A liver resection is a sophisticated surgical procedure that involves removing segments of liver tissue affected by tumors, cysts, or other abnormalities. At our practice, we understand that facing liver surgery can create significant anxiety, particularly when dealing with cancer diagnoses or other serious liver conditions. That's why we're committed to providing compassionate, expert care while helping you understand the steps of your medical care.
This complex procedure effectively treats primary liver tumors (hepatocellular carcinoma), metastatic cancer to the liver, benign liver tumors, cysts, and certain traumatic injuries by removing the affected portions while preserving sufficient healthy tissue for normal function. At our practice, our liver resection approach utilizes advanced surgical techniques with precise mapping of the liver's complex vascular and biliary anatomy. We employ both traditional open and minimally invasive approaches when appropriate, creating personalized surgical plans based on your specific liver anatomy and condition.
Our comprehensive multidisciplinary approach ensures optimal preparation, precise execution, and careful post-operative management, resulting in successful removal of diseased tissue while maximizing the liver's remarkable ability to regenerate and recover normal function.
You may need a liver resection if you experience:
Primary liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
Metastatic cancer of the liver, particularly from colorectal cancer
Large benign liver tumors such as hemangiomas or adenomas
Symptomatic liver cysts not amenable to other treatments
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer within the liver)
Traumatic liver injury requiring surgical management
Donor liver harvesting for transplantation
Recurrent or complicated liver abscess
Symptomatic polycystic liver disease requiring debulking
Large focal nodular hyperplasia causing symptoms
Hepatic adenoma with risk of rupture or malignant transformation
Certain biliary tract disorders requiring liver segment removal
Symptomatic hemangiomas causing pain or compression of surrounding structures
Segmental liver damage from infection or vascular issues
Growing lesions of uncertain nature requiring both diagnosis and treatment
Our approach to liver resection combines precision with personalized care. The procedure begins with extensive preoperative planning including specialized imaging (CT, MRI, and sometimes PET scans) to map the exact location of the lesion in relation to critical vascular and biliary structures. Notably, our surgeon has expertise in advanced hepatobiliary techniques, allowing for the safe and effective removal of liver segments while preserving maximum healthy tissue.
Based on your specific condition and anatomy, we perform several types of liver resections:
Anatomic Resections: Following the liver's natural anatomical divisions (segments and sections), these include procedures such as right or left hepatectomy (removing entire right or left lobe), extended hepatectomy, or segmentectomy (removing specific liver segments). These procedures respect the liver's complex internal architecture of blood vessels and bile ducts, allowing for precise removal of affected areas.
Non-Anatomic (Wedge) Resections: For smaller, peripherally located lesions, we may perform wedge resections that remove the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue without following specific anatomical boundaries. This tissue-sparing approach is ideal for certain benign conditions or when preserving liver volume is critical.
Our distinctive approach includes the use of advanced intraoperative ultrasound to precisely identify lesions and their relationships to critical structures, sophisticated vascular control techniques to minimize blood loss, and when appropriate, parenchymal-sparing strategies that prioritize maximum preservation of functional liver tissue. For suitable candidates, we offer minimally invasive options including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted approaches that provide excellent visualization while reducing recovery time.
Throughout your healthcare journey, our multidisciplinary liver team includes dedicated hepatologists, oncologists, interventional radiologists, and specialized nursing staff who collaborate to optimize your liver function before surgery and support recovery afterward. This comprehensive approach ensures not only technical excellence during your procedure but also optimal management of your overall liver health throughout the treatment process.
Immediate Post-Procedure (1-7 days)
Expect a hospital stay of 5-10 days depending on the extent of resection and your recovery progress
Receive care in the intensive care unit initially before transitioning to a surgical floor
Experience careful monitoring of liver function through regular laboratory testing
Manage post-operative pain through patient-controlled analgesia or epidural initially, transitioning to oral medications
Begin with nothing by mouth, progressing gradually to clear liquids and then regular diet
Participate in early mobility protocols, beginning with sitting at bedside and progressing to walking
Work with respiratory therapy on breathing exercises to prevent lung complications
Monitor surgical drains that track output from the surgical area
Observe for signs of liver regeneration through laboratory values
Receive anticoagulation to prevent blood clots while maintaining careful bleeding monitoring
Meet with the nutritionist to optimize dietary intake for liver recovery
Prepare for discharge when pain is well-controlled, diet is advancing, and laboratory values are stabilizing
Short-Term Recovery (1-4 weeks)
Attend your follow-up appointment (typically 7-14 days after discharge)
Continue advancing your diet, focusing on adequate protein intake to support liver regeneration
Avoid heavy lifting (nothing over 10 pounds) for at least 4-6 weeks
Monitor incision sites for proper healing and report any concerns
Expect significant fatigue that improves gradually as your liver regenerates
Have surgical drains removed when appropriate (often during follow-up appointments)
Take prescribed medications as directed, with possible adjustments as liver function changes
Return to driving once off narcotic pain medications and feeling capable (typically 2-3 weeks)
Watch for signs of infection or liver-related complications (jaundice, increasing abdominal swelling)
Begin light walking daily, gradually increasing distance as strength improves
Monitor weight and nutritional intake carefully to support healing
Avoid alcohol completely during liver recovery
Begin planning for any recommended adjuvant treatment if your procedure was for cancer
Long-Term Adjustment (1-3 months)
Continue monitoring liver function through scheduled laboratory tests
Experience significant improvement in energy levels as liver regeneration progresses
Return to more normal activities gradually, with most restrictions lifted by 8-12 weeks
Resume work based on your surgeon's recommendation and job requirements (typically 6-8 weeks)
Begin any recommended cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation) once adequately recovered
Notice continued improvements in digestive comfort and tolerance
Follow specific dietary recommendations to support ongoing liver health
Monitor for stable weight and nutritional status
Resume exercise gradually, starting with walking and advancing as tolerated
Attend all scheduled imaging and laboratory follow-ups
Observe near-complete liver volume regeneration (typically 80-90% by 3 months)
Address any emotional or psychological aspects of recovery through appropriate support
Discuss long-term liver health strategies with your healthcare team
Long-Term Expectations
Complete internal healing and liver regeneration occurs within 3-6 months
Resilient abdominal closure that strengthens progressively over time
Return to normal liver function tests in most patients
Regular monitoring for cancer recurrence if your procedure was for malignancy
Follow surveillance schedule determined by your specific diagnosis
Return to most desired activities, though some patients notice mild persistent fatigue
Lifelong attention to liver health through:
Avoiding hepatotoxic medications when alternatives exist
Limiting or avoiding alcohol
Maintaining healthy weight and diet
Regular monitoring of liver function
Most patients achieve excellent quality of life after recovery
Long-term survival depends on the initial diagnosis, with excellent outcomes for benign disease
Annual check-ups with both your surgeon and liver specialist are recommended
Normal life expectancy for many patients following successful resection and recovery
Common Side Effects
Fatigue during recovery period, gradually improving with liver regeneration
Temporary elevation in liver function tests during healing
Incisional discomfort during the healing phase
Early satiety (feeling full quickly) as abdominal organs readjust
Mild digestive changes during initial recovery
Slight fluid retention or mild swelling in lower extremities
Transient changes in bile flow affecting digestion
Temporary dietary intolerances during adjustment
Mild bruising around surgical sites
Sensory changes around the incision area
Less Common Complications
Post-operative bleeding requiring transfusion or reoperation
Bile leak from the cut surface of the liver
Temporary liver insufficiency, particularly after major resections
Surgical site infection (superficial or deep)
Intra-abdominal abscess formation
Pleural effusion (fluid around the lungs)
Venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
Pneumonia or other respiratory complications
Wound dehiscence (separation)
Post-hepatectomy liver failure (rare with appropriate patient selection)
Injury to surrounding structures (diaphragm, intestines, bile ducts)
Incisional hernia development
Persistent bile leak requiring intervention
Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm
Portal vein thrombosis
When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
Severe, worsening abdominal pain
Increasing abdominal swelling or distension
Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
Significant change in drain output (amount, color, consistency)
Signs of infection around incisions or drain sites
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Inability to tolerate liquids for 24 hours
Severe diarrhea or signs of dehydration
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
Significant leg swelling, redness, or pain (possible blood clot)
Mental confusion or extreme lethargy
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Severe constipation or absence of bowel movements
From your first consultation through your complete recovery, we provide:
Thorough evaluation and explanation of your condition
Clear discussion of all treatment options, including non-surgical alternatives when appropriate
Detailed pre-operative instructions to help you prepare
Compassionate care during your hospital stay or outpatient procedure
Comprehensive follow-up care and support during recovery
Ongoing availability to address questions or concerns
We understand that facing head and neck surgery can be intimidating, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. Our team is committed to providing expert care with a personal touch, ensuring you feel supported, informed, and confident every step of the way.
Your health and wellbeing are our highest priorities, and we're honored to be part of your care team.
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All our laparoscopic procedures are performed by our highly trained surgical team using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.
We're committed to providing you with the most advanced, minimally invasive options because we believe you deserve:
Less pain after surgery
Shorter hospital stays
Faster return to work and activities you enjoy
Smaller, less visible scars
Lower risk of complications
Better overall outcomes
Dr. Richard Nguyen is a board-certified General Surgeon with over 20 years of surgical expertise and fellowship training in Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery from Vanderbilt University. Since establishing his practice in San Jose in 2007, he has pioneered innovative surgical techniques, including single-incision laparoscopic procedures and mastery of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Beyond his acclaimed bariatric surgery practice, he has earned national recognition for his specialized expertise in both non-mesh and advanced mesh hernia repairs, while also serving as a critical approach surgeon for anterior spine access procedures. Dr. Nguyen combines technical precision with personalized care across multiple premier facilities throughout the South Bay Area.
I would refer Doctor Nguyen to anyone, in fact I have and they have all had the same experience as me. He is truly great. I owe all my success to Doctor Nguyen and I thank him for all the work he has done for me and continues to do so. He is extremely amazing, and I am very grateful to him.
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At 50, I now have a life I had only dreamed of a year before. My body tells me if I am done eating. This surgery is a tool that I have used to the fullest. It is not an easy way out. It still took work. But I honestly know that I would not be living this amazing new life if I didn’t step forward to embrace this life-saving surgery.
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Dr. Nguyen has changed my life completely. I feel so much better and I also feel like I’ve got control of my life again…I had high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. I took at least 5 different medications for the past 30 years. NOW, after surgery I take no medications only vitamins!
Wondering which surgical procedure might be right for your condition? We're here to help you understand your treatment options and develop a personalized surgical plan. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
Your path to improved health may be more achievable than you think—with advanced surgical techniques leading to faster recovery, reduced complications, and a significantly enhanced quality of life.