Should I Have Surgery to Remove Liver Metastases?

If you have been diagnosed with metastatic cancer that has spread to your liver, surgery to remove liver metastases can be a potentially life-extending—and in some cases, life-saving—option. The decision is highly individual and depends on several factors, but for many patients, surgical removal of liver metastases offers the best chance for long-term survival.

To put it simply, if your liver metastases are operable and you are otherwise healthy enough for surgery, discussing surgical removal with an experienced liver surgeon is essential.

Why Consider Surgery to Remove Liver Metastases?

Liver metastases occur when cancer from another part of the body, such as the colon or rectum, spreads to the liver. This is a common scenario with colorectal cancer. Surgical resection—meaning the removal of the cancerous portions of the liver—has become the standard of care for selected patients, especially when the original cancer is under control, and the number, size and location of liver tumors make removal feasible.

According to a 2023 article in the journal Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, published on ScienceDirect, patients with resectable liver metastases can achieve 5-year survival rates of 40% or higher, compared with far lower survival rates with systemic therapies alone. In many cases, surgery to remove liver metastases may be combined with chemotherapy or other treatments for optimal results.

Who Is a Candidate for Surgery to Remove Liver Metastases?

You may be a good candidate for surgery if:

• The liver metastases are limited in number and location, making complete removal possible
• There is no evidence of uncontrolled cancer elsewhere in the body
• You are healthy enough to tolerate anesthesia and a major operation
• Your liver function is adequate

Modern imaging and surgical techniques allow surgeons to safely remove even multiple tumors in different parts of the liver or perform staged operations when necessary. Dmitri Alden, MD, FACS, specializes in minimally invasive, robotic and complex open liver resections, tailoring each approach to the patient’s unique needs.

What Are the Risks and Benefits of Removing Liver Metastases?

The main benefit is the potential for long-term disease-free survival—even a cure in some cases. Surgical removal of liver metastases can also improve quality of life, reduce symptoms and allow patients to discontinue or minimize systemic treatments.

Risks include the usual complications of major surgery: bleeding, infection, bile leakage and potential impact on liver function. However, in the hands of experienced surgeons like Dr. Alden, complication rates are low and outcomes are excellent.

Why Trust Dmitri Alden, MD, FACS, with Liver Metastases Surgery?

Dr. Dmitri Alden is a board-certified, fellowship-trained liver and bile duct surgeon with more than two decades of experience in New York City. He is recognized internationally for his expertise in complex liver resections, minimally invasive surgery and personalized, compassionate care. Patients from around the world seek his guidance and skill in managing liver metastases.

As Dr. Alden says, “For many patients, surgery to remove liver metastases is the best hope for long-term survival. An individualized, team-based approach is essential to achieving the best outcomes.”

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my liver metastases are operable?
A detailed workup, including imaging studies (CT, MRI, PET scans) and blood tests, is needed. Consultation with a liver surgery specialist is the best way to evaluate your options.

What if I’ve been told my liver metastases are inoperable?
Get a second opinion. Advances in surgery, chemotherapy and interventional radiology mean that many patients once considered inoperable are now candidates for successful resection.

Is surgery the only treatment for liver metastases?
No. Chemotherapy, targeted therapy and ablation techniques are often used before or after surgery, or for patients not eligible for resection.

What is recovery like after surgery?
Most patients spend a few days in the hospital and several weeks recovering at home. Minimally invasive and robotic approaches can reduce recovery time.

Should You Have Surgery to Remove Liver Metastases?

If you have resectable liver metastases and are otherwise healthy, surgery may offer the best chance for long-term survival. Advances in liver surgery make it safer and more effective than ever. Dmitri Alden, MD, FACS, brings world-class experience and personalized care to every case.

Contact Dr. Dmitri Alden’s office in New York, NY, today to learn more about your options to remove liver metastases and receive expert guidance on your journey with liver cancer.