Liver resection surgery, known as a hepatectomy, removes part of the liver as part of liver cancer treatment. The liver is the largest internal organ of our body and the only one able to regrow. Liver resections are usually performed as open surgery, or laparotomy, because they provide greater access to the liver, allowing surgeons to remove tumours in areas difficult to reach if relying on a laparoscopic approach. However, some tumours can be removed safely laparoscopically (key-hole). The approach will be decided by Dr. Michael Chu upon reviewing you and your scans.

Although life after liver resection surgery can be challenging, some planning and preparation will help you return to full capacity in the long run. This guide will explore how to care for yourself after liver resection surgery, breaking down the recovery period into three key stages.

The First Steps of Post-Surgical Recovery

This initial stage is based in the hospital, where you will be supported by a team that includes your liver surgeon, an anaesthetist, and nurses. They will perform routine checks, review your overall wellbeing, and prepare you for discharge. After liver resection surgery, you can expect to rest at the hospital and be discharged four to six days later. Your healthcare providers will make this assessment based on your capacity to:

• Move and perform self-care tasks independently.
• Manage pain with only oral analgesia (painkillers).
• Maintain a regular diet of food and fluids.

The first night after your operation may be spent in the High Dependency Unit (HDU). This is common for liver resection surgery patients. Drinking fluids is allowed during this time before re-introducing solids in the following 24 – 48 hours. Some patients find eating three full meals challenging during this period and opt for smaller, regular meals throughout the day first. Where necessary, a dietician can visit you to provide post-operative dietary advice and prescribe any supplemental nutrition.

Staying at the HDU before moving to the wards means your healthcare provider can respond to complications after liver resection quickly and comprehensively. Respiratory complications such as pneumonia can sometimes occur. Antibiotics can treat this, and light movement, which activates the lungs, is a common preventative. Life after liver resection surgery is usually characterised by linear recovery, but in the event of any complications, your healthcare provider can support you early on.

During your stay, you will be encouraged to move your body. Staying mobile reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and post-operative lung complications. With the help of medical staff, you can expect to move to a chair on the day following your operation. You will likely walk short distances by the second day.

Most patients experience a mild or moderate level of discomfort after liver resection. A range of oral analgesia options is available depending on the severity of the pain while you’re in the hospital.

Navigating the First Weeks at Home

Your recovery continues after being discharged from the hospital in these first two weeks. At this stage, strenuous physical activity should be avoided. Prioritise resting at home while your body recovers and adjusts to the liver regenerating. Even if your work is sedentary or can be performed at home, dedicating some time to resting will help make life easier after liver resection surgery.

Light physical activity, like walking and stretching, is conducive to recovery. Extending your walks gradually, minute by minute, will help your body regain strength. Although mild pain or discomfort is still expected during this period, you should gradually feel better. Prescribed analgesia will help manage any pain to rebuild your strength. If you notice any symptoms worsening over these first two weeks at home, contacting your doctor sooner rather than later is recommended. Vitamin E or Bio-oil can help reduce scarring, but these should be applied after a week has passed since the day of surgery.

Where possible, having someone by your side during the initial recovery period at home will make your recovery more pleasant. Whether a family member, a friend, or someone close to you in the community, extra assistance at this early stage is valuable. In addition to helping with tasks such as cooking, spending time with someone else can provide emotional support.

Long-term Recovery and Wellness

Adequate rest for two weeks will enable you to re-introduce everyday activities into your life after liver resection surgery. Everyone’s timeline recovery is different, so when unsure, it is best to consult with your doctor before engaging in more rigorous physical activity or resuming physically and mentally demanding tasks.

Generally speaking, you can expect to pass key milestones in your recovery from week three onwards. A full recovery may take up to three months.

If your work involves heavy lifting or high-intensity movement, resting for four to six weeks is recommended. Returning to work sooner is feasible for jobs without a major physical component. Your energy levels may be at a lower capacity for up to two months, so a staggered return is worth considering.

Driving is not recommended for at least three weeks. You must be able to safely perform tasks like a full emergency stop and have the strength to manoeuvre the car. We advise reading your insurance policy before driving again to avoid invalidating your coverage.

Avoiding alcohol for at least three months is recommended to allow your liver to fully recover and regenerate. As the organ responsible for metabolic functions and the processing of alcohol, minimising the strain on your liver is especially important while it is regrowing.

How Dr Michael Chu Prepares You for Life After Liver Resection Surgery

Life after liver resection surgery is a steady journey best supported by a liver surgeon who provides dedicated, patient-centred care. Dr Michael Chu is experienced in helping patients progress through all stages of recovery after liver resection. His post-operative care extends to liaising with your GP, where a summary of your hospital stay and a copy of your operation notes will be shared. Contact Dr Michael Chu for a holistic approach to post-liver care that is thorough and thoughtful.

Sometimes referred to as ‘keyhole surgery,’ laparoscopic surgeries are performed with the assistance of a video camera, which enables more precise and less invasive incisions. Laparoscopic surgeries represent significant advancements in modern surgery, made possible by cutting-edge technology and research.

Continue reading to learn what laparoscopic surgery is, the different procedures it can be used for, and how to take care of your body during post-treatment recovery.

Types of Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgery is applicable to several types of procedures, including:

Gallbladder Removal

Gallbladder surgery, also known as a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, is performed to address the pain caused by symptomatic gallstones and prevent them from potentially escalating into issues such as pancreatitis. With a low rate of complication at 0.1%, it can provide effective treatment for gallbladder issues.

Hernia Repair

Hernia surgery targets the abdominal wall to fix defects where an organ protrudes from the tissue, holding it in place. Laparoscopic surgery is a popular option due to faster recovery times and less prominent scarring. This method is less invasive than open surgery and is an appropriate option for those experiencing recurrent groin hernias from a repair done in the past.

Liver Surgery

The most common type of liver surgery is a hepatectomy, where the liver is partially removed. Liver resection is primarily performed to treat cancer or other diseases affecting this vital organ. While open surgery is more common, laparoscopic surgery is a viable option that helps preserve healthy liver tissue.

How Long Does a Laparoscopy Take?

A laparoscopy typically takes one to two hours, but the exact duration can vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's condition. Your surgeon may provide a more specific estimate based on your individual case.

Benefits of Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic procedures offer many advantages compared to traditional methods of surgery. Some of the benefits include:

• Quicker recovery time: The initial recovery period for laparoscopic procedures can be as short as a few days, with a full-capacity recovery possible within two weeks.
• Minimally invasive: Instead of a large, single incision, laparoscopic procedures make small, targeted incisions.
• Shorter hospital stays: In some cases, when the operation is scheduled for the morning, laparoscopic patients can expect to leave the hospital within the same day.
• Lower complication rates: Less internal organs are exposed due to the targeted approach of laparoscopic surgeries, reducing the risk of infection.
• Smaller scars: Incisions around 5 to 15mm wide result in scars that are less noticeable after the operation.

Dos and Don’ts After Laparoscopic Surgery

Laparoscopic surgeries are a common procedure in today’s medical landscape with low risks of complication. We suggest following your doctor’s specific post-treatment recommendations for the most optimal post-surgery outcome. Use these tips as a guideline for what to do and avoid after laparoscopic surgery.

Do:

• Gradually introduce physical activity: Many people feel well enough to engage in physical activity after two to three days. During this period, consider incrementally increasing your time spent moving. Start with shorter walks and workouts without pushing yourself to your usual limit.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Although you generally do not need to change diets after laparoscopic surgery, increased water intake will provide a more pleasant recovery period as your body adjusts.
• Spend ample time resting: Organising someone to help you with household tasks can significantly improve your recovery period. Staying at home and resting without occupying yourself with chores or other activities is one of the simplest ways to regain strength and energy.

Avoid:

• Putting work first: Give yourself ample time to recover before returning to work. Regardless of how active or sedentary your role is, allowing yourself extra days to rest after feeling better will help prevent you from overestimating your recovery and over-exertion.
• Driving home from the hospital: After being administered with general anaesthetic, driving motor vehicles, such as cars or trucks, is not advised. Once a date of surgery is confirmed, arrange a means of transportation home or to your accommodation ahead of time.
• Ignoring pain or other symptoms: Although moderate levels of discomfort are expected within the first 48 hours, any feelings of pain should neither escalate nor persist after this period. Your doctor will provide a list of symptoms to monitor and instructions in case you experience them.

Expert Care for Laparoscopic Surgery with Dr Michael Chu

With extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery, Dr Michael Chu is familiar with navigating these procedures at each stage. The patient’s wellbeing and confidence are always put first, from pre-surgery to post-operative care.

If you’re considering whether this procedure is suitable for you, Dr Michael Chu’s medical practice is well-equipped to provide tailored advice and treatment if necessary. Get in touch with your questions about laparoscopic surgeries and discover whether this procedure is right for you.

Understanding how to prepare for surgery is vital to ensuring a smooth procedure and recovery. Major procedures such as Whipple surgery come with more extensive recovery periods than laparoscopic surgeries, which you can prepare for proactively.

Read on to familiarise yourself with how to prepare for major surgical procedures and learn practical tips for managing potential feelings of distress.

Tips to Prepare for Major Surgery

Dr Michael Chu's expertise includes open surgery procedures for pancreatic surgery, liver surgery, hernia surgery, and gallbladder removal.

Whichever type of surgery you're undergoing, you can expect an anaesthetic assessment before a date can be confirmed. You can expect your medical provider to inform you of other medical administrative tasks and carry these out for you. These include taking blood tests 1-2 days before your surgery, when and where to arrive, and a timeline for pausing consumption of liquids and solids.

If you're feeling scared before surgery, it's wise to create a checklist to ensure that all boxes are ticked for a smooth experience during and after the operation.

Creating a checklist

The specific steps for preparing for surgery can vary, but the following general tips will help you formulate a plan specific to your circumstances based on the advice of your medical provider.

It is generally recommended that you discontinue or limit your smoking before surgery to reduce the risk of complications and improve your recovery rate.

For nutrition, continuing to eat a well-rounded diet is beneficial. You can support your diet with specific multivitamins or supplements that address your dietary needs, which your medical provider can advise you on. Keeping well hydrated also enables your body to stay in optimal condition for procedures such as liver surgery.

Consider informing your friends and family of the procedure to plan for discharge, which includes arranging transportation from the medical provider, as driving after major surgeries is restricted. Talking to others ahead of time also accounts for the recovery period so the people around you can learn how to prepare for surgery and support you the best they can.

Notifying your place of work or making general arrangements depending on your employment situation is also a key step in preparing for surgery. This will allow others to account for your recovery period and reduced capacity.

Setting up your home for after the surgery

Preparing for surgery involves organising your living spaces for recovery and coordinating the help you may need during this time. Whatever the expected duration of your recovery, setting things into place ahead of time is essential to a pleasant post-surgery experience.

Check household items to make sure they're easily accessible, and place anything you use regularly in easy-to-reach places. Minimising strain is essential for recovery, which includes not lifting heavy objects beyond 5-6 kg for up to two months and avoiding putting any strain on your wound sites.

An unexpected challenge during recovery can be a lack of things to do due to post-surgery limitations. Resting at home could feel like a dramatic change of pace, and adjusting to a temporarily less active lifestyle can be difficult. Consider picking up old hobbies, organising books to read, watching shows, or finding games to play that will keep you stimulated.

Managing pre-surgery anxiety

If you're wondering how to prepare for surgery from a mental health perspective, knowing how mental wellbeing links to physical wellbeing is useful. While surgeries target the state of our physical body, our emotions are also important – especially for recovery after surgery.

Being scared before surgery is normal. Fortunately, you can manage feelings of anxiety, stress, or fear leading up to major medical procedures through different techniques or strategies.

Surgery can feel like a significant life event, and acknowledging any emotional or psychological impacts you may be internalising is an invaluable first step. Stress and other unpleasant emotions can manifest as physical symptoms such as a tight chest or nausea. Writing these down in a journal and sharing them with friends and family are two ways of externalising your feelings and getting validation for them.

Finding ways to occupy yourself more than usual can be beneficial for taking your mind off the surgery. Where appropriate and as your medical provider advises, picking up light physical activity or continuing your exercise routine helps keep your body and mind productive and busy. You can do this through regular walks, yoga, or low-impact sports.

Alternatively, an educational approach can help soothe your mind by finding the answers to your questions. Your doctor or medical provider can assist you by providing facts and reassurance. Knowing what to expect before, during, and after surgery is a practical way of building confidence.

Tailored follow-up treatments for major operations with Dr Michael Chu

Open surgeries are a major life decision that benefits from thoughtful preparation and care. Dr Michael Chu takes a holistic approach to patient wellbeing, accounting for all areas of health to facilitate medical procedures that cause minimal disruption and stress. With years of specialised expertise in surgical care and complex HPB surgeries, contact Dr Michael Chu's medical practice to discuss your options for major surgery today.

Gallbladder removal, known as a cholecystectomy, is a common procedure for addressing gallbladder pain. Often performed as a laparoscopic surgery that uses small incisions and a tube-like camera, it is one of the safest surgeries with a 1 in 1000 risk of complication. If you have a cholecystectomy scheduled with an HPB surgeon, you may be wondering how to prepare for recovery after gallbladder removal. For a preview of what to expect at each stage and a general recovery timeline for laparoscopic cholecystectomies, read our guide to help your experience become more comfortable and stress-free.

How to prepare for gallbladder surgery

Gallbladder surgery, whether laparoscopic or open, usually does not require extra preparation beyond the scope of standard surgeries. Once the decision to proceed with a cholecystectomy is made, your doctor will provide instructions and recommendations specific to your procedure. These will minimise the risks of complications and facilitate a pleasant recovery period. You can expect specific instructions on:

• When to stop eating and drinking
• How to take your regular medication
• Where and when to present to the hospital

When preparing for recovery after gallbladder removal, organising a means of returning home or to your accommodation is necessary due to driving restrictions after general anaesthesia administration, which can last up to 24 hours. Consider securing transportation for yourself as soon as the day of surgery is confirmed for a smooth transition to rest. Arranging for someone to provide household assistance during the first few weeks after surgery can also be helpful.

What to expect during gallbladder surgery

Most laparoscopic operations take up to an hour to complete, with open surgery taking slightly longer. You can expect an overnight stay at the hospital where you are being treated, with same-day discharges possible when surgery is completed early in the day and based on the assessment of the HPB surgeon.

How long does gallbladder surgery recovery take?

Recovery after gallbladder removal generally takes from three days to a week for laparoscopic procedures. Open cholecystectomy patients can expect a longer recovery period of one to two months before resuming normal activity.

Here’s a general timeline for laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedures that outlines what to anticipate during each recovery window:

The first 24 hours

• Whether your cholecystectomy includes an overnight stay or not, the first 24 hours after gallbladder removal will involve a steady return to limited activity. Once rested, getting up for light movement is encouraged to help return your body to regular fitness as soon as possible. Short walks should be the extent of your physical activity and will also help prevent postoperative blood clots from forming.
• Gallbladder removal does not usually require dietary changes. Your healthcare provider may suggest dietary restrictions or recommendations based on your health condition, but most patients can continue a similar diet before the procedure. You may find that your body tolerates smaller meals best after the operation. Consume ample fluids and prioritise foods rich in fibre to assist bowel movements.
• Mild stomach and abdomen pain is common, and prescription medicine is usually provided. If pain symptoms worsen at this stage, contact your healthcare provider or GP.
• It is recommended that you avoid making any important decisions or signing legal documents. Driving a motor vehicle and operating machinery is also not advised for your safety and that of others.

24 – 48 hours after surgery

• Introducing longer walks at this stage will help build your strength back to regular physical capacity. Avoid heavy lifting (up to 7 kg) and movements that rely on your abdomen for support. Bruising at the incision sites may continue to form during this window.
• To check your ability to drive safely 24 to 48 hours after gallbladder removal, attempt a full emergency brake in your car before departing. Check the contents of your insurance to ensure you are not voiding any policies. Consider driving with a confident passenger to provide extra assurance.

The first week after surgery

• Most patients find that some degree of everyday activity becomes manageable from the first two days of recovery. Continuing to rest is important at this stage, and how soon you can return to work will depend on the level of physical activity involved.
• Sedentary jobs or work that requires less physical activity can often be performed after seven days. Coming in for half a day or reduced hours is also worth considering to ease your transition back to work.
• Bruising and minor pain near the wound should continue to decrease as the week progresses.

Two weeks and beyond

• Most abdominal pain or discomfort can be expected to improve during the second week of recovery.
• At this stage, some trouble still processing heavier or fattier meals is not uncommon. It can take up to two months for your body to adjust to digesting food without a gallbladder. Consider dietary supplements for extra support and targeted nutrition.
• If your work involves heavy lifting, returning after two weeks is recommended. Delaying your return to sports or physical activity for one to two months is also advised to ensure your body has healed enough to bear impact or stress.
• Open surgery patients can expect to be in the early stages of overall recovery but should notice improvements in pain and stamina.

Addressing gallbladder pain

Laparoscopic cholecystectomies are one of the most commonly performed surgeries in New Zealand, with the benefit of minimal lifestyle disruptions in the long term. Knowing what to expect at each stage of recovery means you can outline a postoperative plan with work and lifestyle arrangements organised ahead of time. If you’re experiencing pain that you believe may be related to your gallbladder, get in touch with Dr. Michael Chu to arrange a consultation.