Breast cancer is the most common malignant tumor among women worldwide, with liver metastasis being a major cause of high mortality rate. With advancements in surgical techniques, particularly laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgeries, surgical treatment has become an important component of the comprehensive treatment strategy for breast cancer liver metastasis (BCLM). However, a longitudinal and cross-sectional analysis of domestic and international research reveals differences in surgical treatment practices for BCLM across regions. International studies tend to focus on technological innovations and improvements in therapeutic efficacy, while domestic research emphasizes optimizing surgical methods, exploring emerging treatment technologies, and the potential of integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine. These differences reflect the diversity in medical resources, technological levels, and treatment philosophies across regions. Past studies on the surgical treatment of BCLM mainly relied on retrospective analyses, which often varied in quality and had significant discrepancies in results, thus limiting their credibility. In light of this, recent years have seen a shift towards prospective studies in both international and domestic research, signaling a move towards higher quality standards and broader impact in BCLM surgical treatment research. In China, the scale of research in this field remains insufficient, necessitating an expansion of research scope to synchronize with international standards and ensure more reliable and representative outcomes. Future research should focus on a deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms of BCLM and further application of technologies such as liquid biopsy, molecular typing, and genetic testing to provide more precise and personalized treatment plans for BCLM patients. Additionally, improving surgical precision and safety, as well as enhancing the accessibility of surgical treatment through networks and telemedicine, are key directions for future development. Despite the numerous challenges in the surgical treatment of BCLM, advancements in technology and multidisciplinary collaboration are expected to bring better survival rates and quality of life for BCLM patients. Continued exploration of new treatment methods is essential to further improve the treatment efficacy and prognosis for BCLM patients.