Liver Resection for Metastatic Stomach Cancer
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Stomach cancer in advanced stages commonly metastasizes (i.e., spreads) to the liver. In some cases, surgery to remove the cancerous portion of the liver may be a treatment option. This procedure is known as a partial hepatectomy, or liver resection.
Surgical oncologists at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) hospitals regularly perform liver resections. It can be done as either a traditional, open surgical procedure or as a less invasive, laparoscopic procedure.
To determine if liver resection is possible, several factors are considered, including:
- If multiple liver tumors, large liver tumors and tumors in multiple lobes of the liver are present, they may not be able to be surgically removed.
- A significant enough portion of the liver that is healthy must remain in order for it to function properly.
- Liver tumors near blood vessels also may be inoperable. Other treatments such as intra-arterial chemotherapy or chemoembolization may be more appropriate options.
- Patients who have cirrhosis usually do not tolerate liver resection.
The goal in removing the cancerous portion of the liver is to prevent the disease from continuing to spread.
Next Topic: Stomach Cancer Chemotherapy
