Liver lobectomy is the removal of a liver lobe. The most common reason for removal of a liver lobe is for the treatment of a primary liver tumor. A primary liver tumor is one that originates in a single liver lobe. If a primary liver tumor has metastasized to other liver lobes or to the lungs, removal of the primary tumor will be of little benefit. Other reasons for liver lobe removal include the presence of a liver abscess and liver lobe laceration secondary to trauma.
A midline approach is made to the front part of the abdominal cavity. The vascular pedicle is isolated, clamped and then occluded with a surgical stapling device that places 2-3 staggered rows of very small stainless steel staples across the pedicle and the liver lobe is then cut along its base and removed. The abdominal cavity is then surgically closed
Post-operatively these patients must be activity limited to brief leash walks for urination and defecation for 3 weeks in an effort to allow the abdominal wall to heal appropriately. Spending the night in one of the 24-hour care facilities is generally recommended. Analgesic and antimicrobial medications will be prescribed. Approximately 10-14 days following surgery these patients should be returned to their veterinarian to assess progress and remove skin sutures or skin staples.
The short and long-term prognoses following liver lobectomy vary considerably depending upon why the liver lobe is being removed and whether or not all of the diseased tissue was removed. Dr. Priddy will discuss in detail what you can expect from your pet following liver lobectomy.