A simple technique for large tumor removal during laparoscopic liver resection

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Laparoscopic liver resections are increasingly common.
• Specimen extraction poses a significant challenge, especially for large liver specimens.
• Current methods for specimen retrieval can be cumbersome and may compromise specimen integrity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a new, effective technique for extracting large specimens from laparoscopic liver resections.
• To present a method that overcomes the size limitation typically associated with laparoscopic specimen retrieval.
• To highlight the functional and cosmetic advantages of the described technique.

Main Methods:

• A combination of a Pfannenstiel suprapubic incision and obstetric forceps was employed.
• This technique was developed to facilitate the removal of large surgical specimens.
• The method is designed for ease of use and rapid execution during laparoscopic procedures.

Main Results:

• The described technique allows for expeditious extraction of intact liver specimens, including very large ones.
• Specimens were successfully retrieved through a standard suprapubic Pfannenstiel incision.
• The method demonstrated functional and cosmetic advantages compared to existing retrieval techniques.

Conclusions:

• The described Pfannenstiel incision and obstetric forceps technique is a feasible and efficient method for laparoscopic liver resection specimen retrieval.
• This approach simplifies the removal of large specimens, reducing technical difficulties.
• The technique may also be applicable to other laparoscopic abdominal surgeries involving large specimens.