Patients with liver tumors often require some form of major surgery to remove the affected tissue. This is usually performed with incisions in the midline or under the ribs on the right side. When appropriate, minimally invasive surgical techniques may be possible with smaller incisions.
Laparoscopic surgery offers results comparable to open surgery, but with less pain, reduced loss of blood, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and a lower risk of post-operative complications.
Types of surgery used to treat liver cancer include:
- Partial hepatectomy – Removing the area of the liver where a tumor exists, along with a margin of the healthy tissue around it. The remaining liver tissue can regenerate, restoring liver function.
- Total hepatectomy – In certain cases, the entire liver may be removed, and then replaced with a healthy donated liver.