What should you know about HCC resection?

HCC is hepatocellular carcinoma, a cancer that starts in liver cells. During resection, a surgeon removes the tumour with a border of liver around it. The amount removed depends on the tumour's position, size and number, as well as liver function and overall health. The team may assess scans, blood tests and signs of chronic liver disease before recommending an operation. The remaining liver needs enough working tissue to support recovery.

Surgery is different from a transplant, which replaces the liver. Other treatments may be considered when resection would leave too little healthy liver or when the cancer has spread.

Ask which scans and liver tests are needed, whether medicines should be paused, and what help you will need at home. Recovery commonly involves a hospital stay, gradual return to eating and walking, wound care and follow-up appointments. Fatigue can continue after discharge. Keep the surgical team informed about pain, fever, wound changes, jaundice, vomiting or reduced ability to drink. Follow-up imaging and blood tests help the team watch the liver and check for signs that need attention.

Contact the surgical team promptly for a fever, worsening abdominal pain, increasing swelling, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, repeated vomiting, confusion, or a wound that becomes red, hot or leaky. Seek emergency help for severe bleeding, fainting, sudden breathing difficulty or severe weakness. These symptoms can have several causes, but they need timely assessment after liver surgery.

Which part of the liver would be removed? How will you assess liver reserve? What are the alternatives if resection is unsuitable? What should I expect with pain control, activity, work and follow-up?