Cranio-caudal approach to hepatic veins in laparoscopic central bisectionectomy (with Video)

Laparoscopic central bisectionectomy (Couinaud's segment IV, V, and VIII) needs exposure of the RHV and MHV on the surface of the remnant and the resecting side, respectively. Avoiding venous injury is mandatory and laparoscopy-specific cranio-caudal approach to hepatic veins might be helpful [1]. We present this procedure in performing laparoscopic central bisectionectomy.

A 45-year-old female was admitted to our hospital with a 6 cm HCC in the segment VIII and IV. Her comorbid disease was non-cirrhotic HBV hepatitis (Child-Pugh grade A) and diabetes (untreated).

After cholecystectomy, G₄ branches were dissected and cut by extra- or intra-hepatic approach. Hilar plate was dissected and the G_ant was encircled and occluded by a vascular clip. Afterwards, exposure of the MHV was started at its root on IVC [2,3] and extended in cranio-caudal direction [1]. After sufficient space was obtained around the G_ant, the G_ant and the MHV were cut. Parenchymal transection between right anterior and right posterior sections was also started form the root of the RHV to its cranio-caudal direction. Liver resection was finished with full exposure of the RHV.

The operating time was 380 minutes, and the blood loss volume was 30 ml. Postoperative CT image showed exposure of the RHV and umbilical portion of Glissonean branch, and no fluid retention.

Laparoscopy-specific cranio-caudal approach to hepatic veins may be useful to avoid split injury of venous branches [4], especially if the hepatectomy requires complete exposure of hepatic vein, such as central bisectionectomy.