Laparoscopic liver resections: a single center experience

Since the first report of laparoscopic liver resection, by Gagner et al. 1992, an increasing number of small prospective studies have been published. They have shown encouraging results for the feasibility and safety of the procedure. This paper prospectively evaluated the results of a single center's experience with elective liver resections.

From January 1995 to January 2004 a prospective study of laparoscopic liver resections was undertaken in 31 patients with preoperative diagnosis of benign lesions (13 cases, 42.4%), hepatocellular carcinoma in absence of complicated cirrhosis (three cases, 9.1%), and liver metastases (15 cases, 45.5%). Mean tumor size was 34.9 mm (range 10-100 mm).

The procedures included 11 (37.9%) major hepatectomies and 21 (62.1%) minor resections (one patient was submitted to repeat laparoscopic liver resection) . There were three conversions to open. Mean blood loss was 210 ml (range 0-700 ml). Mean operative time was 115 min (range 45-210 min). There were no deaths and no reoperations for complications. No port-site metastases occurred in patients with malignant lesions.

Laparoscopic liver resections, including major hepatectomies, are feasible and safe. Major and posterior resections are difficult, though, and conventional surgery remains an option.