Liver Resection (Hepatectomy) for Liver Cancer

Liver cancer is considered a serious medical condition that requires a clear and structured treatment plan. After tumours are identified through imaging, doctors assess their size and location, as well as the liver's health. Liver Resection is a surgical procedure used to treat liver cancer by removing the affected area. The aim of Liver Resection surgery is to remove the cancer while preserving healthy liver tissue. This procedure is an option if the cancer is localised and the liver is strong enough to recover. These surgeries are complex and are performed by specialist hepatobiliary surgeons in expert centres where careful planning is a priority.

Liver resection is a surgery used to remove a part of the liver that has been affected by cancer. Because the liver can regenerate, the remaining liver tissue continues to function and can regenerate significantly over time.

The liver is made up of different sections called segments and lobes. Depending on the tumour, the surgery might involve removing:

• A partial section
• A specific segment
• A whole lobe

The objective is to remove the tumour along with a border of healthy liver tissue. This reduces the chance of any cancer cells staying in the liver after the operation.

The surgery is carried out either as an open operation or using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. The approach used depends on the patient’s health and the expected complexity of the surgery.

Doctors may recommend liver resection to remove a tumour safely. While scans can identify the presence of a tumour, surgery is usually required for successful treatment.

Resection is typically suitable for:

• Primary liver cancer
• Secondary cancer in the liver
• A limited number of localised tumours
• Tumours not invading major vessels
• Healthy remaining liver tissue

The excised tissue is studied in a lab. This confirms the diagnosis and provides the data necessary to guide any further treatment the patient may require.

Not every case of liver cancer can be treated with liver resection. Several medical requirements must be met before a patient is cleared for this procedure.

Resection is generally considered for:

• Patients with tumours confined to one section
• Those with healthy liver performance
• Individuals who do not have advanced cirrhosis
• Patients are healthy enough to undergo surgical recovery
• Situations where the tumour is fully removable

The liver’s unique power to regrow is a key consideration. Doctors must verify that the remaining portion of the liver can support the patient’s health.

Liver resection is a valuable treatment option, but it may be unsafe for some. Doctors will check your medical history before recommending a surgical plan.

Surgery is usually not recommended for those who:

• Suffer from severe liver scarring or damage
• Have multiple tumours throughout the liver
• Have cancer that has moved beyond the liver
• Have other significant health problems
• Are too frail for a large operation

Your doctor might instead recommend treatments such as chemotherapy, ablation, or targeted therapy.

Liver resection is a major surgery performed by a dedicated Hepato-surgical department. It requires extensive preparation and clinical monitoring. The medical team will meet with the patient to discuss the goals of treatment and answer any questions.

The care team reviews:

• Your medical history
• Your current prescriptions
• Recent CT or MRI scans
• Liver function blood tests

Patients are usually told to:

• Avoid food and drink for several hours before the operation
• Mention any blood-thinning medications
• Cease smoking prior to the surgery

Following these steps helps ensure the procedure is as safe as possible.

Your liver resection will be performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon will reach the liver through an abdominal incision, though we may use minimally invasive techniques with smaller incisions if your case allows for it.

During the procedure:

• We identify the tumour and the surrounding tissue
• We carefully control the blood vessels in the affected area
• We remove the diseased part of the liver
• We manage any bleeding to save healthy tissue

At Gleneagles, we use advanced imaging to ensure the tumour is removed precisely. The surgery can take between 2 and 6 hours to finish.

After surgery, you will stay in a recovery ward for close monitoring. This hospital stay usually lasts a few days, depending on how quickly you recover from the procedure.

During your time in hospital:

• Your pain is managed with medicine
• Your liver function is checked with blood tests
• Your fluids and food intake are balanced
• You are encouraged to begin walking

You might experience some temporary effects, like:

• Discomfort around the surgical cut
• Feeling tired
• A poor appetite
• Mild swelling

While total recovery varies, most patients return to regular activities within a few weeks. Laboratory results from the removed tissue will tell us if further treatment is needed.

Liver resection is a major operation. While the surgery is generally safe, patients and families should understand the potential risks.

Complications might include:

• Bleeding or infection
• Bile leakage
• Short-term liver dysfunction
• Blood clots
• Reactions to anaesthesia

Severe complications are uncommon but may happen in patients with pre-existing liver issues. Close medical supervision ensures that any problems are identified and treated.

Liver resection is an effective treatment when cancer is restricted to the liver. There are several clear benefits to undergoing this major surgical procedure.

The surgery is designed to:

• Remove all visible cancerous tissues
• Increase life expectancy for patients
• Manage the disease over time
• Allow for precise laboratory diagnosis
• Minimise symptoms from the tumour

Since the liver can regenerate, patients usually recover normal liver function.

Liver resection is conducted at Gleneagles Hospitals within a specialist cancer care setting. The operation is led by experienced surgeons and a multidisciplinary clinical team.

The hospital provides:

• Advanced surgical operating facilities
• Precision imaging for treatment planning
• Dedicated anaesthesia and critical care
• Post-operative monitoring and recovery
• On-site laboratory analysis

Patients receive structured guidance throughout the treatment process, encompassing evaluation, the surgical procedure, and post-operative follow-up.

Liver resection is an important surgical option for those with liver cancer. It involves removing the tumour and allowing the remaining healthy liver to regenerate. This procedure can lead to overall improved health when correctly planned. Gleneagles Hospitals provide this surgery when it is the most suitable medical choice, with the goal of delivering safe and effective care for every patient.