Liver resection (AKA hepatectomy/ hepatic resection) is a complex surgical procedure which is usually indicated for primary or secondary cancers of the liver. This operation is only performed by surgeons with highly specialised training. Surgery is accompanied by a risk of bleeding and potentially other complications such as leakage of bile (a digestive aid produced by the liver). After surgery, patients are usually in hospital for about a week.

Harbour Surgery Centre offers liver resection via both traditional open (a large cut in the belly) and minimally invasive (laparoscopic/ robotic) techniques and can discuss the specifics of the operation and recovery with you if appropriate.

Liver ablation is a technique where tumours of the liver are treated with heat energy rather than being cut out. It is used in specific situations and can be done either via an open incision or minimally invasive (laparoscopic/ robotic) approaches. These operations are often day-stay procedures. Liver resection and ablation are also sometimes used in combination with each other.