What should you know about right hepatectomy?

The liver has a strong ability to repair and adapt after part of it is removed. Before surgery, the team reviews scans, liver health, tumour position, and whether the remaining liver is sufficient. The operation may involve removal of the right liver sections and nearby tissues when medically necessary. It can be considered for primary liver cancer or cancer that has spread to the liver, including some bowel cancers. The exact approach may be open or minimally invasive, depending on tumour size, location, and surgical planning.

Bring a current list of medicines, supplements, allergies, and previous operations. Follow the hospital’s instructions about eating, drinking, medicines, and activity before surgery. Afterward, expect monitoring of pain, wound healing, breathing, bowel function, and liver tests. Gentle movement, breathing exercises, and gradual meals can support recovery. Do not lift heavily or drive until the surgical team confirms that it is appropriate. Keep follow-up appointments so symptoms and test results can guide the next step.

Contact your surgical team promptly for fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, increasing yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, a swollen abdomen, wound redness or drainage, or very dark urine. Seek emergency help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or sudden confusion. These symptoms can have several causes, so assessment is needed rather than waiting for the next appointment.

Ask which part of the liver will be removed, why this operation is recommended, whether another treatment could be suitable, how liver function will be checked, what restrictions apply at home, and which symptoms should trigger a same-day call.