Does liver resection treat liver cancer?

The surgeon removes part of the liver containing the cancer while preserving functioning liver tissue. Whether this is suitable depends on the tumour's size, number, location, relationship to blood vessels, and the condition of the remaining liver. Cirrhosis, portal hypertension, or reduced liver function may change the options. Some people need another treatment instead of, or in addition to, surgery. A multidisciplinary team uses scans and liver tests to match treatment to the cancer and the person.

Ask your specialist to explain the aim of surgery, what portion of the liver would be removed, and how they will assess the remaining liver. Bring a list of medicines, supplements, and previous treatments. The team may discuss nutrition, alcohol avoidance, liver-protective measures, and alternatives such as targeted procedures or medicines when resection is not appropriate. Recovery planning should cover driving, work, activity, and help at home.

After liver surgery, contact the surgical team urgently for fever, increasing abdominal pain or swelling, persistent vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual drowsiness, confusion, heavy bleeding, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. These symptoms can reflect infection, bleeding, bile leakage, or liver stress and should not be assessed only at home.

Ask what type of liver cancer you have, whether resection is technically possible, how liver function affects the decision, which alternatives exist, and how the team will monitor you after treatment.