Laparoscopic liver resection: 5-year experience at a single center

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary surgery
• Minimally invasive oncology
• Surgical oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent cancer, particularly in the ASEAN region, often linked to high hepatitis virus infection rates.
• Liver resection is a primary curative treatment for HCC.
• Laparoscopic surgery offers potential benefits over traditional open procedures for liver resection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic liver resection for HCC.
• To assess the long-term benefits and oncologic outcomes of this minimally invasive technique.

Main Methods:

• A 5-year cohort study of total laparoscopic hepatectomy for HCC was conducted at a single center.
• 173 patients with HCC underwent laparoscopic liver resection performed by a dedicated surgical team.
• Standardized follow-up protocols similar to open surgery were implemented, with data analyzed using SPSS software.

Main Results:

• 173 patients (male:female ratio 3:1, mean age 56) underwent laparoscopic liver resection.
• 5-year overall survival rates reached 72.9%, with a mean survival time of 49.7 months.
• The procedure showed low conversion rates (2.3%), minimal blood loss (median 100 ml), and short hospital stays (mean 6.5 days), with no perioperative mortality.

Conclusions:

• Laparoscopic liver resection for HCC is a feasible, safe, and effective treatment.
• Good oncologic outcomes and minimally invasive benefits make it a promising option for HCC management.
• Advanced resections, including major and anatomic hepatectomies, are achievable with surgical experience.