Laparoscopic-specific procedure using dorsal approach to the middle hepatic vein in laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy

Exposing the middle hepatic vein (MHV) is required in left hemihepatectomy [1]. Laparoscopy enables us to perform unique approach in performing hepatectomy [2,3]. Herein we show a video of dorsal approach in left hemihepatectomy and measure anatomical parameters useful for approaching to the MHV.

A 79-year-old man with colorectal liver metastasis underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy.

After mobilizing left lateral section and encircling left Glissonian trunk, we firstly flipped up left lateral section inside and began parenchymal transection from dorsal surface around the root of left hepatic vein (LHV). Immediately we touched the MHV and, by cutting the left Glissonian trunk, could extend complete MHV exposure in central-to-peripheral direction without split injuries of MHV branches [2]. Next, we flipped down the left lateral section and divided ventral remaining parenchyma in caudal-to-cranial direction without risk of MHV injury. As this is not one-way procedure [4], as if open a book, we adjusted the ventral cutting plane to match with the dorsal one. Finally, by cutting the LHV, we completed left hemihepatectomy.

We divided a sectional image into four zones (cranio-dorsal, caudal-dorsal, caudal-ventral, and cranio-ventral zones) and measured each anatomical parameter to expose the MHV. The area of cranio-dorsal zone was smallest to expose the MHV (3.5cm²). The distance from the Arantius' ligament to the MHV was also shortest (1.1cm).

Dorsal approach might be the nearest and safe road way to the MHV. This approach might make it easy to complete laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy.