The international surgical journal with global reach

This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS

Liver resection under total vascular exclusion with or without preceding Pringle manoeuvre. BJS 2010; 97: 50-55.

Published: 10th December 2009

Authors: S.‐Y. Fu, W. Y. Lau, A.‐J. Li, Y. Yang, Z.‐Y. Pan, Y.‐M. Sun et al.

Background

Adequate control of bleeding is crucial during liver resection. This study analysed the safety and efficacy of hepatectomy under total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE) in patients with tumours encroaching or infiltrating the hepatic veins and/or the inferior vena cava (IVC).

Method

All patients undergoing liver resection with THVE between January 2000 and July 2006 were identified from a prospectively collected database containing 2400 patients. Data on patient demographics, surgical procedure and outcome were collected.

Results

A total of 87 patients scheduled for liver resection under THVE were identified, 77 with malignant tumours and ten with benign disease. THVE could not be used in two patients (2 per cent) owing to haemodynamic intolerance during trial clamping. Seventeen patients received simultaneous clamping of the portal triad and vena cava, and 68 had portal triad clamping followed by concomitant portal and vena cava clamping. The mean(s.d.) duration of THVE was 28·3(7·5) and 18·7(5·2) min respectively. Overall postoperative complication and operative mortality rates were 53 and 2 per cent respectively. Mean(s.d.) hospital stay was 16·8(4·7) days.

Conclusion

Major hepatic resection for tumours encroaching on the hepatic veins or IVC can be carried out under THVE with reasonable morbidity and mortality. Copyright © 2010 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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