The difference between liver resection and no liver resection for gallbladder cancer

Whether to perform liver resection during the treatment of gallbladder cancer depends on the location and extent of the tumor. Liver resection can completely remove the lesion but is not suitable for all patients. Not performing liver resection may preserve liver function but requires combination with other treatment methods.

1. Suitability of liver resection: For patients with advanced gallbladder cancer or tumors that have invaded the liver, liver resection is the main method to completely eliminate cancer cells. The scope of surgery usually includes the gallbladder, part of the liver and surrounding lymph nodes, aiming to reduce the risk of recurrence. Liver function needs to be closely monitored after surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy is performed if necessary. Common surgical methods include lobectomy, segmentectomy and wedge resection, and the specific choice depends on the size and location of the tumor.

2. Treatment options without liver resection: If the patient's liver function is severely impaired or the tumor has not extensively invaded the liver, non-surgical options can be selected. Targeted drug therapy such as sorafenib and regorafenib can inhibit tumor growth, and immunotherapy such as PD-1 inhibitors can also enhance anti-tumor effects. The combination of radiotherapy and chemotherapy can reduce tumor size and reduce tumor activity while preserving liver function.

3. Comparison of survival rate and quality of life between liver resection and non-liver resection: Liver resection can improve the median survival of patients with advanced disease, but the postoperative recovery time is long, which may affect the quality of life. Although non-liver resection treatment can preserve liver function, it requires long-term medication or radiotherapy, which may be accompanied by side effects. Treatment decisions should take into account the patient's age, physical condition and tumor stage, and combine multidisciplinary consultation opinions.

Patients with gallbladder cancer should fully evaluate the pros and cons of liver resection and non-liver resection when choosing treatment, and carry out personalized treatment based on individual conditions to achieve the best treatment effect and quality of life.