What should you know about extended left hepatectomy?

The surgeon assesses the tumour's position, nearby blood vessels and bile ducts, and the amount of liver that will remain. The operation may be considered for a tumour that began in the liver or for cancer that has spread there, including selected bowel cancers. The remaining liver can carry out the liver's work when it is healthy enough and the planned remnant is adequate.

Before surgery, imaging and blood tests help map the anatomy and check liver function. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The removed tissue is examined to confirm the diagnosis and whether the edges are clear of tumour.

Your team may ask you to review medicines, stop smoking, maintain nutrition, and arrange help at home. Follow the fasting and medication instructions from the hospital. Recovery usually includes several days of monitoring, pain relief, gradual movement, breathing exercises, and a step-by-step return to food and activity.

Keep the wound clean and attend follow-up visits. The team will review the pathology report and discuss whether further treatment or surveillance is appropriate. Do not restart strenuous activity, driving, or medicines without the instructions given for your operation.

Contact your surgical team promptly for a fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, increasing redness or fluid at the wound, yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, or reduced urine. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or sudden severe deterioration.

Ask which liver areas will be removed, how the remaining liver has been assessed, what the pathology report may show, which symptoms require urgent contact, and when you can resume work, driving, exercise, and usual medicines.