Experience with reversed L-shaped incision for right hemicolectomy combined with liver resection

Various types of incisions have been applied in simultaneous resections of colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases. We describe our experience with the reversed L-shaped incision for simultaneous right hemicolectomy and liver resection.

We applied the reversed L-shaped incision in nine patients who underwent simultaneous right hemicolectomy and right liver resection or left hepatectomy. A reversed L-shaped incision of the abdomen was consisted of midline and transverse incisions with the junction of the umbilicus. The operative field was kept open using Kent retractors. First, right colon mobilization was performed easily and right hemicolectomy was performed. Subsequently, liver mobilization with identification of hepatic vessels was achieved and right liver resection or left hepatectomy was performed.

The reversed L-shaped incision successfully provided a good and rapid exposure in nine patients. There were no complications, such as wound infection, lung atelectasis/pneumonia, or incisional hernia, in patients with the reversed L-shaped incision.

Our preliminary experience demonstrated that the reversed L-shaped incision might be a good choice in a subset of patients with simultaneous right hemicolectomy and right liver resection or left hepatectomy. However, a large, prospective, controlled study comparing different incision types in the same procedure with variables, such as operating time, postoperative pain scores, patient's satisfaction, and postoperative complication, is needed to support the benefit of the reversed L-shaped incision.