Laparoscopic enucleation of giant liver hemangioma

The cavernous hemangioma is the most common benign tumor of the liver. It usually becomes symptomatic as it reaches a certain size. A 49-year-old man was admitted with a 1-year history of epigastric pain, which was not relieved by regular analgesic intake, and nausea. The results of physical examination, routine laboratory tests, and upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy were normal. Ultrasonography showed a 10-cm mass in the left hepatic lobe. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 90-mm hemangioma at left hepatic lobe. Selective celiac arteriogram was performed, and polyvinyl alcohol particles were used as an embolizing agent. After the embolization, the patient underwent laparoscopic enucleation of the liver hemangioma. No blood transfusion was needed during the operation. The operative time was 75 min. The patient was allowed to take a clear liquid diet on the postoperative day 1. The postoperative course of the patient was uneventful, and he was discharged on the postoperative day 2. Enucleation is the best surgical technique for the management of symptomatic giant hemangiomas. It can be performed with no mortality or morbidity, with preservation of all normal liver parenchyma. Enucleation also has been associated with significantly fewer intraabdominal complications than anatomic resection. The laparoscopic approach for enucleation requires patience and careful dissection to prevent bleeding. In conclusion, laparoscopic enucleation of hemangiomas is safe and easy to perform in selected cases.