Partial hepatectomy: what to know

The liver is divided into sections supplied by branches of blood vessels and bile ducts. A surgeon plans the cut around the tumour and its nearby structures, aiming to leave a working remnant. The amount removed depends on tumour position, number and size, liver health, and whether disease has spread from another organ.

This operation may be considered for liver cancer, bowel cancer that has spread to the liver, or other liver metastases. It is not suitable for every person. Scans, blood tests and review by a specialist team help compare resection with tumour ablation or other treatment.

Bring a list of medicines, supplements, allergies and previous operations. The team may check liver function, blood clotting, nutrition and general fitness. Follow instructions about eating, drinking and medicines before admission. Arrange help at home because fatigue and reduced activity are expected during early recovery.

Ask whether the operation will be open or minimally invasive, whether the gallbladder or nearby tissue may also need attention, and how the pathology result will affect further treatment. The liver resection page explains the wider procedure.

After surgery, contact the hospital urgently for worsening abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the eyes or skin, persistent vomiting, increasing wound redness or drainage, unusual bleeding, confusion, breathlessness or a swollen abdomen. These signs need assessment rather than self-treatment.

Ask how much liver would remain, how liver function will be monitored, what other treatments could be considered, and when pathology is expected. Discuss the likely hospital stay, activity restrictions, pain plan and how treatment for bowel cancer, liver cancer or liver metastases fits around surgery.