All You Need to Know About Laparoscopic Liver Surgery

Surgery for a liver condition can be daunting.

If you or a loved one needs surgery, you might be worried about going through surgery, how it might affect the  daily life, what recovery looks like, complications and risks .

But over the years, advances in surgical techniques have transformed how liver surgery is performed. In addition to several advances , laparoscopic liver surgery, also called minimally invasive liver surgery has improved the outcomes for patients

Unlike traditional open surgery, this advanced approach uses small incisions and specialized instruments, resulting in quicker recovery and fewer complications.

In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about laparoscopic liver surgery.

What Is Laparoscopic Liver Surgery?

Laparoscopic liver surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed through tiny incisions in the abdomen.

Surgeons insert a small camera (laparoscope) and specialized surgical instruments to operate on the liver / gall bladder. The magnified view provided by the camera allows precise dissection and removal of liver tissue.

This technique is now widely used for liver tumour removal, treating benign liver lesions, cysts, and performing partial liver resections for benign and malignant conditions.  

What Are the Types of Laparoscopic Liver Surgery?

The choice of laparoscopic liver surgery depends on your specific condition and the location of the problem in the liver. Some of the common procedures include:

• Laparoscopic Liver Resection (Hepatectomy): This involves removing a portion of the liver, such as a segment, lobe, or specific section, to treat liver cancers or benign tumours.

• Laparoscopic Cyst Fenestration: Used for large or symptomatic liver cysts, this technique involves opening and draining the cyst or removing part of its wall to relieve symptoms.

• Laparoscopic Ablation (e.g., Radiofrequency Ablation): A minimally invasive method used to destroy cancer cells with heat for small liver tumours.

·       Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery: An advanced technique performed through a single incision, often near the navel, for fewer scars and potentially quicker recovery.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Liver Surgery

Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic liver surgery offers several significant benefits:

• Smaller incisions result in less postoperative pain.

• Shorter hospital stay compared to open surgery.

• Faster return to daily activities that helps patients to resume work and normal life soon.

• Reduced blood loss during surgery.

• Lower risk of wound infections and surgical complications.

• Better outcomes due to minimal scarring.

• Makes repeat surgey and liver transplantation if needed easier

These benefits make minimally invasive liver surgery an appealing option for many patients, especially when performed by experienced liver surgeons.

When Is Laparoscopic Liver Surgery Recommended?

Laparoscopic liver surgery is often performed for a range of liver conditions, including:

• Benign liver lesions like haemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and hepatic adenomas.

• Malignant tumours, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases originating from colorectal or other cancers.

• Symptomatic liver cysts or abscesses that don’t improve with medical treatment.

However, not every patient is an ideal candidate for minimally invasive surgery.

Factors such as tumour size, proximity to major blood vessels, and complications from previous abdominal surgeries may mean open surgery is the safer option.

Your liver doctor will carefully evaluate your condition to recommend the right approach.

Laparoscopic Liver Surgery Procedure

Before the Procedure

Before your surgery, you’ll go through several assessments to ensure you’re ready for the surgery. These may include:

• Blood tests to check your liver condition.

• Imaging scans such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound.

• A meeting with the anaesthetist to discuss your medical history and anaesthesia plan.

• Fasting is required for several hours before surgery.

During the Procedure

On the day of your surgery:

• You’ll be given general anaesthesia so you’ll be asleep and comfortable throughout the surgery.

• The surgeon will create several small incisions in your abdomen

• A laparoscope (a thin tube with a camera) and specialized surgical instruments are inserted through these small openings.

• The surgeon will carefully separate and remove the targeted portion of liver tissue or any lesions as planned.

• Surgery procedure generally lasts between 2 and 4 hours, depending on how complex the case is.

After the Procedure

Recovery after laparoscopic liver surgery typically involves:

• A short hospital stay.

• Pain is generally mild and managed well with oral pain relief medication.

• Many patients can return to light activities within 1 to 2 weeks and may resume work in about 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of work.

• You’ll be given clear post-operative instructions on diet, wound care, and physical activity.

• Follow-up appointments to check on your healing progress and to discuss any pathology results if tissue was removed for testing.

Cost of Laparoscopic Liver Surgery

The laparoscopic liver surgery cost in Singapore can vary based on several factors:

• Type and complexity of the procedure.

• Surgeon’s expertise and hospital facilities.

• Length of hospital stay.

• Additional treatments like imaging scans, lab tests, and post-operative care.

All procedures are eligible for Medisave claims, which can help cover some of the costs. For a personalised estimate, speak with your hospital’s financial counsellor or care team.

Care at ALPS Clinic

Laparoscopic liver surgery has revolutionized the treatment of many liver conditions, offering patients a safer, less invasive option with faster recovery and fewer complications.

Whether for removing liver tumours, treating cysts, or other conditions, this advanced technique continues to improve outcomes and quality of life for many patients.

If you’re dealing with liver health concerns, consult a liver specialist in Singapore at ALPS Clinic.

At ALPS Clinic, we manage medical conditions of the liver with expert care and personalised treatment plans.

Our surgeons are proficient in laparoscopic liver surgery in Singapore, ensuring advanced, patient-centred care for various liver diseases.

Let us guide you toward the safest and most effective care for your liver.