Frequently Asked Questions-Liver Surgery

Risks with Liver surgery

Risks with Liver surgery.

Bleeding: Liver is an organ which is full of blood and there is a risk of severe bleeding
while cutting the liver. We use special techniques to cut the liver which reduces the risk significantly.
Bile leak: Bile can leak from small bile ducts on the cut surface of the liver. This
complication occurs infrequently.
Liver failure: Liver failure may occur if the volume of liver left behind is not enough.
This is a serious complication for which supportive therapy is given until the liver function recovers.
This complication has a high risk of death.
Wound Infection: Infection at the area of incision site.
Developing a hernia near one of the incision sites.
Pneumonia: infection in the lungs.
Venous Thrombosis: Blood clot in legs that can travel to the lungs.
Death: less than 3-5%

The day of your operation

The day of your operation.

Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the operation.
Have a shower with mild antibacterial soap.
Arrive at the hospital at the time you have been asked.

What to bring to the hospital?

Home medication: Bring a list of medications you are taking. Some medications may have
to be adjusted. Some medications can affect your recovery and response to anaesthesia.
You should get loose-fitting comfortable clothes to the hospital.
You should also bring a pair of comfortable slippers/slip-on-shoes.
You should leave jewellery and valuables at home.

Operation duration

How long will the operation take?

Liver operations are complicated and major operations. The exact time depends on the type of liver resection. The anaesthetic doctor will take around an hour and a half to prepare you for the operation. After this, the operation, on an average, takes about 6 hours.

After your operation

After your operation.

You will be in the recovery room where your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, urine output will be monitored. Once you are stable you will be transferred to the ward.

After surgery you will be in bed resting. It is important that following exercises are done to prevent complications such as chest infections and blood clots in your legs.

Post operative pain

How much pain will I experience post-operatively?

Almost all patient will have Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA pump) for pain management. PCA is a method of pain control that gives patients the power to control their pain. Most patients will also have wound catheters for regional pain management. You may experience some pain from your incisions, especially on movement. If you do, the nurses will give you analgesia. At the time of discharge, you will be given a supply of painkillers. After about 7 days most of the discomfort should disappear.

When can I eat

When can I eat after the operation?

You should be able to drink small amounts of water on the first day after the operation. If you tolerate that well, you will be allowed to drink more later that day.

You will be allowed to have some soft diet on the second day. Most patients are able
to eat normal diet in about 3 or 4 days after the operation.

Recovery and discharge

Recovery and discharge.

Mr Bhandari will advise you regarding postoperative diet and nutrition.
You will also be advised regarding return to regular and daily activities.
Nurses in the ward will check your wound before discharge and suggest regarding
dressing change.
On the day of discharge you will be given medication to take home. You will be explained
regarding the timing and duration of medication to be taken.

Resuming activity and intake

What to avoid after discharge

Excessive activity/heavy lifting
Over exertion
Alcohol intake

When can I start driving?
You should not drive for at least a month after liver surgery. Before driving you should
ensure that you could perform a full emergency stop, have the strength and capability to control the car, and be able to respond quickly to any situation that may occur. Please be aware that driving whilst unfit may invalidate your insurance, and you should check with the conditions of your insurance policy as they do vary.

When Can I drink alcohol after going home?
It is advised to avoid any alcohol for at least 3 months after liver resection. This is the
time when the liver will be regenerating. After this period you may take alcohol in
moderation (the usual maximum weekly allowance).

When to contact

When to contact Mr Bhandari?

If pain does not go away
If pain gets worse
If you have fever more than 38*C
If you have continuous vomiting
Swelling, redness, bleeding or bad-smelling discharge from the wound.

During working hours please contact Dr Bhandari’s rooms.
In case of an acute emergency or on weekends/bank holiday or aft er-hours, please report to the nearest emergency department or to your GP practice.