About Liver Cancer Surgery
Key Highlights
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Curative Potential: Offers the best chance for a complete cure, especially for localized liver cancer.Tissue Preservation: Surgeons aim to maximize removal of cancerous tissue while sparing healthy liver function.Advanced Techniques: Utilizes state-of-the-art methods like laparoscopic and robotic surgery for less invasive options.listrongMultidisciplinary Approach:/strong Performed by a surgical oncologist within a team of specialists for comprehensive care./lilistrongImproved Survival Rates:/strong Significantly increases long-term survival prospects when the cancer is caught early./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of primary liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma - HCC, Cholangiocarcinoma).
- Limited metastatic cancer to the liver from another primary site (e.g., colorectal cancer), where removal is possible.
- A tumor that is confined to the liver and has not spread widely to major blood vessels or other organs.
- Sufficient future liver remnant (FLR) – enough healthy liver tissue will remain after surgery to support life.
- Good overall health and liver function (Child-Pugh class A or selected B) to tolerate major surgery.
- When other treatments like ablation or embolization are not suitable or have failed.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Undergo detailed imaging (CT, MRI), blood tests, and sometimes a biopsy to map the tumor and assess liver function.
- Medical Optimization: Manage underlying conditions like cirrhosis, and stop medications that increase bleeding risk (e.g., blood thinners) as advised.
- Nutritional Assessment: Work with a dietitian to ensure optimal nutritional status before surgery to aid healing.
- Pre-habilitation: May include exercises to improve physical strength and lung capacity.
- Informed Consent: Detailed discussion with the surgical oncologist about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
- Fasting: No food or drink for a specified period (usually 8-12 hours) before the surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding (Hemorrhage): During or after surgery, which may require blood transfusion or re-operation.
- Infection: Risk of wound infection, intra-abdominal abscess, or pneumonia.
- Liver Failure: If the remaining liver tissue is insufficient or damaged, leading to a serious condition.
- Bile Leak: Leakage of bile from the cut surface of the liver, which may require drainage.
- Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).
- General Anesthesia Risks: Reactions to anesthesia, breathing problems, or heart complications.
- Recurrence: Cancer may return in the remaining liver or elsewhere in the body.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital Stay: Initial recovery in the hospital with pain management, monitoring of liver function, and gradual mobilization.
- Pain Control: Effective pain relief through medications, including patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps initially.
- Incremental Activity: Encouraged to walk soon after surgery to prevent clots and improve recovery.
- Dietary Progression: Start with clear liquids, advancing to a soft, then regular diet as tolerated, often with protein support.
- Wound Care: Instructions on keeping the incision site clean and dry, and monitoring for signs of infection.
- Follow-up: Regular check-ups with the surgical oncologist for imaging and blood tests to monitor liver function and check for recurrence.
- Long-term Lifestyle: Adherence to a healthy diet, abstaining from alcohol, and managing underlying liver disease are crucial.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering liver cancer surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform liver cancer surgery. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for liver cancer surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
Reyansh Brown, a 58-year-old former shipyard...
Reyansh Brown, a 58-year-old former shipyard welder, had been enjoying his retirement, spending time with his grandchildren and tending to his garden. Over several months, he noticed a persistent dull ache in his upper right abdomen, profound fatigue that made his usual activities difficult, and unexplained weight loss. His primary care physician ordered an ultrasound, which revealed a suspicious mass. A subsequent biopsy confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma. His surgical oncologist, Dr. Evans, explained that due to the tumor's size and location, a partial hepatectomy (surgical removal of the affected part of the liver) offered the best chance for a cure. Reyansh was terrified, fearing he wouldn't see his grandkids grow up. The surgery was complex but successful. His recovery in the hospital was challenging, marked by pain and initial weakness, but his liver function began to stabilize. At his three-month follow-up, scans showed no evidence of remaining cancer. The emotional relief was overwhelming. While mindful of the need for ongoing surveillance, Reyansh feels a profound gratitude for his second chance and has returned to his garden with renewed, though careful, vigor.
Surgical Oncologists for Liver Cancer Surgery
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform liver cancer surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore