What should you know about hepatic wedge resection?

The surgeon removes the lesion with a margin of nearby liver tissue rather than removing an entire lobe. The approach depends on tumour location, its relationship to blood vessels and bile ducts, liver health and the reason for surgery. The removed tissue is examined to identify the tumour and whether its edges are clear. A wedge resection may be used for selected tumours involving the liver, but it is not suitable for every person or every tumour. Your team will explain whether open or keyhole surgery is appropriate.

Before surgery, the team reviews imaging, blood tests, medicines, liver function and general fitness. Tell them about blood thinners, supplements, diabetes and previous abdominal operations. Afterward, expect monitoring for pain, bleeding, infection and bile leakage, followed by gradual movement and eating as tolerated. Follow wound-care and lifting instructions, keep follow-up appointments and ask when driving or work can resume. Pathology results guide whether further treatment or surveillance is needed.

After surgery, seek urgent care for severe or increasing abdominal pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, fever with chills, breathing difficulty, confusion or new yellowing of the eyes or skin. Call the surgical team for persistent vomiting, a wound that becomes red or drains, worsening swelling, dark urine or pale stools. Prompt assessment can identify complications before they become more serious.

Ask why a wedge resection is recommended, how much liver will be removed, whether the operation will be open or keyhole, and what alternatives exist. Ask how liver function will be protected, when pathology will return, and which symptoms should trigger an urgent call.