At Dana-Farber Brigham 天美传媒, patients receiving surgical treatment for liver cancer benefit from the combined expertise of surgical oncologists, hepatobiliary surgeons, and liver transplant specialists. Our teams use advanced, evidence-based techniques to safely remove tumors while preserving healthy liver tissue whenever possible.
Care is coordinated between Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, offering a seamless experience across both institutions. The facilities are connected by an indoor bridge, allowing you to move between appointments without going outside. We involve you and your family in every step of your care and encourage open communication about your goals, preferences, and questions.
Surgery to remove the tumor offers the best chance to cure liver cancer. A liver surgeon will work with the care team to determine the best approach and discuss what to expect before, during, and after surgery. However, not all patients are candidates for surgery. Surgery may not be possible if the tumor has spread outside the liver or if the liver is too damaged by disease such as cirrhosis.
Sometimes, the tumor is too small to require surgery, and other treatments may be just as effective. For larger or more complex tumors, surgery may be part of a combination of treatments.
At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, image-guided therapy is available to improve the precision and effectiveness of treatments. Using advanced imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans, our specialists can plan and perform procedures that are less invasive and more accurate. This approach helps reduce recovery time and the need for repeat procedures. We also use ultrasound, angiography, and cutting-edge navigation tools to support both traditional surgeries and newer treatments that avoid surgical incisions.
Image-guided procedures take place in the AMIGO Suite. This state-of-the-art space supports treatments like image-guided surgery and targeted therapies, including options for liver cancer. The suite helps doctors combine research with care to improve patient outcomes.
Liver resection involves removing the part of the liver where the tumor is located. Depending on the case, this could mean removing a small portion, an entire lobe, or more than half the liver. Remarkably, the liver can regenerate—even if up to 80% is removed, the remaining portion can grow back to its original size, as long as it is healthy.
Smaller resections may be done using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic or robotic surgery, which can reduce recovery time and lower the risk of complications. Larger, more complex resections require open surgery and should be performed by experienced liver surgeons due to the high risk of bleeding and technical challenges.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital was the first hospital in Boston to perform a , using advanced tools and 3D imaging to operate with high precision.
For some patients, the healthy part of the liver needs to grow before surgery. This is done through a procedure called portal vein embolization. It blocks blood flow to the part of the liver with the tumor, redirecting blood to the healthier section. Over a few weeks, the healthy liver grows, making surgery safer and more effective. Once the liver has grown enough, patients typically undergo resection.
A liver transplant may be a treatment option for certain people with liver cancer that has not spread beyond the liver. This surgery removes the diseased liver and replaces it with a healthy donor liver. In cases where liver cancer is linked to cirrhosis or other liver conditions, a transplant can help treat both the cancer and the underlying liver disease at the same time.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital is an internationally recognized leader in transplantation services. Our transplant specialists work closely with each patient to determine eligibility and to coordinate the most effective timing and treatment plan.
Most donor livers come from deceased donors, although some patients may receive a portion of a liver from a living donor. The liver is unique in its ability to regenerate, making living donation possible. This approach allows a healthy person to donate part of their liver, which can grow and function normally in both the donor and recipient.
Because donor livers are limited, patients are carefully evaluated before being added to the transplant waiting list. During this time, many patients receive other therapies to help manage their cancer and preserve liver function. These treatments can support a smoother recovery and improve outcomes once a donor liver becomes available.
Not everyone is a candidate for liver transplantation. The care team will consider several factors, including overall health and whether the cancer has spread beyond the liver. Certain medical conditions—such as severe heart or lung disease, ongoing infections, or complex psychiatric illness—may affect eligibility. Every patient is evaluated individually, and our experts collaborate to create a treatment plan that offers the best possible outcomes.
Secondary, or metastatic, liver cancer begins in another part of the body and spreads to the liver. Surgery may be an option to remove liver metastases, depending on the size, location, and number of tumors. Surgical treatments can include liver resection (removal of part of the liver containing cancer), two-stage hepatectomy for patients with tumors in both lobes, or ablation therapy combined with surgery. In some cases, a hepatic artery infusion (HAI) pump may be surgically implanted to deliver high doses of chemotherapy directly to the liver, targeting the tumor while limiting side effects elsewhere in the body.
Preparing for surgery is an important part of your liver cancer treatment. It helps to arrange transportation to and from the hospital and plan for support with daily tasks during your recovery. Before your procedure, your care team will give you specific instructions. These might include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol, and stopping smoking if possible.
You will also have a preoperative appointment, either at the Roberta and Stephen R. Weiner Center for Preoperative Evaluation or by phone, depending on your doctor’s advice. A nurse practitioner will review your medical history, current medications, and may order lab tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart. This helps make sure you are ready for surgery. A social worker may also help you plan for any support you might need after surgery.
On the day of your surgery, a team of liver cancer specialists—including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses—will care for you during the procedure. Surgery may take several hours, depending on the type.
After surgery, you will recover in a monitored area. Nurses will check your vital signs and make sure you are stable as the anesthesia wears off. Some patients can go home the same day, while others may stay in the hospital for a few days. Pain after surgery is common, but your care team will provide medications and ways to help manage it. Before you leave the hospital, you will get detailed instructions about your medications, how to care for your incision, and any activity limits.
Your recovery time depends on the type of surgery and your overall health. It’s normal to feel tired or have some pain in the days and weeks after surgery. You may also have constipation because of medications, less activity, or changes in your diet. Your healthcare provider can suggest ways to manage this.
You should avoid hard or heavy activities while your body heals. Your care team will tell you when it’s safe to return to your daily routines, including work. It’s important to follow your post-surgery instructions closely and contact your care team if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery.
At Brigham and Women’s Hospital, palliative care is available to help manage symptoms caused by liver cancer. Medications may be prescribed to relieve pain, reduce swelling, or ease other symptoms such as nausea and fatigue. This specialized care focuses on improving comfort and quality of life and can be provided alongside active treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
Surgery isn’t always the right option for everyone with liver cancer. At Dana-Farber Brigham 天美传媒, our team also offers a range of non-surgical treatments tailored to your individual needs. These may include systemic therapy, radiation, or targeted procedures. Learn more about the non-surgical options available to support your care.
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