Bisegmentectomy VII-VIII for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic livers

Preservation of nontumorous liver parenchyma should be a priority in hepatic surgery in order to avoid the risk of life-threatening liver failure and maximize the possibility of repeat resection.

A tumor localized in segments VII, VIII and infiltrating the main trunk of the superior right hepatic vein usually indicates a need to perform a right hepatectomy. With the presence of a stout inferior right hepatic vein, bisegmentectomy VII, VIII can be carried out without the risk of hepatic congestion in the remaining segment VI. We retrospectively review our experience with this rare and challenging hepatic resection.

In 23 of 715 patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma, the tumor was localized in segments VII, VIII and involved with the superior right hepatic vein. Eleven underwent bisegmentectomy VII, VIII. Mean operative blood loss was estimated to be 300mL (200-1200mL), and only three patients required blood transfusions less than 2U each person. No patient had postoperative life-threatening liver failure and there was no postoperative mortality. All resection margins were negative. Median overall and disease-free survivals were 31 and 11 months, respectively, with five patients alive and disease-free.

Bisegmentectomy VII and VIII is an oncologically radical but parenchyma-preserving liver resection. Though a rare hepatic resection, it can be performed safely with low morbidity and mortality in selected patients.