Hepatic Oncology Surgery Unit

Specialist centre for liver cancer surgery

The Liver Cancer Surgery Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital, headed by Dr François Quénet, is a highly specialised department dedicated to the surgical treatment of liver cancer and metastases affecting the liver. As part of the Oncology Department, it operates in accordance with strict criteria regarding oncological indications, advanced technical planning and the highest standards of surgical safety.

As the liver plays an essential role in maintaining the body’s balance, every decision must be precise. The Unit focuses its practice on providing a rigorous surgical strategy, carefully planned and tailored to each patient’s individual circumstances.

Expert assessment of complex liver tumours

The unit treats patients with primary or secondary liver tumours requiring a highly specialised surgical assessment. Many of these cases present particularly complex features — multiple lesions, vascular involvement or bilateral distribution — which demand specific expertise and meticulous planning.

The clinical objective is to rigorously determine whether surgery is the most appropriate treatment option, at what stage it should be considered and which technical approach should be adopted, whilst always ensuring a balance between cancer control and the preservation of liver function.

Indications for oncological liver surgery

The unit specialises specifically in the surgical treatment of liver tumours where resection can offer a safe and proportionate oncological benefit. The main indications include:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma

• Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

• Liver metastases of colorectal origin

• Liver metastases of pancreatic, neuroendocrine, breast and other origins

• Selected liver recurrences following previous treatments

Each case is analysed in depth, taking into account the tumour stage, the biology of the disease, the patient’s general condition and liver function reserve. This comprehensive assessment enables a well-founded and prudent decision on the need for surgery to be made.

Pre-operative assessment and surgical planning

The assessment begins with a detailed clinical examination and a thorough analysis of imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) and high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver. Where necessary, functional tests are included to accurately estimate the liver’s capacity to tolerate a resection.

The location of the lesions, their relationship to the major hepatic vessels and the volume of healthy liver remaining after the procedure are all assessed. This advanced planning enables us to anticipate risks and define the safest surgical strategy.

The final decision is taken by a multidisciplinary committee comprising Medical Oncology, Interventional Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, ensuring that each patient receives a treatment plan based on scientific evidence and expert judgement.

Advanced techniques in liver surgery

The unit performs anatomical and non-anatomical liver resections, major hepatectomies and complex procedures in patients with multiple lesions or specific vascular involvement.

In certain scenarios, surgery forms part of a combined strategy that integrates systemic treatments or interventional techniques, organised sequentially to optimise oncological outcomes and preserve liver function.

Each procedure is individually tailored, prioritising safety, technical precision and functional recovery.

Expert assessment and personalised guidance

The Hepatic Oncology Surgery Unit at the Publio Cordón Memorial Hospital is staffed by surgeons who specialise in hepatic oncology and have extensive experience in treating complex tumour conditions. Their practice is based on rigorous assessment, meticulous surgical planning and precise technical execution.

The hospital’s care model combines a high level of surgical specialisation with person-centred care. Assessment by a multidisciplinary committee allows each case to be analysed in depth and the most appropriate treatment plan to be agreed upon by consensus. Sufficient time is taken to clearly explain each clinical situation, address any concerns and support the patient in their decision-making.