Liver Resection, also known as hepatectomy, is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a portion of the liver affected by tumours, cysts, or other abnormalities. This procedure is performed to treat liver cancer, and benign liver tumours, or to remove metastatic tumours that have spread to the liver from other parts of the body.

When and why do people go for Liver Resection?

People undergo liver resection when they have tumours or lesions in the liver that cannot be effectively treated with other methods such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or ablation techniques. Liver resection may be recommended for individuals with primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma), metastatic liver tumours from colorectal cancer or other primary cancers, or benign liver tumours such as haemangiomas or adenomas. The goal of liver resection is to remove the diseased portion of the liver while preserving enough healthy liver tissue to maintain proper liver function.

What makes Liver Resection different from other treatment options?

Liver resection offers a curative treatment option for certain liver conditions compared to other treatment options. While treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or ablation techniques may help control symptoms or slow the progression of liver tumours, liver resection directly removes the diseased portion of the liver, offering the potential for long-term cure or remission. Additionally, liver resection may be preferred over liver transplantation in certain cases where the tumour burden is limited, or when transplantation is not feasible due to factors such as donor availability or patient eligibility.

How does life change after Liver Resection?

Life after liver resection can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, underlying liver condition, and individual response to treatment. Following the procedure, many patients experience relief from symptoms such as abdominal pain, jaundice, fatigue, or weight loss associated with liver tumours or dysfunction. With the diseased portion of the liver removed, individuals often find it easier to maintain normal liver function and may experience improvements in overall health and well-being. While recovery from liver resection may involve some temporary discomfort and adjustments to diet and activity levels, many patients ultimately enjoy a renewed sense of vitality and improved quality of life after liver resection. Regular follow-up care and monitoring are essential to detect any signs of recurrence and ensure long-term liver health.