Liver Surgery
Liver surgery, also known as hepatectomy, is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the liver is removed. The liver is a large organ located in the upper right part of the abdomen. It plays a vital role in metabolism, digestion, and detoxification. Liver surgery is typically performed to treat liver cancer or benign liver tumours (e.g. large symptomatic liver cysts), or to remove damaged or diseased liver tissue.
The liver is divided into eight segments, each with its own blood supply and drainage. The location and extent of the liver resection depend on the size, location, and type of the tumour or disease. A small liver resection may involve removing one or two liver segments, while a larger resection may involve removing up to 75% of the liver.
Before the surgery, the patient will undergo several tests, including blood tests, imaging scans such as CT or MRI, and possibly a liver biopsy. The surgeon will review these results to determine the size and location of the tumour or diseased liver tissue, the liver function, and to assess the overall health of the patient.
The liver resection procedure typically involves the following steps:
- Anesthesia: The patient is given general anaesthesia to put them to sleep and prevent pain during the surgery.
- Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to expose the liver. The size and location of the incision depend on the extent of the liver resection.
- Blood vessel control: The surgeon clamps or occludes the blood vessels leading to the part of the liver to be removed. This prevents excessive bleeding during the surgery and allows the surgeon to work on the liver without blood flow.
- Resection: The surgeon carefully removes the diseased or cancerous part of the liver. The liver tissue is cut using a surgical knife or an electric current, and the cut edges are sealed with a surgical device to prevent bleeding.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.
After the surgery, the patient is monitored in the recovery room until they wake up from anaesthesia. They may feel some pain or discomfort in the abdomen, but these symptoms can be managed with medication. The patient may also experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and other side effects of the surgery.
The recovery period for liver resection varies depending on the extent of the surgery and the overall health of the patient. Most patients are able to go home within a few days after a successful surgery. It’s important to follow the surgeon’s instructions for postoperative care, which may include taking pain medication, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous exercise, and eating a healthy diet.
Liver resection is a highly effective treatment for liver cancer or benign liver tumours, and can significantly improve the patient’s quality of life and long-term survival. However, not all patients are candidates for liver resection. The decision to perform liver resection depends on several factors, including the size, location, and type of the tumour, the extent of liver damage, and the overall health of the patient.
In some cases, liver resection may be combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy or ablation therapy to increase its effectiveness. After the surgery, the patient will need to undergo regular follow-up.
