Name of the Procedure:

Hepatectomy, Resection of Liver; Partial Lobectomy

• Common Name(s): Partial Hepatectomy, Liver Resection
• Medical Terms: Partial Lobectomy, Segmental Hepatectomy

Summary

A partial hepatectomy involves surgically removing a portion of the liver. This procedure is typically done to remove cancerous or damaged liver tissue, allowing the remaining healthy part of the liver to function more effectively.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Used to treat liver cancer, benign liver tumors, liver metastases (cancer spread to the liver), and certain liver injuries or infections.
• Goals/Outcomes: Remove the diseased or damaged liver tissue, alleviate symptoms, prevent disease progression, and potentially cure cancer.

Indications

• Symptoms of liver disease such as jaundice, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss.
• Presence of liver tumors, both primary (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma) and secondary (e.g., metastases).
• Patient suitability includes adequate liver function, overall stable health, and acceptable surgical risk.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Fasting for at least 8 hours before surgery, stopping certain medications as advised.
• Diagnostic Tests: Blood tests, liver function tests, imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI, ultrasound), biopsy if necessary.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: General anesthesia is administered to keep the patient unconscious and pain-free.
2. Incision: A surgical incision is made in the abdomen to access the liver.
3. Resection: The surgeon identifies and removes the affected portion of the liver. Special surgical tools like clamps and scalpels are used.
4. Hemostasis: Blood vessels are sealed to prevent bleeding.
5. Closure: The surgical site is closed with sutures or staples.

Duration

Typically takes 2 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity and extent of the resection.

Setting

Usually performed in a hospital operating room.

Personnel

• Surgeons: Hepatic or general surgeons specialized in liver surgery.
• Nurses: Operating room nurses and surgical technologists.
• Anesthesiologists: To administer and monitor anesthesia.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Bleeding, infection, blood clots, bile leak.
• Rare Risks: Liver failure, reaction to anesthesia, accidental damage to surrounding organs.
• Management: Most complications are manageable with medication, additional surgery, or other treatments.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Removal of diseased tissue, potential cure for localized liver cancer, relief of symptoms.
• Timeline: Benefits are often realized shortly after a successful surgery, with gradual improvement during recovery.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, wound care.
• Recovery Time: Typically 6 to 8 weeks; no heavy lifting or strenuous activities during this period.
• Follow-Up: Regular check-ups for liver function tests and imaging studies.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Liver transplantation (for advanced disease), radiofrequency ablation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy.
• Pros and Cons: Alternatives may be less invasive but might not be curative; suitability depends on the individual’s condition and overall health.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Under general anesthesia, the patient will be unconscious and unaware.
• After Procedure: Pain and discomfort managed with medications, possible nausea, and fatigue initially; gradual improvement with adherence to recovery guidelines.