I was just wondering did the vet any tests, blood etc? Our vet who is not for doing surgery has always made sure that the liver is ok and if needed did an x-ray or ultrasound.
Over the years our dog has had trouble with the liver, pancreas, cushings, but never had surgery for anything. The vet has giving him fluids when he was vomiting bile and for a week we were able to do it at home. They taught my husband how to do it.
In your case it seemed that it was just a visit.