Liver Resection (Hepatectomy)
What is Liver Resection?
Liver resection or Hepatectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the liver. It is most commonly performed to treat liver tumors, both benign and malignant, including primary liver cancer (like hepatocellular carcinoma) or metastatic cancer (commonly from colorectal cancer).
The liver has a remarkable ability to regenerate, allowing surgeons to remove diseased segments while preserving healthy liver tissue.
When is Liver Resection Needed?
Liver resection is often recommended for:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Metastatic liver tumors, especially from colorectal, breast, or neuroendocrine cancers
- Benign liver tumors causing symptoms (e.g., adenomas, hemangiomas)
- Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer within the liver)
- Focal liver infections or abscesses not responding to other treatments
Types of Liver Resection
- Minor Resection – Removal of 1–2 liver segments
- Major Resection – Removal of 3 or more segments (e.g., right or left Hepatectomy)
- Anatomic vs. Non-anatomic Resection – Based on vascular and segmental anatomy
- Laparoscopic or Robotic Liver Resection – Minimally invasive techniques for selected patients
Benefits of Liver Resection
- Potentially curative treatment for liver cancers
- Preserves healthy liver tissue
- Improves quality of life by removing symptomatic or growing tumors
- Can be combined with chemotherapy or ablation for better outcomes
- Minimally invasive options may result in faster recovery
How is Liver Resection Performed?
- The surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
- A portion of the liver containing the tumor is carefully removed, along with a margin of healthy tissue.
- The remaining liver is preserved and begins to regenerate within weeks.
- The procedure can be done as open surgery, or in selected cases, via laparoscopy or robotic-assisted surgery.
Recovery after Liver Resection
- Hospital stay: Typically 5–7 days for open surgery; shorter for laparoscopic cases
- Post-op care: Pain management, early mobilization, and diet support
- Follow-up: Imaging and liver function tests
- Full recovery: Within 6–8 weeks for most patients
Risks and Complications
Though liver resection is generally safe in experienced hands, possible risks include:
- Bleeding
- Bile leak
- Infection or abscess formation
- Liver failure (rare, but serious)
- General surgical or anesthesia risks
Your care team will perform detailed evaluations (CT/MRI, liver function tests) to ensure you are a safe candidate.
Why Choose Dr. Harish NL for Liver Surgery?
- Expertise in Open, Laparoscopic & Robotic Hepatectomy
- Multidisciplinary Cancer Care with Oncology Support
- Advanced Imaging & Pre-operative Planning
- High Success Rates with Patient-Centered Care