Surgical oncology
Liver cancer surgery
Removal of the affected part of the liver where that is possible — a decision that depends as much on the health of the remaining liver as on the tumour itself.
In plain language
What this operation is
Liver cancer may be primary (starting in the liver) or secondary (spread from elsewhere, most often the bowel). The treatment differs, so establishing which it is comes first.
What makes liver surgery different is that the decision is not only about the tumour. The liver has to keep working afterwards, so how much healthy liver remains — and how well it functions — is central. Many patients with primary liver cancer also have underlying liver disease, which limits how much can safely be removed.
Where resection is not possible, other treatments exist. Being clear about that is part of an honest assessment.
Who it is for
When this operation is advised
- A liver tumour found on ultrasound, CT or MRI
- Raised tumour markers with imaging findings
- Secondary liver deposits from bowel cancer, where resection may be appropriate
- Surveillance findings in someone with known liver disease
And when it is not. Not all liver tumours can or should be removed. Where liver function is poor, or the disease is widespread, resection may do more harm than good — and other treatments are the better route.
How it works
From assessment to follow-up
-
01
First consultation
History, examination and review of every report and film you already have. Bring the actual films, not only the printed summaries.
-
02
Diagnosis and staging
Biopsy confirms the diagnosis; imaging establishes how far the disease has gone. No treatment plan is made before this.
-
03
The plan
Whether surgery is the right step, and in what order relative to chemotherapy or radiotherapy — agreed with you before anything is booked.
-
04
Treatment and follow-up
The operation where appropriate, then the pathology report, and continuing follow-up.
Afterwards
What recovery involves
Recovery differs between patients. What follows is what usually happens — your own timeframe is given at discharge, based on the operation you actually had.
- Recovery depends on the operation performed and on your general health.
- A written discharge plan, wound-care guidance and a follow-up appointment are given before you leave.
- The pathology report usually takes some days and is discussed with you at follow-up.
- Whether further treatment is advised is decided once that report is available.
When to go to hospital instead
Yellowing of the eyes or skin, confusion, a swollen abdomen or vomiting blood needs urgent hospital assessment.
Common questions
Questions patients ask
Anything not covered here can be answered at the consultation.
01 Can all liver tumours be removed?
No. The decision depends on the number and position of tumours, whether the disease has spread, and critically how well the remaining liver would function. Where resection is not safe, other treatments are considered.
Suitability02 What is the difference between primary and secondary liver cancer?
Primary liver cancer starts in the liver. Secondary means it has spread there from elsewhere, most often the bowel. They are different diseases with different treatment, which is why establishing the origin comes first.
Types03 Does hepatitis increase the risk?
Chronic hepatitis B and C, and cirrhosis from any cause, are known risk factors for primary liver cancer. That is why people with these conditions are offered surveillance.
RiskNext step
Bring your reports to a consultation
Often one visit is enough to know whether an operation is needed at all.