Procedures & Services:

Laparoscopic Hepatic Resection

The surgeons at University Surgeons Associates are experienced in using laparoscopic techniques to treat problems in the liver. They participate regularly in the UT Medical Center’s multidisciplinary GI conference that reviews imaging, endoscopic findings and biopsies with the gastroenterologists, radiologists and pathologists. We utilize laparoscopic approaches to treat and/or resect cysts and tumors in this region.

ABOUT CONVENTIONAL LIVER SURGERY

Each year, a number surgical procedures are performed in the United States to treat diseases of the liver. Most of these are for cysts or tumors. Although surgery is not always a cure, it is often the best way to stop the spread of disease and alleviate symptoms.

Patients undergoing liver surgery often face a long and difficult recovery because the traditional "open" procedures are highly invasive. In most cases, surgeons are required to make a large incisions. The operations are often complex and lengthy. Surgery results in an average hospital stay of a week or more and usually 6 weeks of recovery.

WHAT IS THE LIVER?

The liver is the largest organ inside your abdomen. The majority of the liver resides in the right upper abdomen, under the ribs, with the left lobe extanding to the left of the midline. The upper surface of the liver rests against the diaphragm. The liver gets its supply of blood from two vessels. Most of its blood comes from the hepatic portal vein. The rest comes from the hepatic artery. The liver does important work to keep you healthy:

Detoxifies harmful substances from the blood.
Produces enzymes and bile that help digest food.
Converts food into substances needed for life and growth.

WHAT IS LAPAROSCOPIC HEPATIC SURGERY?

A technique known as minimally invasive laparoscopic hepatic surgery allows surgeons to perform many common liver procedures through small incisions. Depending on the type of procedure, patients may leave the hospital in a few days and return to normal activities more quickly than patients recovering from open surgery.

In most laparoscopic hepatic resections, surgeons operate through 4 or 5 small openings (each about a quarter inch) while watching an enlarged image of the patient's internal organs on a television monitor. Often a larger port called a hand port is used. This allows the surgeon to place a hand inside the abdomen while still maintaining the ability to keep the abdomen insufflated during the procedure. In most cases, one of the small openings will be lengthened to 2 or 3 inches to complete the procedure and remove the portion of the liver which is resected.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LAPAROSCOPIC HEPATIC SURGERY?

Results may vary depending upon the type of procedure and patient's overall condition. Common advantages are:

Less postoperative pain
May shorten hospital stay
May result in a faster return to solid-food diet
May result in a quicker return of bowel function
Quicker return to normal activity
Improved cosmetic results

ARE YOU A CANDIDATE FOR LAPAROSCOPIC HEPATIC SURGERY?

Although laparoscopic liver resection has many benefits, it may not be appropriate for some patients. Obtain a thorough medical evaluation by one of our surgeons who will, in consultation with your primary care physician and/or gastroenterologist, will tell you if the technique is appropriate for you.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE SURGERY?

Advance tests...

Most diseases of the liver are diagnosed by imaging techniques or blood work. CT scans, ultrasound, MRI and nuclear medicine imaging are all useful in various liver problems. Sometimes an endoscopic ultrasound evaluation is helpful. Liver enzyme tests and special blood markers for liver diseases are often diagnostic. Prior to the operation, other blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG) or a chest x-ray might be required.

Before surgery...

Preoperative preparation includes blood work, medical evaluation, chest x-ray and an EKG depending on your age and medical condition.
After your surgeon reviews with you the potential risks and benefits of the operation, you will need to provide written consent for surgery.
Blood transfusion and/or blood products may be needed depending on your condition.
It is recommended that you shower the night before or morning of the operation.
Antibiotics by mouth are sometimes prescribed. Your surgeon or his/her staff will give you instructions.
After midnight the night before the operation, you should not eat or drink anything except medications that your surgeon and/or anesthesiologist have told you to take with a sip of water the morning of surgery.
Drugs such as aspirin, blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medications (arthritis medications) and Vitamin E will need to be stopped temporarily for several days to a week prior to surgery.
Diet medication or St. John’s Wort should not be used for the two weeks prior to surgery.
Quit smoking and arrange for any help you may need at home.

HOW IS LAPAROSCOPIC HEPATIC SURGERY PERFORMED?

"Laparoscopic" surgery describes the techniques a surgeon uses to gain access to the internal surgery site.

Most laparoscopic liver procedures start the same way. Using a cannula (a narrow tube-like instrument), the surgeon enters the abdomen. A laparoscope (a tiny telescope connected to a video camera) is inserted through the cannula, giving the surgeon a magnified view of the patient's internal organs on a television monitor. Several other cannulas are inserted to allow the surgeon to work inside and remove part of the liver. Often a larger port called a hand port is used. The entire procedure may be completed through the cannulas or by lengthening one of the small cannula incisions.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE OPERATION CANNOT BE PERFORMED OR COMPLETED BY THE LAPAROSCOPIC METHOD?

In a number of patients the laparoscopic method cannot be performed. Factors that may increase the possibility of choosing or converting to the "open" procedure may include:

Obesity
A history of prior abdominal surgery causing dense scar tissue
Inability to visualize organs
Bleeding problems during the operation
Large tumors

The decision to perform the open procedure is a judgment decision made by your surgeon either before or during the actual operation. When the surgeon feels that it is safest to convert the laparoscopic procedure to an open one, this is not a complication, but rather sound surgical judgment. The decision to convert to an open procedure is strictly based on patient safety.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER SURGERY?

After the operation, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions. Although many people feel better in a few days, remember that your body needs time to heal.

You are encouraged to be out of bed the day after surgery and to walk. This will help diminish the soreness in your muscles.
You will probably be able to get back to most of your normal activities in one to two weeks time. These activities include showering, driving, walking up stairs, working and engaging in sexual intercourse.
Call and schedule a follow-up appointment within 2 weeks after your operation.

WHAT COMPLICATIONS CAN OCCUR?

These complications include:

Bleeding
Infection
A bile leak where the liver was closed.
Injury to adjacent organs such as the small intestine, spleen, or pancreas
Blood clots to the lungs.

It is important for you to recognize the early signs of possible complications. Contact your surgeon if you notice severe abdominal pain, fevers, chills, or rectal bleeding.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

Be sure to call your physician or surgeon if you develop any of the following:

Persistent fever over 101 degrees F (39 C)
Bleeding from the rectum
Increasing abdominal swelling
Pain that is not relieved by your medications
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Jaundice
Chills
Persistent cough or shortness of breath
Purulent drainage (pus) from any incision
Redness surrounding any of your incisions that is worsening or getting bigger
You are unable to eat or drink liquids

Minimally Invasive Surgery