hepatectomia

Hepatectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the liver. It is most commonly performed to treat liver cancer, including primary liver tumors that originate in the liver itself and metastatic tumors that have spread to the liver from other parts of the body. In some cases, a hepatectomy may also be necessary to treat benign liver conditions such as large cysts or abscesses that cannot be managed by other means.

The decision to perform a hepatectomy is based on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor or lesion, the overall health of the patient, and the function of the remaining liver. Surgeons carefully plan the extent of the resection to ensure that enough healthy liver tissue is left to adequately perform its vital functions, such as detoxification, bile production, and metabolism.

There are different types of hepatectomy, classified by the amount of liver removed. These range from minor resections of small nodules to major resections involving entire lobes or segments of the liver. The procedure can be performed using open surgery or minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which can lead to faster recovery times.

Following a hepatectomy, patients are closely monitored for complications, which can include bleeding, infection, and liver failure. The liver has a remarkable capacity to regenerate, and in many cases, the remaining portion will grow to compensate for the removed tissue. The prognosis after a hepatectomy depends largely on the underlying condition being treated and the success of the surgical removal.