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

Ten‐year experience of totally laparoscopic liver resection in a single institution. BJS 2009; 96: 274-279.

Published: 17th February 2009

Authors: A. Sasaki, H. Nitta, K. Otsuka, T. Takahara, S. Nishizuka, G. Wakabayashi et al.

Background

Recent developments in liver surgery include the introduction of laparoscopic liver resection. The aim of the present study was to review a single institution's 10‐year experience of totally laparoscopic liver resection (TLLR).

Method

Between May 1997 and April 2008, 82 patients underwent TLLR for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (37 patients), liver metastases (39) and benign liver lesions (six). Operations included 69 laparoscopic wedge resections, 11 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomies and two thoracoscopic wedge resections. Nine patients underwent simultaneous laparoscopic resection of colorectal primary cancer and synchronous liver metastases.

Results

Median operating time was 177 (range 70–430) min and blood loss 64 (range 1–917) ml. Median tumour size and surgical margin were 25 (range 15–85) and 6 (range 0–40) mm respectively. One procedure was converted to a laparoscopically assisted hepatectomy. Three patients developed complications. Median postoperative stay was 9 (range 3–37) days. The overall 5‐year survival rate after surgery for HCC and colorectal metastases was 53 and 64 per cent respectively.

Conclusion

TLLR can be performed safely for a variety of primary and secondary liver tumours, and seems to offer at least short‐term benefits in selected patients. Copyright © 2009 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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