Liver Resection
The liver is the body’s largest internal organ located below the lungs on the right side of the upper body. It occupies most of the space within the rib cage. The gallbladder, which stores bile produced by the liver, lies beneath it. With over 500 vital functions, the liver is the second most hardworking organ in the body, next to the brain in terms of functions. Its primary role is to continuously filter approximately 22 gallons of blood every hour and more than 250 gallons within 24 hours. Aside from facilitating waste elimination, the liver has many functions related to metabolism, including converting food into energy and breaking down nutrients into essential building blocks.
The liver can regenerate itself, even after up to 90% of it has been surgically removed. However, it is not invincible to damage. Various diseases and exposures can harm the liver beyond the point of repair.
Liver disease refers to various conditions that cause damage to the liver. In the United States, more than 100 million people have some form of liver disease, and many do not know they have it. Liver disease can develop for many reasons, including:
- Viruses: Hepatitis A, B and C
- Obesity and alcohol or drug abuse: Fatty liver disease and cirrhosis
- Cancer
- Genetic liver diseases: Hemochromatosis and Wilson disease
Sometimes, there are no symptoms, but as the damage progresses, symptoms often include swelling of the abdomen and legs, bruising, changes in the color of the stool and urine and jaundice (the yellowing of the skin and eyes).
The initial goal of treatment is to address the underlying condition through weight loss, healthy lifestyle changes and antiviral medications. For liver cancer and cirrhosis, treatment typically involves either liver resection or a liver transplant. Smaller liver cancers can be treated with alternative methods like ablation or radiation therapy.
What Is a Liver Resection?
A liver resection, also known as hepatectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a portion of or the entire liver. This procedure is typically reserved for patients with good liver function who are healthy enough for surgery and have a single tumor that has not invaded blood vessels.
In the United States, many liver cancer patients also have cirrhosis. For patients with severe cirrhosis, even removing a small amount of liver tissue near the tumor edges may compromise essential liver functions. Eligibility for surgery in cirrhotic patients depends on factors such as the presence of a single tumor (not invading blood vessels) and the preservation of at least 30% of liver function after tumor removal. Doctors often evaluate liver function using the Child-Pugh, which considers specific laboratory tests and symptoms. Patients in Child-Pugh class A are more likely to qualify for surgery, while those in class B have a lower likelihood, and surgery is generally not an option for class C patients.
What to Expect After Liver Resection Surgery
Before surgery, imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with angiography are performed to assess whether the cancer can be removed entirely. Hepatectomy is not recommended in cases where the tumor is too large or has spread extensively.
Like any surgical procedure, liver resection comes with several risks and side effects, including:
- Bleeding: The liver receives a large blood supply, making post-surgery bleeding a major concern. Additionally, the liver produces clotting factors, and damage during surgery can aggravate bleeding problems.
- Infection
- Complications from anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Pneumonia
- New liver cancer: Despite tumor removal, the remaining liver tissue has the underlying disease that initially led to cancer, potentially resulting in the development of new tumors.
Liver resection is a major and serious procedure requiring skilled and experienced surgeons. Liver cancer patients often face additional liver issues, and surgeons must strike a delicate balance of removing enough liver tissue to remove the cancer while preserving sufficient healthy liver tissue to carry out its vital functions properly post-surgery.
What Is the Recovery Time for a Liver Resection?
Aside from the number, location and size of tumors present, the outcome of liver resection depends on other factors, such as the patient’s overall health, the type of surgery and whether or not the patient develops complications after surgery.
Although, in some instances, liver resection can lead to a cure for liver cancer, it is also possible for liver cancer to recur after surgery. For the best possible outcome, it is crucial to adhere to the prescribed follow-up care, such as:
- Attending scheduled follow-up appointments
- Taking prescribed treatments
- Practicing healthy lifestyle habits
- Notifying the healthcare provider of any new symptoms or health changes. In some instances, doctors may order tests to assess potential complications from treatment or check if the cancer has returned or spread.
Find a Surgeon in Nacogdoches
Healthcare is better together. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort that may be related to liver disease, have been recently diagnosed, or know someone who has, Nacogdoches Medical Partners can help. Our dedicated team can determine a suitable surgical approach for treating bile duct problems.
To schedule a complimentary consultation today, call 936-221-5560 to request an appointment online.
Takeaways
Liver diseases that lead to damage often remain asymptomatic until significant damage occurs. If you have received a liver damage diagnosis, your treatment options depend on several factors. Consulting with your doctor will help you assess the potential benefits and risks of surgery to determine if it is the appropriate option for you.
