> Liver resections for metastases and primary liver tumors: types of resection, techniques such as portal vein embolization or ALPPS, and indications.

**Fuente:** https://quenet-torrent.com/en/procedures/liver-resections/

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Reviewed by [Prof. Fabrizio Panaro](https://quenet-torrent.com/en/our-team/fabrizio-panaro/) · Updated: April 30, 2026

# Liver Resections

Hepatobiliary surgery

Oncological liver surgery for the treatment of metastases and primary liver tumors. The aim is to remove the whole tumor and leave enough healthy liver for it to keep working.

## What are oncological liver resections?

**Liver resections** consist of surgical removal of a portion of the liver containing a tumor. It is the treatment with the greatest curative potential for colorectal liver metastases and for primary liver tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma.

The liver is able to regenerate, which allows removal of up to 70-80% of the organ in patients with preserved liver function. This property makes extensive resections with curative intent possible.

![Room with intraoperative imaging technology at Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital for liver surgery](https://quenet-torrent.com/img/hospital/tecnologia-hospital.webp)

## Types of liver resections

Different types of resection exist depending on tumor extent and location:

### Wedge resection

Removal of a small portion of liver including the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue. Indicated for small, superficial lesions.

### Segmentectomy

Resection of one or several liver segments following the vascular anatomy of the liver. Allows larger resections with less parenchymal loss.

### Hepatectomy

Removal of a complete liver lobe (right or left). Necessary for large or central tumors.

### Extended hepatectomy

Resection of more than 60% of the liver. May require preoperative preparation techniques to increase the volume of the liver remnant.

## High-complexity techniques in liver surgery

These are some of the techniques we use:

### Laparoscopic and robotic surgery

Minimally invasive approach for selected resections, with less postoperative pain and faster recovery.

### Portal vein embolization

Preoperative technique to induce hypertrophy of the liver lobe that will remain after resection, making initially unresectable cases operable.

### ALPPS

Two-stage procedure that accelerates liver regeneration, allowing extensive resections in patients with insufficient liver volume.

### Intraoperative ultrasound

Real-time visualization of vascular anatomy and liver lesions during surgery to guide resection.

## Indications for liver surgery

Liver resections are indicated in various pathologies:

### Colorectal metastases

Main indication for oncological liver surgery. Resection can be curative in selected patients with 5-year survival rates exceeding 50%.

### Hepatocellular carcinoma

Primary liver tumor. Resection is indicated in patients with preserved liver function and localized disease.

### Cholangiocarcinoma

Intrahepatic bile duct tumor. Requires extensive resections including the affected bile duct.

### Metastases from other origins

In selected cases, metastases from neuroendocrine tumors, breast, ovary, or others may benefit from liver surgery.

## Our experience in liver surgery

At **Quenet-Torrent Institute** we have a team specialized in oncological hepatobiliary surgery. We perform the full spectrum of liver resections, from minimally invasive procedures to complex hepatectomies.

We work with interventional radiologists, medical oncologists, and hepatologists, and the treatment of each patient is decided jointly.

![Entrance hall with waiting area at Memorial Publio Cordón Hospital, where the team performs oncological liver resections](https://quenet-torrent.com/img/hospital/hospital-hold-sillas.webp)

## Related pathologies

Liver resections are applied in the treatment of various oncological pathologies.

### Hepatic tumors

Liver metastases and primary liver tumors.

[More information](https://quenet-torrent.com/pathologies/hepatic-tumors/)

### Colorectal tumors

Most frequent origin of liver metastases.

[More information](https://quenet-torrent.com/pathologies/colorectal-tumors/)

### Biliopancreatic tumors

Cholangiocarcinomas requiring liver resection.

[More information](https://quenet-torrent.com/pathologies/biliopancreatic-tumors/)