What should you know about liver wedge resection?

A surgeon removes the targeted section with a margin of nearby tissue, then controls bleeding and closes the liver surface. The removed tissue is examined by a laboratory to identify the diagnosis and whether the edges are clear. The operation may be open or minimally invasive, depending on the tumour's position, size, number of areas involved, and your general health.

The liver can continue working after a limited resection, but suitability depends on liver function, previous liver disease, and other treatments. A wedge resection is different from removing an entire lobe; your team will explain which approach fits the findings.

Before surgery, provide a full list of medicines, supplements, allergies, and previous operations. Your team may arrange blood tests and scans, review liver function, and give instructions about fasting and medicines that affect bleeding. Arrange help at home for the early recovery period.

Afterward, expect monitoring of pain, wound healing, eating, movement, and liver tests. Gentle walking helps recovery, while heavy lifting waits until your surgical team says it is suitable. Keep the wound clean and attend the appointment where the laboratory findings and next treatment steps are discussed. A second opinion can help when the proposed operation or alternatives are unclear.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, increasing yellowing of the skin or eyes, a swollen abdomen, redness or discharge from the wound, or inability to keep fluids down. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, fainting, confusion, heavy bleeding, or sudden severe pain.

Ask which part of the liver will be removed, why a wedge resection is recommended, whether an open or minimally invasive approach is planned, what the laboratory report may show, how medicines should be managed, and which symptoms require urgent review.