Hepatectomy — Partial Liver Resection

Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu is a Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Surgeon in Bangalore who performs hepatectomy — partial liver resection. This procedure involves removing a portion of the liver to treat conditions like tumors, cysts, or severe infections. Dr. Bojanapu specializes in minimally invasive techniques to ensure faster recovery and reduced complications. With extensive experience in liver surgery and transplantation, he provides personalized care to each patient. His approach combines advanced medical knowledge with compassion, ensuring the best possible outcomes for those needing liver resection.

About Hepatectomy — Partial Liver Resection

A hepatectomy, or partial liver resection, is a surgical procedure in which a portion of the liver is removed to treat liver disease or tumors. During the operation, the surgeon carefully removes diseased or cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible. This procedure is often performed when the liver contains a localized tumor, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, or when part of the liver is damaged due to injury or disease. It is indicated when other treatments, such as ablation or embolization, are not suitable or effective.

Patients undergoing a partial liver resection can expect a hospital stay of several days, followed by a period of recovery at home. After surgery, they may experience fatigue, pain, and temporary changes in liver function. Recovery time varies depending on the extent of the resection and the patient’s overall health. Most patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks, though they may need to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise initially. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential to monitor liver function and detect any recurrence of disease.

Key Steps / What to Expect

• Removes localized liver tumors while preserving healthy tissue.
• Improves survival rates for early-stage liver cancer patients.
• Allows for potential liver regeneration post-surgery.
• Minimally invasive techniques reduce recovery time.
• Can be combined with other treatments for better outcomes.

Dr. Bojanapu Approach

Dr. Srinivas Bojanapu employs a meticulous and patient-centered approach to hepatectomy, focusing on precision and minimal invasiveness. He utilizes advanced imaging technologies such as CT scans, MRI, and intraoperative ultrasound to accurately map the liver and identify the tumor’s location and vascular anatomy. This allows for careful planning of the resection margins, ensuring complete tumor removal while preserving as much healthy liver tissue as possible. Dr. Bojanapu often incorporates laparoscopic or robotic-assisted techniques, which reduce postoperative pain, recovery time, and the risk of complications.

The outcomes of his approach are consistently favorable, with high rates of successful tumor removal and low complication rates. His emphasis on preserving liver function and employing cutting-edge technology contributes to improved long-term survival and quality of life for patients. By combining technical expertise with a personalized treatment plan, Dr. Bojanapu ensures that each patient receives the best possible care tailored to their specific condition.

Indications — Who Needs This Procedure

Partial liver resection is recommended for patients with localized liver diseases that cannot be managed medically. Common conditions include benign tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic cancer confined to the liver, and severe liver infections.

• Benign liver tumors such as hemangiomas or adenomas
• Early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
• Metastatic cancer from the colon, breast, or neuroendocrine tumors
• Chronic liver infections like amoebic liver abscess
• Congenital liver abnormalities requiring tissue removal

How the Procedure is Performed

The surgery begins with general anesthesia and abdominal incision to access the liver. Using advanced imaging, the surgeon identifies the diseased segment and carefully separates it from healthy tissue, preserving vital blood vessels and bile ducts. The removed portion is then extracted, and the remaining liver is sutured to ensure proper healing. In some cases, laparoscopic techniques may be used for minimally invasive access. The procedure typically takes 2–4 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the patient’s overall health.

Recovery After Surgery

Patients usually stay in the hospital for 5–7 days post-surgery, with close monitoring for complications. Recovery involves gradual resumption of activities, dietary adjustments, and pain management.

• Follow a high-protein, low-fat diet starting 24 hours after surgery
• Avoid heavy lifting for 6 weeks to prevent strain on the surgical site
• Attend regular follow-up appointments for imaging and blood tests
• Take prescribed medications to prevent infection and manage pain

Outcomes and Benefits

Hepatectomy offers a high success rate for curable liver conditions, with 80–90% survival rates for early-stage tumors when performed by experienced surgeons. Patients often experience significant symptom relief, improved liver function, and long-term disease-free survival. The procedure also allows for the preservation of healthy liver tissue, which is crucial for post-operative recovery and future liver regeneration. At our clinic, we prioritize personalized care to maximize these benefits and ensure a smooth recovery journey.

Frequently Asked Questions