Learn about Liver Cancer Treatment 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 Treatment and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Liver Cancer Treatment

Liver cancer treatment by a surgical oncologist involves specialized surgical procedures to remove cancerous 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 (removal of part of the liver), total hepatectomy with liver transplantation (in select cases), and minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques. The specific procedure is tailored based on tumor size, location, number of lesions, liver function, and the patient's overall health. As experts in cancer surgery, surgical oncologists work within a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive care, aiming for optimal oncological outcomes and improved long-term survival for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), cholangiocarcinoma, or metastatic liver tumors.

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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 250 Thousand – 1.5 Million 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 875 Thousand – 5.25 Million 5-10 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Nitish Ranjan Acharya
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Devesh S. Ballal
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Lakshmanan C.
  • 39 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Manjunath N. M. L.
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Surgical Oncologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated