Impact of radiofrequency assisted hepatectomy for reduction of transfusion requirements

Background: Liver parenchyma transection technique using heat coagulative necrosis induced by radio-frequency (RF).energy is evaluated in this series. Methods: Between January 2000 and October 2004, 156 consecutive patients underwent liver resection with the RF-assisted technique. Data were collected prospectively to assess the outcome, including intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion requirement, and morbidity and mortality rates. Results: There were 30 major hepatectornies and 126 minor resections. While total operative time was 241 +/- 89 minutes, the actual resection time was 75 +/- 51 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was 139 +/- 222 mL. Nine patients (5%) received blood transfusion, predominantly those receiving major hepatectomy (P = .006). Thirty-six patients (23%) developed postoperative complications, and the mortality rate was 3.2%. Mean hospital stay was 12 +/- 12 days. Conclusion: The RF-assisted technique is associated with minimal blood loss, a low blood transfusion requirement, and reduced mortality and morbidity rates and can be used for both minor and major liver resections. (c) 2007 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.