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Published on: September 20, 2020
Impact of radiofrequency assisted hepatectomy for reduction of transfusion requirements
Ahmet Ayav1, Philippe Bachellier, Nagy A Habib
1Department of Surgery, Anaesthetics and Intensive Care, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, UK.
Background:
Liver parenchyma transection technique using heat coagulative necrosis induced by radiofrequency (RF) energy is evaluated in this series.
Methods:
Between January 2000 and October 2004, 156 consecutive patients underwent liver resection with the RF-assisted technique. Data were collected prospectively to assess the outcome, including intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion requirement, and morbidity and mortality rates.
Results:
There were 30 major hepatectomies and 126 minor resections. While total operative time was 241 +/- 89 minutes, the actual resection time was 75 +/- 51 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was 139 +/- 222 mL. Nine patients (5%) received blood transfusion, predominantly those receiving major hepatectomy (P = .006). Thirty-six patients (23%) developed postoperative complications, and the mortality rate was 3.2%. Mean hospital stay was 12 +/- 12 days.
Conclusion:
The RF-assisted technique is associated with minimal blood loss, a low blood transfusion requirement, and reduced mortality and morbidity rates and can be used for both minor and major liver resections.
