A key component of many liver cancer treatment plans, liver resection surgery is performed to remove all or a portion of the liver. It is a complex operation that requires the specialized expertise of a highly experienced surgical team. For some liver cancer patients, liver resection offers the best chance at a positive outcome.
TYPES OF LIVER RESECTION SURGERY
Partial Hepatectomy
A partial hepatectomy, or partial resection, involves removing cancerous growths and as much of the surrounding liver as safely possible. This approach may be appropriate for patients who have adequate liver function and are otherwise generally healthy.
Unlike some other organs, such as the pancreas and spleen, it is impossible to survive without a liver. If cancer has progressed to the point where a surgeon cannot leave enough of the liver intact and functioning, a full hepatectomy may then be considered.
Full Hepatectomy
A full hepatectomy, or full resection, is performed to remove the entire liver and replace it with a healthy donor liver (liver transplant). The healthy liver may be harvested from a cadaver or a living donor. A full hepatectomy may be an option for patients whose cancer has not spread to surrounding blood vessels but is too extensive for a partial hepatectomy.
OUR APPROACH TO LIVER RESECTION SURGERY
Tampa General Hospital’s Liver Oncology Program facilitates liver resection surgeries for patients with the most complex and advanced cases. Working hand in hand with TGH liver transplant specialists when necessary, our hepatobiliary surgeons perform a high volume of partial and full liver hepatectomies. Furthermore, TGH:
- Has the only liver cancer program on Florida’s west coast to offer transplantation as a curative therapy
- Excels in robotic-assisted and minimally invasive techniques that can help shorten recovery periods
- Participates in clinical trials focused on liver recovery following partial resections
Tampa General Hospital is recognized as Top 20 in the Nation and the Highest-Ranked Hospital in Florida for Gastroenterology & GI Surgery by U.S. News & World Report 2023-24.
Contact TGH at (813) 844-7585 to learn more about our approach to liver resection surgery or our liver cancer treatment options. We welcome patients seeking second opinions and respond to all appointment requests as quickly as possible.
