A Double Suspension Technique for Laparoscopic Isolated Caudate Lobectomy

Area of Science:

• Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Laparoscopic isolated caudate lobectomy presents challenges due to deep location and limited space.
• Effective hilar exposure and sufficient operative space are critical for successful caudate lobectomy.
• Limited literature exists on specialized techniques for this procedure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a novel double suspension technique for laparoscopic isolated caudate lobectomy.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this technique in improving surgical conditions.
• To compare outcomes between patients who underwent the procedure with and without the suspension technique.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 25 patients undergoing laparoscopic isolated caudate lobectomy.
• Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent the procedure with the double suspension technique and those without.
• Data collected included operative time, blood loss, conversion rates, complication rates, and postoperative liver function.

Main Results:

• The suspension group demonstrated significantly shorter operation times (154.9 vs. 224 min, P=.018) and inferior vena cava dissection times (30.1 vs. 44.8 min, P<.001).
• Intraoperative blood loss was significantly reduced in the suspension group (125.0 vs. 350 mL, P=.011).
• No significant differences were observed in conversion rates, complication rates, length of stay, or postoperative liver function between the groups.

Conclusions:

• The double suspension technique is a safe and feasible method for assisting laparoscopic isolated caudate lobectomy.
• This technique enhances surgical exposure and operative space, leading to reduced operation time and blood loss.
• It offers a valuable adjunct for hepatobiliary surgeons performing complex laparoscopic procedures on the caudate lobe.