Liver cancer is a formidable foe that demands a multi-faceted approach to treatment. Surgery is a vital component of liver cancer treatment, offering hope to many patients. In this article, we’ll provide a guide to different liver cancer surgery procedures. We’ll delve into the intricacies of how these surgeries work, their suitability for various stages of the disease, and their potential outcomes. By understanding these surgical interventions, patients and their families can be better prepared for the challenges ahead in the battle against liver cancer.
Surgery as a Treatment for Liver Cancer
Liver Cancer, also known as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), often requires a surgical approach for optimal outcomes. Surgery is typically considered when the tumour is localised and hasn’t spread extensively to other parts of the liver or body. Several surgical procedures are used in the management of liver cancer:
1. Resection Surgery
Resection surgery, also known as a liver resection, involves the removal of a portion of the liver containing the tumour. This procedure is considered for small tumours that are confined to one area of the liver and when the liver function is sufficient to allow for the removal of a portion. After resection, the remaining liver can regenerate and compensate for the loss of the removed section.
2. Liver Transplantation
Liver transplantation is an option for select patients with early-stage liver cancer who are not suitable candidates for resection due to extensive liver damage or other medical conditions. During a liver transplant, the entire liver is replaced with a healthy liver from a deceased donor. Liver transplantation offers a chance of a cure for some patients with liver cancer.
3. Ablation Therapy
Ablation therapy is a minimally invasive approach to treat liver cancer. It involves the use of various techniques, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), or ethanol injection, to destroy cancerous tissue within the liver. Ablation is suitable for small tumours and can be performed through the skin with the guidance of imaging technology.
4. Embolization
Transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) and transarterial radioembolization (TARE) are embolization procedures used to treat liver cancer. During TACE, chemotherapy drugs are injected directly into the blood vessels supplying the tumour, followed by the placement of embolic agents to block blood flow. TARE involves the delivery of radioactive microspheres to the tumour site. Both techniques aim to shrink or slow the growth of the tumour.
Post-Surgery Recovery and Follow-Up
Recovery after liver cancer surgery varies depending on the procedure’s complexity and the patient’s overall health. Patients who undergo resection or transplantation may experience a longer recovery period, while those who undergo minimally invasive techniques like ablation or embolisation typically have shorter recovery times.
Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are crucial to monitor the patient’s progress and address any potential complications or recurrence of the cancer. Imaging scans and blood tests are typically used to assess the patient’s response to treatment and to detect any signs and symptoms of liver cancer recurrence.
Liver cancer surgery plays a vital role in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma, offering hope and a potential cure for many patients. Understanding the different surgical procedures and their suitability for various stages of the disease is essential for patients and their families. While surgery is a cornerstone of liver cancer treatment, it is often combined with other therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes. By working closely with healthcare providers and following a personalised treatment plan, individuals diagnosed with liver cancer can navigate their journey towards better health and improved quality of life.
