Liver Resection
The liver is a large organ on the right side of your abdomen just under your ribs. The liver has many functions:It gets rid of waste products and clears the blood of substances such as alcohol and drugs. It makes bile that is transported into the gut where it helps digesting fat. It makes substances that blood needs to form clots.
Liver resection means removal of parts of the liver. As much as 80% of the liver can be removed safely. The liver has the potential to regenerate (that means grow back) and it will do so until it reaches close to its original size. This takes as little as a few weeks after the operation.
The Operation
The amount of liver that is removed depends on the size and position of the tumor. The surgeon will remove as little healthy liver as possible. To do this the surgeon needs to have perfect exposure of the liver. For this reason an incision is made that goes from the right side of your ribs to the middle and curves up towards your chest. Once the incision has been made intra-operative ultrasound is done to have a closer look on the tumor and determine exactly how much liver needs to be removed. The surgery itself takes between three and six hours.
After Surgery
You will stay at the hospital for eight to ten days. The first night will be spent in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) after which you will transferred to the floor. You will be encouraged to get out of bed and walk from then on. On the third day you will be started on a clear liquid diet, which will soon be advanced to a regular diet. As soon as you are eating a regular diet and moving your bowels you will be ready for discharge.
At Home
It is normal to feel tired after liver surgery. It takes about six to eight weeks until you gain your full energy back. It is normal to have an afternoon nap during that time. It is normal to have a decreased appetite after surgery. This might last for a few weeks. It is important though for you to eat regular meals in order to regain strength and help your liver grow back. If you don't feel like eating regular food you can take supplements such as Ensure.
Alcohol is cleared through the liver. It is important not to drink any alcohol while your liver recuperates. Also be aware that many drugs are cleared through the liver, like pain medications and sleeping pills. Check with your doctor before taking any of these.
It is normal for your skin to feel numb below the incision. This will get better with time as the healing process goes on. It takes about six weeks for your incision to heal. During this time you shouldn't lift heavy weights (over five pounds). Daily exercise will help gain your strength back. Daily walks are fine but check with your doctor before starting strenuous exercise.
