If you've been diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer, it's important that both
an oncologist and a surgeon are part of your healthcare team. This combined approach
will help give you the best access to the newest advancements in imaging, surgical
techniques and chemotherapy that may extend your life. Talk to your healthcare team about whether you're a candidate
for these new treatments.
Liver Resection
One of the surgical treatment options that may be right for you if you have liver
metastases is called a liver resection. With this treatment, the portion of your
liver that has metastatic tumors is surgically removed. Since the liver has the capacity to regenerate, up to 80% of it can be surgically removed. Within several
weeks your liver actually has the capacity to regenerate.
Ask your doctor/surgeon team if you’re a candidate for liver resection surgery.
Here are some questions you can ask your medical team.
- Can a complete resection of the liver metastases be performed?
- Can two side-by-side liver segments be spared?
- Will I have at least 20% total healthy liver remaining after surgery?
- Can enough liver function be preserved?
