Transparenchymal retraction maneuver: a simple technique in laparoscopic hepatectomy

The performance of laparoscopic hepatectomy still presents technical problems. One of the main difficulties is the impossibility of directly grasping the liver during resection. To overcome this problem, we have begun using transparenchymal suture traction in laparoscopic hepatectomy. From January 2000 through August 2001, eight laparoscopic hepatectomies were performed using suture traction during parenchymal resection. The advantages of this technique include no leakage of pneumoperitoneum, no increased trocar hole, ability to repeat application to the liver from various directions, and better exposure of the transected line.