Liver cancer, or hepatic cancer, is a cancer that starts in the liver due to abnormal cell growth. It may occur due to various factors like environmental, dietary, or lifestyle factors.
Symptoms of Liver Cancer
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Pain in the right side of the abdomen
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Feeling of fullness when eating
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Unexplained weight loss
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Decreased appetite
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Swelling of the feet, legs and abdomen
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Yellowish discoloration of the eyesand skin
Diagnosis of Liver Cancer
In case of suspicion of liver cancer, physician performs following diagnostic tests to confirm the cancer:
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Ultrasound of the abdomen
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Blood tests including alfa-fetoprotein (AFP)
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Multiphasic helical CT scan
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MRI with contrast of the liver
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Liver Biopsy
Laparoscopic surgery for Liver Cancer
Laparoscopic procedure is performed either to take a part of liver for biopsy or to remove the cancerous part of liver (Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy).
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon makes about 3-4 small incisions in the abdomen. One of the incisions is used to insert a port (nozzle) that fills the carbon dioxide gas into the abdomen to inflate it. Now laparoscope is inserted through another incision. A laparoscope is a telescope lookalike with a light and camera on the end. It allows the surgeon to clearly view inside of the abdomen on the monitor outside. Other surgical instruments are inserted through rest of the incisions to perform the biopsy or to remove the tumor portion of the liver by cautery. The liver specimen is removed in a plastic bag from the abdomen by enlarging one of the small incisions. After completing the procedure, the carbon dioxide gas is released out, and incisions are closed with sutures or staples, or covered with glue-like bandage.
Advantages of Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy
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Faster recovery
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Minimal blood loss
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Only few hours or overnight hospitalization
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Sooner return to work
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Very less pain during and after the procedure
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Smaller incisions without any cut on abdominal muscles
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Negligible risks and complications
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Less chances of wound infection
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High success rate
