Liver Resection Surgery (Hepatectomy)

Liver Resection Surgery, also known as Hepatectomy, involves carefully removing the diseased portion of the liver while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible.

The extent of liver resection depends on the size, location, number, and type of lesions, as well as the patient's overall health and liver function. The procedure may involve removing a small segment of the liver or one of its major sections, such as a liver lobe.

Hepatectomy can be performed using open surgery or, in selected patients, minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery. The most appropriate approach depends on the complexity and location of the liver lesion and the surgeon's assessment.

Conditions That May Require Liver Resection Surgery

Liver Resection Surgery may be considered for selected patients with:

• Primary liver tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma

• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in appropriate cases

• Certain benign liver tumors

• Liver metastases from cancers originating in other organs

• Selected liver cysts or other localized lesions

• Other localized liver conditions that can be safely treated through surgical removal

Some liver tumors and lesions may not cause noticeable symptoms, particularly in their early stages. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort, especially in the upper right abdomen

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite

• Persistent fatigue

• Nausea or digestive discomfort

• Abdominal swelling

• Jaundice in some cases

• A feeling of fullness or an abdominal mass in selected cases

The causes vary depending on the underlying condition. Liver cancer may be associated with chronic liver disease, hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, certain metabolic conditions, or other risk factors. Liver metastases develop when cancer from another part of the body spreads to the liver.

Before Liver Resection Surgery (Hepatectomy), the patient undergoes a detailed evaluation to determine whether the lesion can be safely removed and whether sufficient healthy liver tissue will remain after surgery.

Assessment may include:

• Liver function tests and blood tests

• Ultrasound examination

• CT or MRI scans of the liver

• Imaging to assess blood vessels and the extent of disease

• Additional investigations or biopsy when clinically appropriate

• Evaluation of the patient's overall health and ability to undergo major surgery

During Hepatectomy, the surgeon removes the affected portion of the liver while carefully controlling blood vessels and bile ducts. The amount of liver removed depends on the disease and its location.

In selected cases, laparoscopic liver resection or robotic liver surgery may be possible. Complex or extensive cases may require open surgery.

Benefits of Liver Resection Surgery

For appropriately selected patients, Liver Resection Surgery may:

• Remove localized liver tumors or lesions

• Provide a potentially curative treatment for certain localized cancers

• Remove liver metastases in selected patients

• Preserve healthy liver tissue whenever possible

• Reduce the tumor burden

• Provide tissue for definitive pathological examination

The expected outcome depends on the underlying disease, tumor characteristics, extent of liver involvement, liver function, overall health, and response to any additional treatments.

Recovery After Liver Resection Surgery

Recovery after Hepatectomy varies according to the extent of liver resection, surgical technique, overall health, and whether additional treatments are required.

Patients usually remain in the hospital for monitoring after surgery. During recovery, the medical team monitors liver function, pain, nutrition, wound healing, and possible complications.

Gradual return to normal activities is generally recommended, with follow-up appointments and imaging or laboratory tests as advised by the treating team. Recovery may take several weeks, particularly after extensive or open liver surgery.

Is Liver Resection Surgery Suitable for Everyone?

Liver Resection Surgery is not suitable for every patient with a liver tumor or lesion. Candidacy depends on the type and location of the lesion, number and size of tumors, whether the disease has spread, liver function, the amount of healthy liver that would remain after surgery, and the patient's overall health.

A specialized hepatobiliary surgeon and multidisciplinary liver team should evaluate the patient to determine whether Hepatectomy, another treatment, or a combination of treatments is the most appropriate option.