What to expect from liver resection for liver metastases

A specialist team reviews scans to see where the deposits are, whether they can be removed, and how much healthy liver would remain. Surgery may be open or keyhole. The surgeon removes selected areas rather than the entire liver. Liver tissue and the removed deposits are assessed after the operation, and the results can help shape the wider cancer plan.

Early recovery can include abdominal soreness, tiredness, reduced appetite and changes in digestion. The hospital team checks your wound, pain, movement, eating and liver function. A drain or catheter may be present for a short period. Recovery after discharge continues in stages, especially if other cancer treatment is also planned.

Bring an up-to-date medicine list and tell the team about previous treatments, alcohol use, smoking and other health conditions. Arrange someone to help with transport, shopping and meals. At home, take prescribed medicines, care for the wound as instructed and keep follow-up appointments. Walk gently and build activity slowly; ask before lifting, driving or restarting strenuous exercise.

Call the care team promptly for fever, escalating abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, confusion, fainting, breathlessness, or a wound that is increasingly red, painful, swollen or leaking. Difficulty drinking, passing urine or staying awake needs urgent assessment. Emergency services are appropriate for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask how many deposits can be treated, how the remaining liver will be assessed, and whether chemotherapy or another treatment is planned around surgery. Discuss the operation type, hospital recovery, wound care, activity limits and who to contact outside clinic hours.