Current Status of Laparoscopic Hepatectomy

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures
• Surgical Oncology

Background:

• Open hepatectomy (OH) was the traditional standard for liver tumor surgical treatment before the advent of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) in 1991.
• Initial indications for LH were limited by tumor characteristics and location.
• The adoption of LH has surged globally due to its minimally invasive nature and reduced incision size.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and assess the current status and outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH).
• To compare the safety, efficacy, and long-term results of LH versus open hepatectomy (OH).
• To identify future trends and necessary developments for advancing LH procedures.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of existing literature on laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH).
• Comparative analysis of LH outcomes against traditional open hepatectomy (OH).
• Assessment of technological advancements impacting LH procedures.

Main Results:

• Laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) demonstrates significantly fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and reduced blood loss compared to open hepatectomy (OH).
• Long-term survival rates following LH are comparable to those achieved with OH.
• Laparoscopic major hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is technically demanding and requires experienced surgical teams.

Conclusions:

• LH is a safe and effective alternative to OH for liver tumor treatment, offering significant patient benefits.
• Continued development in surgical techniques, instrumentation, and navigation systems is crucial for improving LH.
• Standardization through dedicated training programs will be essential for the broader application and improved outcomes of LH.