[Complete regeneration of the right liver after hemihepatectomy]

Right hemi-hepatectomy was performed in two patients because of metastases in one and a malignant hepatoma in the other. After five and six months, respectively, a right hepatic lobe was again demonstrated, at first by ultrasound, then by isotope scanning. Further studies by coeliacography, 99Tc hepatobida, CT scan and liver-biopsy histology from the regenerated lobe revealed a functionally and morphologically normal picture of a right hepatic lobe, the external form of the regenerated right lobe being identical with the original one. A histologically and functionally unchanged residual liver is considered the prerequisite for satisfactory regeneration after resection. Liver regeneration, as far as regulating factors are concerned, seems to be under similar hormonal control mechanism as external wound healing.