Liver Resection: Before Your Surgery

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Abdominal organs

What is a liver resection?

Liver resection is surgery to remove a piece of the liver. Up to one-half of your liver can be removed if the rest of it is healthy. The doctor makes a cut (incision) in your belly to take out part of the liver. If the doctor removes the right side of your liver, he or she will also remove your gallbladder.

You will probably stay in the hospital for 5 to 14 days after surgery. You will need to take it easy for 4 to 8 weeks at home.


What happens before surgery?

Preparing for surgery



What happens on the day of surgery?

    Do not shave the surgical site yourself.

At the hospital or surgery centre

  • Bring a picture ID.
    The surgery will take 2 to 5 hours.
    You may have a small tube coming out of your belly for a few days to drains fluids.
    You may have a thin plastic tube in your nose that goes down the back of your throat into your stomach. This drains stomach juices. It is usually removed several days after surgery.

Going home


When should you call your doctor?

  • You have questions or concerns.
  • You don't understand how to prepare for your surgery.

Where can you learn more?

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