What should you know about non anatomical liver resection?

The surgeon plans the cut around the tumour using scans and findings during the operation. This can preserve more functioning liver than a larger anatomical resection when the tumour is suitable for that approach.

It may be considered for a primary liver tumour or cancer that has spread to the liver, including bowel cancer. The decision depends on tumour size and position, nearby blood vessels or bile ducts, liver health, and whether all visible disease can be treated safely.

Your team may arrange blood tests, liver-function checks and imaging before surgery. Tell them about medicines, supplements, alcohol use and previous liver problems. Afterward, expect monitoring for pain, bleeding, infection, bile leakage and changes in liver function.

Early walking, breathing exercises and a gradual return to food can support recovery. Follow wound-care instructions and attend planned appointments. Depending on the diagnosis, surgery may be combined with other cancer treatment or monitored with repeat scans.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, increasing yellowing of the skin or eyes, a swollen abdomen, confusion, wound redness or drainage, or bleeding that does not settle. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, fainting or heavy bleeding.

Ask which part of the liver will be removed, how much healthy liver is expected to remain, whether the tumour is close to a major vessel or bile duct, what pathology will determine next steps, and when follow-up imaging is planned.