Understanding Liver Cancer Surgery
Liver cancer surgery involves removing the tumour along with an appropriate margin of surrounding liver tissue while preserving enough healthy liver to maintain its function. For selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or certain other liver tumours, surgical removal can offer a potentially definitive treatment.
The suitability of surgery depends on the tumour’s size, number and location, the condition of the remaining liver, portal vein status and the patient’s overall health. In patients with cirrhosis, preserving adequate liver function is particularly important when planning resection.
For patients seeking Liver Cancer Surgery in Mumbai, Dr. Chetan Kalal provides specialist hepatology evaluation to assess the tumour, underlying liver disease and whether surgery, transplantation, ablation or another treatment approach is more appropriate.
Dr. Chetan Kalal: Expertise in Liver Cancer Management
Dr. Chetan Kalal is a DM Hepatologist with 15+ years of experience managing complex liver disorders, including liver cancer, cirrhosis and transplant-related conditions. Recognised as Maharashtra’s first DM Hepatologist, he completed his DM Hepatology training at ILBS, New Delhi, under Prof. S. K. Sarin. His experience in advanced liver disease helps assess liver function alongside tumour characteristics when determining the most appropriate treatment pathway.
15+ Years of Experience
Extensive experience managing complex liver and digestive disorders.
First DM Hepatologist in Maharashtra
Advanced specialist training in hepatology from ILBS, New Delhi.
Liver Transplant Expertise
Experience evaluating hepatocellular carcinoma and advanced liver disease.
Research & Publications
Experience assessing patients who may require transplant-based treatment.
Your Liver Cancer Surgery Evaluation Starts With Understanding the Tumour
Liver cancer surgery is not suitable for every patient. The decision requires assessment of both the tumour and the amount of functioning liver that will remain after surgery. The evaluation focuses on:
Liver Cancer Surgery in Mumbai: Understanding the Surgical Approach
The type and extent of liver surgery depend on the tumour’s location, size, number and relationship with important blood vessels and bile ducts.
Liver Resection
The portion of the liver containing the tumour is surgically removed while preserving the remaining healthy liver.
Segmental Resection
A smaller anatomical section of the liver may be removed when the tumour is confined to a suitable segment.
Major Liver Resection
Larger tumours or tumours involving multiple segments may require removal of a larger portion of the liver when adequate liver reserve remains.
Surgery for Selected Liver Tumours
The surgical approach is determined according to tumour type, location and the condition of the surrounding liver.
What Can Liver Cancer Surgery Help Achieve?
The role of surgery depends on the type and stage of liver cancer and the condition of the remaining liver.
When Should You Consider Liver Cancer Surgery?
Surgery may be considered when imaging and liver assessment indicate that the tumour can be removed safely and adequately. It may be considered for:
- Resectable Liver Cancer - Patients with a tumour that can be removed while preserving sufficient functioning liver may be candidates for resection.
- Solitary Liver Tumour - A single tumour in an appropriate location may be suitable for surgical removal.
- Limited Tumour Burden - Selected patients with a limited number of tumours may be assessed for surgical treatment.
- Preserved Liver Function - Adequate liver reserve is important when considering resection, particularly in patients with cirrhosis.
- Selected Recurrent Tumours - In carefully selected patients, surgery may be considered for recurrent liver cancer when the disease remains technically resectable.
Surgical planning requires more than identifying the tumour. The amount of functioning liver that will remain after resection is an important part of the decision.
Contrast-enhanced CT or MRI is evaluated to understand tumour size, location, number and involvement of nearby vessels.
Liver function, cirrhosis severity and portal hypertension are considered to determine whether the remaining liver can support recovery after surgery.
Major blood vessels and bile ducts are assessed to determine whether the tumour can be removed safely.
The surgical plan aims to remove the tumour while preserving as much functioning liver tissue as clinically possible.
Surgery is considered alongside transplantation, ablation, TACE, TARE and systemic treatment depending on the tumour stage and liver condition.
After surgery, imaging and clinical monitoring are used to assess recovery and detect any evidence of recurrent disease.
When Is Liver Cancer Surgery Not the Right Approach?
Not every liver tumour can or should be treated with surgical resection. The extent of disease and the condition of the liver can make another treatment more appropriate. Another treatment may be considered when:
Liver function is too poor to safely tolerate resection
There are multiple or extensively distributed tumours
The remaining liver volume would be insufficient after surgery
Liver transplantation may offer a more suitable treatment pathway
Frequently Asked Questions About Liver Cancer
Can liver cancer be treated with surgery?
Yes. Selected liver cancers can be surgically removed when the tumour is resectable and enough functioning liver can remain after surgery. Suitability depends on tumour characteristics and liver function.
How long does recovery take after liver cancer surgery?
Recovery varies according to the extent of liver resection, the patient’s overall health and the presence of underlying liver disease. Hospital monitoring is followed by gradual return to normal activities.
Difference between liver resection and liver transplant?
Liver resection removes the part of liver containing the tumour, while transplantation replaces the diseased liver with a donor liver. The appropriate option depends on tumour characteristics and condition of underlying liver.
Does every patient with liver cancer need surgery?
No. Treatment depends on tumour stage, liver function, vascular involvement and overall health. Options may include surgery, transplantation, ablation, TACE, TARE or systemic therapy.
Is liver surgery possible in patients with cirrhosis?
It can be possible in selected patients with adequate liver reserve. The severity of cirrhosis and portal hypertension must be carefully assessed before considering resection.
Can liver cancer return after surgery?
Yes. Recurrence is possible even after successful tumour removal, particularly in patients with underlying chronic liver disease. Regular follow-up imaging and liver assessment are therefore important.
