Techniques to treat liver cancer that rely less on surgery, have fewer side effects, and bring quicker recovery are growing more common. Over the last several decades there have been incredible developments in liver surgery, and Saint Raphael’s is on the leading edge of these advances – providing state-of-the-art technology and expertise to treat liver disorders.
Liver surgery is often used to treat liver tumors which can be either benign or malignant. Saint Raphael’s team uses a variety of techniques- including minimally invasive options- that result in shorter hospital stays, less pain and quicker recovery. 
Liver Resection
The most common operation performed on the liver is a resection (removal of a portion of the liver). Liver resection may be performed laparoscopically, using minimally invasive techniques, or using open surgical methods. The choice depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of tumor, its location and the patient’s medical condition.
The most typical reason for liver resection is a malignant tumor. Tumors can be primary (developed in the liver) or metastatic (developed in another organ, then migrated to the liver). Benign tumors of the liver (cyst, adenoma, hemangioma) can also be successfully treated by liver resection.
Surgeons can perform several types of liver resections, including:
- Segmentectomy – removal of less than an entire lobe of the liver,
- Lobectomy – removal of an entire lobe - either the left or the right lobe
- Extended Lobectomy – removal of one entire lobe and a portion of the opposite lobe
Liver Biopsy
Physicians perform liver biopsies to learn more about the health and status of a patient’s liver. Often, a blood test or an X-ray suggests that a patient’s liver is not working properly. This may be used to determine type of tumors and to assess the condition of the non-cancerous areas of the liver. During a biopsy, physicians remove a small piece of tissue (the size of a needle) from the liver. This tissue is then examined under a microscope. This gives doctors the best chance to learn whether the liver is healthy or what is causing the problem.
Ablation
Ablation directly destroys tissue without removing it. Specialists can ablate liver tumors by various means – including radiofrequency and microwave technology.
Radiofrequency ablation uses high-energy radio waves to destroy tumors. Through the insertion of a special type of needle, surgeons deploy tiny wires into the tumor. The wires emit radio energy, which creates heat that destroys the cancer tissue. There is typically no bleeding.
Microwave ablation is similar to radiofrequency ablation, but uses high-power microwave energy to destroy the liver tumor. Saint Raphael’s is only one of 4 hospitals in the country that offer this relatively new option for surgical treatment.
For more information about liver surgery, call 203-776-4677.