What does liver resection treat?

A surgeon removes the part of the liver containing the tumour. The operation may be used for a primary liver cancer or for cancer that began elsewhere and spread to the liver, including bowel cancer. The amount removed depends on tumour position, number, blood-vessel involvement, and the health of the remaining liver.

Surgery is considered after scans, blood tests, and assessment of liver function. Some people receive systemic treatment before or after an operation. When resection is unsuitable, the team may discuss other local treatments such as tumour ablation or non-surgical cancer treatment.

Ask how the tumour relates to major blood vessels and bile ducts, what portion of liver may be removed, and whether the planned approach is open or minimally invasive. Share details of liver disease, alcohol use, medicines, and previous operations.

After surgery, follow instructions about wound care, movement, eating, and medicines. Fatigue and reduced appetite can occur during recovery. Keep follow-up appointments so the team can review the pathology result and plan any further care.

Contact the surgical team urgently for fever, worsening abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, increasing yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, heavy bleeding, a swollen abdomen, or breathlessness. These signs may need same-day assessment.

Is the tumour removable while leaving enough working liver? What complications should I watch for? Will I need treatment before or after surgery? If resection is not suitable, how would ablation or another approach compare for my tumour?