Precautions in caudate lobe resection: report of 11 cases

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Primary liver cancer in the caudate lobe presents unique surgical challenges due to its anatomical location.
• Effective surgical strategies are crucial for successful resection and improved patient survival.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate safety precautions for performing caudate lobe resection in patients with primary liver cancer.
• To analyze the outcomes of hepatectomy for caudate lobe tumors.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 11 patients undergoing caudate lobe resection for primary liver cancer.
• Implementation of four key procedures: optimized skin incision, liver mobilization, preparatory total hepatic vascular exclusion, and ideal hepatectomy route selection.
• Varying degrees of vascular occlusion, including intermittent and total hepatic vascular exclusion, were employed.

Main Results:

• All 11 hepatectomies were successful, with a mean blood loss of 300 mL.
• Postoperative complications included ascites and pleural effusion in 4 patients, and jaundice in 1 patient.
• Tumor recurrence occurred in 6 patients, while 5 patients survived over 16 months post-operation.

Conclusions:

• Caudate lobe resection for liver cancer can be safely performed using the described surgical procedures.
• These techniques contribute to successful outcomes in managing primary liver cancer in the caudate lobe.