About Liver Cancer Treatment
Key Highlights
-
Curative intent for localized liver cancer, offering the best chance for long-term survival.Performed by specialized surgeons with expertise in complex liver anatomy and oncology.Utilizes advanced techniques like laparoscopic and robotic surgery for potentially faster recovery.Tailored to the individual, considering tumor characteristics and liver reserve.Often part of a multimodal treatment plan combined with other therapies like ablation or chemotherapy.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of primary liver cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma - HCC) or cholangiocarcinoma confined to the liver.
- Select cases of colorectal or other cancers that have metastasized only to the liver (oligometastatic disease).
- Patient has adequate liver function reserve (Child-Pugh class A or selected B) to tolerate surgery.
- Tumor is technically resectable, considering size, number, and location relative to major blood vessels.
- Patient is in satisfactory overall health to undergo major surgery and anesthesia.
- No evidence of widespread cancer beyond the liver that cannot be controlled.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive evaluation including blood tests (liver function, coagulation), imaging (CT, MRI), and sometimes a biopsy.
- Assessment of liver reserve and volume using specialized imaging software.
- Pre-operative consultation with anesthesiologist and medical optimization of any co-existing conditions.
- Nutritional assessment and support to improve surgical outcomes.
- Discontinuation of certain medications (e.g., blood thinners) as advised by the surgical team.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before the scheduled surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- General surgical risks: Bleeding, infection, blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Liver-specific risks: Post-hepatectomy liver failure, bile leak, and jaundice.
- Risk of damage to nearby structures like the intestines, diaphragm, or major blood vessels.
- Post-operative complications such as pneumonia, pleural effusion, or ascites.
- Long-term risks include recurrence of cancer and, in rare cases, chronic liver insufficiency.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial recovery in the hospital's intensive care or high-dependency unit for close monitoring.
- Pain management with medications and early mobilization to prevent complications.
- Gradual advancement of diet from liquids to solid foods as bowel function returns.
- Drainage tubes are typically removed a few days post-surgery if output is minimal.
- Post-discharge care includes wound care, activity restrictions (no heavy lifting), and follow-up appointments.
- Regular imaging and blood tests are scheduled to monitor liver function and check for cancer recurrence.
-
Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
-
Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering liver cancer treatment 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 treatment. 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 treatment compare across other countries where we have data.
Emma Joshi, a 58-year-old elementary school...
Emma Joshi, a 58-year-old elementary school librarian and mother of two, had always been health-conscious. Her diagnosis came as a profound shock. For months, she'd dismissed her persistent fatigue and occasional dull ache in her right side as stress and getting older. A routine check-up revealed elevated liver enzymes, leading to an ultrasound and a biopsy that confirmed a single, 4.5 cm hepatocellular carcinoma. Her surgical oncologist, Dr. Chen, explained that due to the tumor's size, location, and Emma's otherwise good liver function, a partial hepatectomy (surgical removal of the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue) offered the best chance for a cure. The surgery was laparoscopic, minimally invasive. The immediate recovery in the hospital was challenging, with pain and fatigue, but she was walking within a day. At her three-month follow-up, scans showed no evidence of disease. Emotionally, Emma journeyed from initial terror and feeling her body had betrayed her, through the anxiety of surgery, to a profound sense of resilience and gratitude. She now advocates for regular screenings and finds a new depth in her quiet moments at the library, cherishing her health and family.
Surgical Oncologists for Liver Cancer Treatment
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform liver cancer treatment 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