Liver resection, also known as hepatectomy, is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the liver is removed. It is commonly performed to treat liver tumors, including cancerous and non-cancerous growths. The liver has a unique ability to regenerate, which allows the remaining healthy liver tissue to grow back over time.
Liver resection is recommended when a part of the liver is affected by disease but the remaining portion is healthy and functioning well. Removing the damaged section can prevent the spread of disease and improve overall survival and quality of life.
Liver resection can be performed through open surgery or minimally invasive (laparoscopic) techniques, depending on the patient’s condition. The surgeon carefully removes the diseased portion while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible.
Recovery depends on the extent of surgery and overall liver health. Hospital stay may range from a few days to a week. With proper follow-up care, the liver can regenerate and resume normal function. Early diagnosis and timely surgery significantly improve outcomes.