The liver is a large organ (3 pounds) that sits on the right upper side of the abdomen. The liver has two large sections, called the right and the left lobes. The gallbladder sits under the liver, along with parts of the pancreas and intestines. The liver and these organs work together to digest, absorb, and process food. The liver's main job is to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. As it does so, the liver secretes bile that ends up back in the intestines. The liver also makes proteins important for blood clotting and other functions.
Liver Biopsy - is the collection of liver tissue. The procedure is performed by inserting a long, hollow needle through the abdominal wall and into the liver. The needle is removed quickly once the tissue sample has been obtained. A liver biopsy is done to diagnose and evaluate:
• Cancer
• Abnormal blood test results
• Infections
• Liver enlargement
If a biopsy reveals an abnormality, then liver surgery may be necessary.
LIVER SURGERY - there are four common forms of liver resection:
RIGHT HEMIHEPATECTOMY - the right half of the liver is removed.
LEFT HEMIHEPATECTOMY - the left half of the liver is removed.
EXTENDED RIGHT HEMIHEPATECTOMY - the right side and a portion of the left part of the liver are removed.
EXTENDED LEFT HEMIHEPATECTOMY - the left side and a portion of the right side of the liver are removed.
PETE GARCIA M.D.
GENERAL VASCULAR
&
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
Board Certified & Practicing Medicine for Over 20 Years
