A new laparoscopic-assisted hepatectomy (LAH) utilizing radiofrequency ablation and high-frequency electrocautery.

Compared to tumors located at the edge of the liver, tumors located directly on the liver surface are often difficult to resect, especially when the organ is cirrhotic. To remove tumors at this location, our group has developed a round high-frequency electrosurgical knife that allows hemispherical resection of the liver tissue. This study describes a new laparoscopic-assisted hepatectomy utilizing radiofrequency ablation of the tissue surrounding the tumor and high-frequency electrocautery. When compared with the laparoscopic hepatectomy, this new procedure seems to offer a safer, more effective, and less time-consuming means of resecting tumors on the liver surface. J. Surg. Oncol. 2006;93:68–71. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.