Hepatobiliary Surgery Recovery Time: What You Need to Know

Hepatobiliary surgery is a specialized field that focuses on the surgical treatment of diseases that affect the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts. See more: https://www.leesurgery.com.sg/hepatobiliary-and-pancreas.

These procedures are complex and require a high level of expertise. They are often performed to treat cancer, including tumors in the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts, which can be either benign or malignant.

Also, hepatobiliary surgery can address severe gallstones, liver disorders from heavy alcohol use, fatty liver disease, and complications from hepatitis. The procedures are typically carried out by highly skilled surgeons trained in hepatobiliary surgery.

On this page, you will learn about the recovery time for hepatobiliary surgery. Also, you will learn about the benefits and risks of the surgery. Keep reading;

What are the Common Hepatobiliary Surgeries?

Hepatobiliary surgery in Singapore is quite common. However, for those learning about the procedure for the first time, a key question that pops up so many times is; what are the common hepatobiliary surgeries? Here is a quick list;

• Bile Duct Resection: Bile duct resection involves removing a portion of the bile duct to treat bile duct cancer. This surgery is crucial for halting the spread of cancer and improving patient outcomes. By removing the cancerous section of the bile duct, this procedure can prevent further spread and improve treatment outcomes.
• Chemoembolization: Just as it sounds, chemoembolization delivers chemotherapy directly to the tumor through a catheter to cut off the blood supply to the tumor and trap chemotherapy drugs at the site and enhance their effectiveness. Chemoembolization is particularly effective for treating liver cancer.
• Cholecystectomy: Cholecystectomy is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Typically, it is performed laparoscopically through small incisions and is usually recommended for patients with gallstones or gallbladder disease. This minimally invasive surgery offers faster recovery times, less pain, and smaller scars compared to open surgery.
• Gallstone Surgery: Gallstone surgery can be performed using open or laparoscopic techniques. It is done to remove gallstones that cause pain, infection, or other complications.
• Liver Resection: Liver resection involves removing a portion of the liver to treat liver cancer or benign tumors. Laparoscopic liver resection, where available, offers benefits such as shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery.
• Liver Transplant: A liver transplant replaces a failing liver with a healthy one from a donor. It is vital for patients with severe liver disease or liver failure. The procedure can dramatically improve a patient's health and longevity.
• Pancreas or Kidney Transplant: These transplants involve replacing a failing pancreas or kidney with a healthy organ from a donor to treat severe organ failure. These surgeries can significantly improve your quality of life and overall health if you're suffering from organ failure.
• Pancreatic Resection: Pancreatic resection removes a portion of the pancreas to treat pancreatic cancer. This surgery is essential for managing and potentially curing pancreatic cancer.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: This technique uses radiofrequency energy to remove cancerous or noncancerous growths. It can be performed through open, laparoscopic, or percutaneous surgery. Radiofrequency ablation provides a minimally invasive option for removing tumors.
• TheraSphere®: TheraSphere® is a treatment for inoperable liver cancer. It delivers radiation directly to the tumor's blood supply via a catheter. This targeted treatment effectively kills cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.
• Whipple Procedure: Also known as pancreaticoduodenectomy, the Whipple procedure treats pancreatic cancer. It involves removing part or all of the pancreas, part of the stomach, small intestine, lymph nodes near the pancreas, gallbladder, and part of the bile duct. This complex surgery can be life-saving if you have pancreatic cancer, though it requires extensive experience and skill due to its complexity.

What is the Recovery Time for Hepatobiliary Surgery?

It is natural to be curious about planned treatments. That is why so many people frequently ask; what is the recovery time for hepatobiliary surgery?

The recovery time for hepatobiliary surgery depends on the type and intensity of the procedure. After liver resection, you may experience soreness that lasts 1 to 2 weeks. Symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or headaches may occur.

Numbness around the incision is common. Full recovery usually takes 4 to 8 weeks, with a hospital stay of 3 to 4 days for smaller resections. Your surgeon will guide you on when to resume work, generally 2 to 4 months depending on your job.

How do you Care for yourself at Home after Hepatobiliary Surgery?

After your hepatobiliary surgery, you will want to take good care of yourself at home to encourage a smooth and speedy recovery. Here are nine tips;

1. Get Rest and Sleep: Getting enough helps your body heal. So, rest when you feel tired and avoid pushing yourself too hard. Listen to your body's signals to rest.
2. Engage in Gentle Activity: Start walking each day. Begin with short distances and gradually increase your walking time daily. Walking enhances blood flow and can help prevent pneumonia and constipation.
3. Avoid Heavy Lifting: For at least 8 weeks, avoid lifting anything heavy that requires straining. This includes children, heavy grocery bags, briefcases, backpacks, cat litter, dog food bags, and vacuum cleaners.
4. Incision Support and Breathing Exercises: Hold a pillow over your incision when coughing or taking deep breaths to decrease pain. Perform breathing exercises as instructed by your doctor to prevent pneumonia.
5. Dietary Adjustments: You can return to your normal diet unless advised otherwise by your doctor. If your stomach feels upset, opt for bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
6. Bowel Movements: Your bowel movements may be irregular after surgery, which is common. Avoid constipation by getting a daily fiber supplement. If you haven't had a bowel movement in a couple of days, consult your doctor about taking a mild laxative.
7. Medication: Follow your doctor's instructions regarding your medications. If you stopped taking aspirin or other blood thinners, ask your doctor when to restart them. Take pain medications as directed. Avoid taking multiple pain medications simultaneously unless approved by your doctor.
8. Managing Nausea: If your pain medication causes nausea, take it after meals (unless otherwise advised by your doctor). You can also request a different pain medication if needed.
9. Antibiotics Adherence: If prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed and complete the full course, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics early can lead to infection recurrence.

It is a Wrap

A hepatobiliary surgery can effectively improve your quality of life and increase longevity. Please, seek your doctor for guidance as soon as possible if you have questions about your recovery process.

Nothing motivates us more than providing comprehensive and compassionate surgical care. Our hepatobiliary specialist Dr Lee Chin Li and carers will work round the clock with you to ensure the highest quality of treatment and care. To learn more or schedule an appointment, give us a call or pass by our practice at;

Dr. Lee Chin Li-Lee Surgery and Endoscopy | Colorectal Surgery | Gallbladder Surgery Singapore

6 Napier Rd, #04-16 Gleneagles Medical Centre,

Singapore 258499

+65 6255 0720