Left hepatectomy surgery

The liver is divided into sections, and a left hepatectomy targets the left side rather than removing the entire organ. The surgical plan is based on scans, blood results, the position of the lesion, and the health of the liver that will remain. During surgery, the team identifies and controls the relevant blood vessels and bile ducts before removing the affected tissue. A specimen is sent for laboratory examination. Open surgery uses one larger incision; minimally invasive surgery uses smaller access points when suitable.

Give the team a complete list of medicines, supplements, allergies, and previous operations. Follow fasting instructions and ask which medicines to pause or continue. Afterward, expect checks of pain, breathing, wound condition, bowel function, appetite, and liver tests. Start with supported movement and breathing exercises, then build activity slowly. Do not drive or lift until your team says it is safe. Surgery can be used for selected Bowel Cancer, Liver Cancer, or Liver Metastases. Your care plan may also discuss Liver Resection or Tumour Ablation.

Call the hospital team if pain is worsening despite the prescribed plan, you cannot keep fluids down, your wound becomes red or leaky, or your eyes or skin look increasingly yellow. Urgent assessment is needed for collapse, severe breathing difficulty, new confusion, sudden chest pain, or significant bleeding. Keep your discharge instructions available when you call.

Ask why this operation is recommended, what alternatives fit your diagnosis, and how much liver is expected to remain. Discuss the surgical approach, possible drains, hospital recovery, pathology report, follow-up scans, and when treatment decisions will be reviewed.