The liver is a vital organ responsible for metabolism, detoxification, bile production, and nutrient storage. Liver conditions such as benign cysts, liver tumors (both benign and malignant), and traumatic liver injuries may require surgical intervention depending on size, symptoms, and complications. In the UAE, increasing rates of metabolic disease, fatty liver, hepatitis, and trauma have contributed to a growing need for specialized liver surgery.

Liver cysts are often benign and asymptomatic, but large cysts may cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, or pain. Liver tumors may include hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, adenomas, or malignant tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Symptoms can include abdominal pain, jaundice, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or abnormal liver function tests. Liver trauma, often resulting from road traffic accidents or falls, can lead to internal bleeding and requires urgent evaluation.

Diagnosis involves liver function tests, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and in selected cases, biopsy. Advanced imaging helps determine the nature, size, and location of lesions, guiding surgical planning.

Surgical treatment may involve liver resection (hepatectomy) to remove the affected portion while preserving healthy liver tissue. Thanks to the liver’s ability to regenerate, partial removal is safe in carefully selected patients. At IMH, laparoscopic liver surgery is performed for suitable cases, offering reduced pain, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay. Open surgery is reserved for complex tumors or major trauma.

Care is delivered through a multidisciplinary approach, involving hepatology, oncology, radiology, anesthesia, and critical care teams. Post-operative care includes liver function monitoring, nutritional support, and long-term follow-up.