Liver Cancer

Liver Cancer Surgery in India - Can Part of the Liver Be Removed?

Surgery to remove part of the liver is called a liver resection or partial hepatectomy. This short explains how it is possible to remove a cancerous section of the liver, as the organ can regrow.

What is a liver resection

A liver resection, also known as a partial hepatectomy, is an operation to remove a section of the liver.

• Why it is done. This surgery is most often done to remove tumours. These may be primary liver cancers or cancers that have spread to the liver from elsewhere in the body.
• The liver's ability to regrow. The liver is the only solid organ in the body that can regenerate. The remaining healthy liver tissue can grow back to its original size.
• How much can be removed. A surgeon may be able to remove a significant portion of the liver, sometimes up to 70 percent, as long as the remaining part is healthy.

Suitability for liver resection

A specialist team will decide if this surgery is a suitable option for you.

• Tumour location. The tumour must be in a part of the liver that can be safely removed without damaging major blood vessels.
• Liver function. You must have enough healthy liver tissue remaining after the surgery for your body to function. Your underlying liver health is a key factor.
• Cancer spread. The cancer should ideally not have spread widely outside the liver. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Overall fitness. You need to be fit enough to have a major operation and to recover from it.

About the procedure

• Type of surgery. The operation can be done as traditional open surgery or as laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery. The best approach depends on the size and location of the tumour.
• Hospital stay. You can expect to stay in hospital for several days after the operation. Full recovery can take several weeks or months.
• Regeneration time. The liver begins to regrow almost immediately after surgery. It can return close to its normal size within a few months.

Whether liver resection is the right treatment for you depends on your individual case. A final decision can only be made by a specialist after a full review of your medical reports and recent scans.