Liver resection, medically termed hepatectomy, is a surgical procedure aimed at removing a portion of the liver affected by disease or injury while leaving the remaining liver intact. This surgery is typically recommended for various conditions affecting the liver, including liver cancer, metastatic tumors, benign tumors, cysts, trauma, and liver abscesses.

Procedure:

During a liver resection, the patient is placed under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to access the liver. Using specialized instruments and techniques, the diseased portion of the liver is carefully dissected and removed, while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible. The remaining liver is then carefully inspected to ensure there is no bleeding or bile leakage. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and dressings are applied.

Conditions Requiring Liver Resection:

Liver resection may be indicated for several conditions, including:

• -Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Liver resection is often the treatment of choice for localized hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), especially in patients with well-preserved liver function and no evidence of advanced disease.
• -Colorectal Cancer Metastases: Liver resection may be performed to remove colorectal cancer metastases in the liver, particularly when the metastases are limited in number and location, and the primary colorectal tumor is under control.
• -Benign Liver Tumors: Large or symptomatic benign liver tumors, such as hepatocellular adenomas or focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), may require resection to alleviate symptoms or prevent complications.
• -Liver Trauma: Severe liver injuries resulting from trauma, such as blunt or penetrating trauma, may require surgical resection to control bleeding, repair damaged tissue, and preserve liver function.
• -Liver Cysts: Large or symptomatic liver cysts, including simple cysts or polycystic liver disease, may be treated with resection to relieve symptoms or prevent complications.
• -Liver Abscesses: Surgical resection may be necessary for large or multiple liver abscesses that do not respond to antibiotic therapy or percutaneous drainage.

Postoperative Care:

Following liver resection, patients require close monitoring in the hospital for a few days to ensure proper healing and recovery. Pain management, antibiotics to prevent infection, and monitoring for signs of complications such as bleeding or bile leakage are essential during this time. Patients will be advised to gradually resume normal activities and follow a special diet to support liver regeneration and function.

 

What conditions may require liver resection?

Liver resection may be recommended for liver cancer, metastatic tumors, benign tumors, cysts, trauma, and abscesses.

 

How is liver resection performed?

Liver resection involves surgically removing the affected portion of the liver while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible.

 

What is the recovery process like after liver resection?

Recovery after liver resection involves a hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and gradual resumption of normal activities.

 

Are there any risks or complications associated with liver resection?

Potential risks of liver resection include bleeding, infection, bile leakage, and injury to surrounding structures.

 

Is liver resection the only treatment option for liver cancer?

Liver resection is one of several treatment options for liver cancer, depending on the extent of the disease and the patient’s overall health.

 

How long does it take to recover from liver resection?

Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient’s health, but most patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few weeks to months.

 

Will I need any special follow-up care after liver resection?

Patients will require regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor liver function, screen for recurrence, and address any concerns or complications that may arise.