo:
- Blood tests to assess liver function and general health
- CT scans or an MRI to evaluate the size and location of the liver lesion
- A review of your medical history and current medications
- An assessment of your fitness for surgery
You will receive instructions about fasting and any medication adjustments, as well as information about the procedure, its expected benefits, potential risks and what to expect during your hospital stay.
What Is Recovery Like After Liver Resection Surgery?
Most patients remain in hospital for several days after surgery. Pain management, early mobilisation and a gradual return to eating support recovery. Before discharge, you will receive guidance on wound care, activity levels and returning to daily activities.
The liver can regenerate after part of it has been removed. Recovery depends on the amount of healthy liver remaining and any underlying liver disease.
Potential Risks and Follow-up Care
Like any major operation, liver resection surgery carries potential risks, including bleeding, infection, bile leakage, blood clots, temporary liver dysfunction and anaesthesia-related complications. Although uncommon when surgery is performed by an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon, every procedure carries some degree of risk.
Follow-up appointments monitor your recovery, assess liver function and determine whether further treatment or surveillance is needed.
Book a Liver Resection Surgery Consultation with Dr Wong Jen San
If you have been advised to undergo liver resection surgery or would like a second opinion, consulting an experienced hepatobiliary surgeon can help you better understand your diagnosis, treatment options and what surgery may involve.
At Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery Centre, personalised surgical care is provided for patients with a range of liver conditions. Dr Wong Jen San completed a clinical fellowship in Living Donor Liver Transplantation at Kyoto University Hospital and Kumamoto University Hospital in Japan. He brings advanced expertise in liver surgery and the management of complex liver diseases. Book an appointment to discuss your condition and treatment options.
FAQs About Liver Resection Surgery
Meet Dr Wong Jen San
Dr Wong Jen SanConsultant Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic SurgeonMBChB (UK), MMed (S'pore), MSc (S'pore), FRCS (Edin), FAMS
Dr Wong Jen San is a consultant hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgeon with expertise in the diagnosis and surgical management of conditions affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts and digestive system. His clinical interests include hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, liver transplantation, gastrointestinal surgery, endoscopy and general surgical procedures. Dr Wong is committed to providing evidence-based, patient-centred care tailored to each individual's condition and treatment needs.
is a Complex and Intricate One
