In this procedure, surgeons attempt to extract the entire tumor as well as the healthy tissue encircling the tumor. An entire lobe may be removed; or in other cases, only a small portions of the liver are removed. Apart from liver transplantation, this treatment is the only one likely to cure liver cancer.

What is the duration of treatment?

Treatment duration includes preoperative consultations as well as ongoing follow-up visits to the doctor after the operation.

How effective is surgical resection/partial hepatectomy?

This is the most effective treatment for liver cancer at this time. The 5 year survival rate among patients is approximately 20-40%. The rate of recurrence of liver disease in patients after liver surgery is 48-78%.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects could include bleeding, blood clotting problems, and liver damage.

Is there anyone who should not have surgical resection/partial hepatectomy?

Only an estimated 8-30% of those needing this treatment will qualify for the procedure. Patients with cirrhosis, severe liver damage, poor liver function, tumors larger than 3 centimeters, advanced liver disease, multiple tumors, tumors in close proximity to major blood vessels, or cancer that has spread beyond the liver are not considered eligible for this treatment.

How much does surgical resection/partial hepatectomy cost?

Insurance sometimes covers at least some portion of the cost of liver surgery. Without insurance, estimated charges are $30,000 for the surgery, itself independent of any additional treatments.

Comments are closed.