What Is Liver Surgery?

Liver surgery is a procedure performed to remove, repair, or replace parts of the liver that are diseased, damaged, or affected by tumors. It may involve removing a small portion of the liver, a large segment, or even the entire organ in case of a liver transplant.

The good news? The liver is the only organ in the human body that can regenerate. That means even if part of it is removed during surgery, it can grow back over time — a unique and amazing ability!

When Is Liver Surgery Needed?

Liver surgery is usually recommended in the following conditions:

• Liver Cancer: If a tumor or multiple tumors are found in the liver, surgery may be needed to remove the cancerous part.
• Metastatic Liver Disease: Sometimes, cancers from other organs like the colon or breast spread to the liver. This is called metastatic cancer. Surgery may help remove these tumors from the liver.
• Liver Cirrhosis: Severe liver damage from alcohol, hepatitis, or other conditions can lead to cirrhosis. In advanced cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.
• Liver Cysts or Benign Tumors: Not all liver growths are cancer. Some are benign, like cysts or hemangiomas. If they cause pain or grow too big, surgery may be needed.
• Liver Abscess: Infections in the liver can form pus-filled abscesses. If antibiotics don’t work, surgery may be required to drain them.
• Trauma or Injury to the Liver: In cases of severe accidents, the liver can get injured and may require emergency surgery to stop bleeding and save the patient.

Types of Liver Surgeries:

Depending on the diagnosis, the type of liver surgery may vary. Here are the most common procedures:

• Liver Resection: This means removing a part of the liver. It is usually done to take out tumors or damaged tissue. Depending on how much liver is removed, it can be:
  • Partial Hepatectomy – Small portion removed.
  • Lobectomy – One lobe (section) of the liver is removed.
  • Extended Lobectomy – More than one lobe removed.
• Laparoscopic Liver Surgery: Minimally invasive surgery done using small cuts and a camera. It causes less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery.

• Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) or Microwave Ablation: In Not exactly surgery, but a procedure where heat is used to destroy cancer cells. Sometimes combined with surgery or done alone when surgery is not possible.
• Liver Biopsy (Surgical): If doctors need a tissue sample for testing and it cannot be done through a needle, a small surgical biopsy is done.

How to Prepare for Liver Surgery?

Getting ready for liver surgery is a team effort. Here's what typically happens:

• Pre-operative Evaluation: This includes blood tests, liver function tests, imaging (CT scan, MRI), and sometimes biopsy. Doctors also check your overall health to ensure you are fit for surgery.
• Planning Support: Family or friends should be informed and available to help during and after the surgery. You may need a few days or weeks of recovery time.
• Fasting Before Surgery: You will likely need to stop eating and drinking for a certain time before the operation

What Happens During Liver Surgery?

The procedure can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the complexity. It is done under general anesthesia (you will be asleep).

• For open surgeries, a cut is made in the abdomen to access the liver.
• For laparoscopic surgeries, small holes are made to insert tools and a camera.
• The surgeon removes the diseased or damaged portion of the liver. If it's a transplant, the old liver is removed and the new one is attached carefully.

Recovery After Liver Surgery:

Recovery is a crucial part of your liver surgery journey. Here's what to expect:

• Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 5 to 10 days. If it’s a liver transplant, the stay may be longer.
• Pain Management: You will be given pain relief medication to help you stay comfortable.
• Diet and Fluids: You’ll start with liquids and slowly return to a normal diet as your body heals.
• Wound Care: Your surgical site will be cleaned and checked regularly. Follow your doctor’s advice on dressing changes.
• Follow-up Visits: Regular check-ups, blood tests, and scans are needed to make sure your liver is healing well.
• Back to Normal Life: Most people can return to work in about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the type of surgery and overall health.

Risks and Complications of Liver Surgery:

Like any major surgery, liver procedures carry some risks. These may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Bile leakage
• Blood cuts
• Rejection (in case of liver transplant)
• Temporary or long-term dysfunction