Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
06:00
Laparoscopic Anatomic S7+S8d Resection Preserving Inferior Right Hepatic Vein and S6 with Right Hepatic Vein Transection
Published on: December 30, 2025
Liver packing during elective surgery: an option that can be considered
Marc Antoine Allard1, Federica Dondero, Daniel Sommacale
1Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery, Hôpital Beaujon, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris 7, 100 bld du Général Leclerc, 92118, Clichy, France.
World Journal of Surgery
|May 21, 2011
Summary
Surgical packing is a safe and effective method to control severe venous bleeding during elective liver surgery when other methods fail. This technique helps stabilize patients with coagulation disorders, hypothermia, and acidosis, leading to positive outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Surgical Hemostasis
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Packing is a life-saving procedure for blunt hepatic trauma with coagulopathy.
- Its application in elective liver surgery is less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of elective packing in liver surgery.
- To assess its utility in managing prolonged bleeding unresponsive to conventional hemostasis.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients undergoing liver resection or transplantation with intractable bleeding underwent elective packing.
- Patients presented with prolonged surgery, massive blood loss, coagulopathy, hypothermia, and acidosis.
Main Results:
- Packing was safely performed, with patients stabilizing over 37 hours (median).
- Upon re-operation, patients were normothermic with corrected coagulation and acid-base balance.
- All bleeding ceased, allowing for secondary fascia closure and successful outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Elective packing is a safe and effective strategy for controlling venous bleeding in liver surgery when standard hemostasis fails.
- Partial outflow obstruction is a common reason for hemostatic failure, addressed by packing.
