Doctors in Lviv successfully performed a life-saving surgery on 4-year-old Yurko from Brody, who had a massive liver tumor occupying nearly two-thirds of his liver. The condition was asymptomatic and was discovered only during a routine ultrasound.
The tumor had already reached 10 cm in diameter and posed a critical threat. It was dangerously close to compressing vital blood vessels supplying the liver, which could have caused liver failure and required emergency organ transplantation.
The family sought help from Oleksandr Kalinchuk, a leading pediatric surgeon and medical director of St. Nicholas Children’s Hospital, part of the First Medical Association of Lviv.
Within two weeks of diagnosis, Yurko underwent a highly complex six-hour surgery. The surgical team – Oleksandr Kalinchuk, Denys Konoplytskyi, and Andrii Dvorakevych – divided the liver into three segments and completely removed the central portion, which was most affected by the tumor.
One of the biggest challenges was managing the risk of severe blood loss. To address this, the surgeons used a Cell Saver device, which collects, filters, and returns the patient’s lost blood during surgery. The procedure concluded with the careful stitching of the remaining liver sections back together.
Yurko then underwent an intensive and lengthy recovery process with the help of anesthesiologists, surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists. Today, he is a healthy, smiling boy who can now enjoy a full and unrestricted life.
Doctors emphasize the urgent need for additional equipment, particularly an electrosurgical generator, to improve safety during such complex operations. A fundraising campaign is currently underway to acquire this device. Supporters can contribute through the First Medical Association’s website.