Liver Cancer Surgery Treatment in Thailand
About Liver Cancer Surgery
Liver cancer surgery, performed by a specialized surgical oncologist, is a major procedure aimed at removing cancerous tumors from the liver. The primary goal is to eliminate the malignancy while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible to maintain organ function. The specific surgical approach, such as a partial hepatectomy (removing part of the liver) or a total hepatectomy with liver transplant, depends on the tumor's size, location, and stage, as well as the patient's overall liver health. This procedure is a cornerstone of curative treatment for many patients with primary liver cancers like hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or certain metastatic cancers. Advances in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, have improved precision and can lead to better outcomes and faster recovery for eligible patients.
Key Highlights
-
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.
-
Typical hospital stay:
5-10 days
-
Expected recovery time:
6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering liver cancer surgery in Thailand, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Thailand 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.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Arab Emirates | USD 6,615 – USD 28,350 | 5-10 days | ~ 6-12 weeks | Know More |
| Thailand | USD 6,720 – USD 33,600 | 5-10 days | ~ 6-12 weeks | Know More |
| South Korea | USD 6,720 – USD 33,600 | 5-10 days | ~ 6-12 weeks | Know More |
| India | USD 3,819 – USD 16,366 | 5-10 days | ~ 6-12 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 28,216 – USD 120,927 | 5-10 days | ~ 6-12 weeks | Know More |
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.