Hemihepatectomy

Hemihepatectomy: Surgery to treat liver disease

Hemihepatectomy, also known as hepatolobectomy, is a surgical procedure that is performed to treat various liver diseases. It involves the removal of half the liver, including one of its lobes: right or left. The term hemihepatectomy is derived from the Greek words hepar, meaning liver, and ectomy, meaning removal.

Hemihepatectomy is one of the most complex and technically challenging liver-related surgeries. It may be necessary for various diseases, such as liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver metastases, or tumors affecting only one lobe of the organ.

The hemihepatectomy procedure requires high qualifications and experience on the part of the surgeon. During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision in the patient's abdominal wall and gains access to the liver. He/she then determines the exact boundaries of the area to be removed and carefully separates it from surrounding tissue and blood vessels.

After removing part of the liver, the surgeon will carefully control the bleeding and then restore normal circulation to the liver. Sometimes a donor liver transplant may be required to restore organ function.

Hemihepatectomy can be performed either as an open surgical procedure or using a laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopic hemihepatectomy is less invasive and often results in a faster recovery for the patient after surgery.

After hemihepatectomy, careful postoperative monitoring and rehabilitation are required. Patients may be prescribed medications to maintain liver function and prevent possible complications.

Although hemihepatectomy is a major surgical procedure, it can be an effective treatment for certain liver diseases. However, the decision to perform a hemihepatectomy should be made after careful evaluation by the patient and his medical team, considering the benefits and risks of the procedure.

In conclusion, hemihepatectomy is a complex surgical procedure that can be used to treat a variety of liver diseases. It requires a highly qualified surgeon and careful postoperative care. When necessary, hemihepatectomy can provide patients with effective treatment and improve their prognosis for recovery. However, the decision to undergo this procedure must be made on an individual basis and after careful discussion with a healthcare professional.



Hemihepatectomy is an operation to remove most of the liver (up to ¼ of the total mass). Sometimes it is possible to remove the entire right lobe of the organ - from the VIII to X ribs. But more often, one third is carefully excised, along with the portal vein and bile ducts.

How is surgical treatment performed? The essence is simple: the skin and aponeurosis are cut. The wound is dissected no more than 4 cm. The portal vein, lymph nodes, and aorta are sutured using staplers. The seal is sewn in.