[Microwave technique in hepatic surgery: report of 70 cases]

70 hepatic resections were performed using 2450 MHz microwave scalpel. Primary diseased included hepatocellular carcinoma (46 cases), hemangioma (18), hepatobiliary tract stone (2), biliary cystadenoma (1), inflammatory pseudotumor of the live (1), metastatic liver cancer (2). Hemostasis was excellent despite liver cirrhosis in all cases. The average amount of blood loss and blood transfusion was 249 ml and 294 ml respectively. Blood transfusion was not necessary in 30 patients. All cases were free from postoperative bleeding from the liver stump and abdominal infection. No complications attributable to microwave coagulation were noted. We conclude that this new operative technique can be used safely and easily in the field of hepatic surgery.