Huge tumor in the middle of liver removed

Nineteen-year-old Nigerian man presented with a tumor of 4000 ml in volume and 21 cms in size positioned right in the centre of his liver. he radiological diagnosis was a potential hepatocellular cancer (HCC), which has a poor response to chemo or radiotherapy. The only hope of a cure was with surgery although a small risk of disease recurrence could not be ruled out.  

Dr. Prof. Tom Cherian, Head of the Liver Transplant team at CARE Hospital, "The tumour involved almost 6 out of 8 lobes of the liver and was running very close to all the crucial vessels supplying blood to this vital organ. Moreover there was obstruction to the flow of bile due to the tumour, resulting in high bilirubin levels (Jaundice). However given the age of the patient and the fact that without surgery his life was limited to a few months it was important to remove the tumour." 

Prior to the procedure, meticulous planning was carried out with careful assessment of the patient and the residual liver. 

The complex procedure took over 12 hours and involved nearly 20 medical professionals. 

As there was a satellite tumour, after the main surgery, a secondary procedure called radio frequency ablation was carried out to kill the remaining cancer cells. 

Prof.Tom Cherian, said “The post-operative time for recovery required a dedicated team of caregivers which were there in the hospital as there were complications till the patient stabilized."