Learn about Liver Cancer Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Liver Cancer and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Liver Cancer

Liver cancer surgery, performed by a surgical oncologist, is a specialized procedure to remove malignant tumors from the liver. The primary goal is to achieve complete tumor resection while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible to maintain organ function. Common surgical approaches include partial hepatectomy (removing part of the liver) or, in select cases, total hepatectomy followed by liver transplantation. This procedure is a cornerstone of curative treatment for localized liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and some metastatic cancers. The surgical oncologist utilizes advanced techniques, often minimally invasive (laparoscopic or robotic-assisted), to enhance precision, reduce blood loss, and promote faster recovery. Success depends on tumor size, location, liver function, and the patient's overall health.

Key Highlights

    Curative intent for localized liver cancer, offering the best chance for long-term survival.Performed by specialized surgical oncologists with expertise in liver anatomy and complex cancer surgery.Utilization of advanced, minimally invasive techniques (laparoscopic/robotic) for reduced pain and quicker recovery.Precision surgery aims to remove all cancerous tissue while maximizing preservation of healthy liver function.Can be combined with other treatments like ablation, embolization, or chemotherapy for a multimodal approach.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Diagnosis of primary liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma - HCC, Cholangiocarcinoma) confined to the liver.
  • Select cases of colorectal or other cancers that have metastasized only to the liver (oligometastatic disease).
  • Tumors are technically resectable, meaning they can be completely removed with adequate margins.
  • Patient has sufficient future liver remnant (FLR) volume and adequate liver function (Child-Pugh class A or B).
  • Patient is in acceptable overall health (good performance status) to tolerate major abdominal surgery.

How to prepare

  • Comprehensive evaluation including blood tests (liver function, coagulation), imaging (CT, MRI), and sometimes a liver biopsy.
  • Assessment of future liver remnant volume via CT volumetry to ensure post-safety.
  • Preoperative optimization: managing cirrhosis, improving nutrition, and stopping certain medications (blood thinners).
  • Consultations with anesthesiologist, hepatologist, and possibly an interventional radiologist for preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) if needed.
  • Patient education on the procedure, risks, and the recovery process, including breathing exercises.

Risks & possible complications

  • General surgical risks: bleeding, infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
  • Liver-specific complications: liver failure (especially if remnant is too small), bile leak, and ascites (fluid buildup).
  • Post-hepatectomy liver failure is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication.
  • Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs) and pneumonia.
  • Long-term risks include recurrence of cancer and, rarely, liver insufficiency.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial hospital stay involves monitoring in a specialized unit for liver function, pain management, and early mobilization.
  • Diet is gradually advanced from liquids to solid foods as bowel function returns.
  • Pain is managed with medications, transitioning from IV to oral forms.
  • Patients are encouraged to walk soon after surgery to prevent complications but must avoid heavy lifting for several weeks.
  • Follow-up includes regular visits for wound checks, imaging (CT/MRI), and blood tests (AFP tumor marker) to monitor for recurrence.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering liver cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for liver cancer compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 2,719 – USD 13,052 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 20,131 – USD 96,630 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Liver Cancer in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical oncology teams and experience managing patients undergoing liver cancer.

Nanavati Max Hospital

  • IconMumbai, India
  • Icon187 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

As a young professional with a...

As a young professional with a hectic schedule, Dr. Acharya’s team accommodated my follow-ups efficiently without ever making me feel rushed. His balance of expertise and empathy is rare in surgical fields.

Surgical Oncologists for Liver Cancer

Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform liver cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road

OPD-desk synced • Updated