Do hepatic hemangiomas require surgery?

Generally, if a hepatic hemangioma is large and accompanied by other symptoms, surgery is usually required. If the hepatic hemangioma is small and does not present other abnormal symptoms, surgical intervention is not necessary. If discomfort occurs, timely consultation and treatment at a regular hospital are recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

Larger hepatic hemangiomas may compress surrounding tissues, especially when located on the liver surface or near the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, and other areas. This compression may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and reduced appetite or cause jaundice if the biliary tract is affected. If the hemangioma shows rapid growth, significant right upper quadrant pain, or a high risk of rupture and hemorrhage, this may indicate notable impact on surrounding organs or an urgent threat. In such cases, interventions such as surgical removal or interventional therapy may be needed to prevent worsening symptoms or life-threatening complications like severe hemorrhage.

If the hepatic hemangioma is small and without other abnormal symptoms, it is mostly benign and grows very slowly or remains stable over a long period without affecting liver function or overall health. Located within the liver tissue, it is well protected and carries an extremely low risk of rupture. It also rarely compresses surrounding tissues to cause discomfort. In such cases, regular monitoring is sufficient, and unnecessary surgical intervention should be avoided to prevent unwarranted trauma.

In daily life, strenuous exercise or abdominal trauma should be avoided to prevent hemangioma rupture. Maintaining a regular routine, avoiding excessive fatigue, and refraining from heavy alcohol consumption are recommended to reduce the burden on the liver.