What to expect from liver resection for bowel cancer

The surgeon removes the liver area affected by cancer while preserving enough healthy liver to work normally. The approach may be open surgery or keyhole surgery, depending on the location, number and size of areas being treated and your overall plan. Tissue removed during the operation is examined to guide further care.

After surgery, discomfort around the abdomen, reduced appetite, tiredness and changes in bowel habits can occur. You may have a wound, drain or drip for a period while the team checks pain control, eating, movement and liver function. Recovery differs between people and may take time after leaving hospital.

Before admission, discuss your medicines, alcohol use, smoking, dental problems and any other illness with the surgical team. Arrange help with meals, transport and household tasks. At home, take pain medicine exactly as prescribed, keep the wound clean and attend appointments. Short walks, breathing exercises and gradual activity can support recovery; avoid lifting or driving until your team says it is appropriate.

Seek urgent advice for a fever, increasing abdominal pain or swelling, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, fainting, chest pain, breathlessness, or a wound that becomes red, hot, open or increasingly wet. Contact the team promptly if you cannot eat, drink or pass urine. These signs can need assessment rather than watchful waiting.

Ask which section of the liver will be removed, whether bowel treatment or medicines are planned before or after surgery, and how your team will assess liver function. Clarify the expected hospital stay, wound care, activity limits and the symptoms that require an urgent call.