Laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy: a report on 40 patients

Objective To investigate the practicability and safety of laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy.Method 40 patients with space occupying lesions in the liver underwent laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy between Jan.2008 and Mar.2012.The diagnoses were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n=13),recurrent HCC (n =1 ),cholangiocarcinoma ( n =1 ),metastatic cancer ( n=6),hepatolithiasis (n=10),hemangioma (n=7),FNH (n=1) and liver cell adenoma (n =1).Intraoperative ultrasound was routinely performed to locate lesions and intrahepatic structures.Selective hemihepatic vascular occlusion was applied during resection. High frequency cautery,CUSA and Ligasure were used to transect liver parenchyma. Hemolocks were applied when large blood vessels and bile ducts were encountered.Endo-GIA was used if necessary.The operations included right hemihepatectomy (n =3),left hemihepatectomy (n =10),resections of segment Ⅴ and Ⅵ (n=5),segment Ⅴ (n=3),segment Ⅵ (n =4),and segment Ⅳb (n =1).Result 34 hepatectomics were performed laparoscopically.6 patients were converted to open surgery.There was no perioperative death. The operating time was 250.21±50.94 min,and intraoperative blood loss was 420.20± 120.10 ml.Bile leakage was diagnosed in 2 patients after operation.Conclusion With careful patient selection,and improvement in surgical technique and apparatus,laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy has become safe and practicable.The operation has the advantages of minimal invasion and rapid recovery. It can be regarded as a standard procedure for selected benign and malignant lesions. Key words: Laparoscopy; Anatomical Hepatectomy