Laparoscopic liver resection assisted with radiofrequency

Background: Radiofrequency-assisted laparoscopic liver resection is reported. Methods: Patients suitable for liver resection were carefully assessed for laparoscopic resection. Patient and intraoperative and postoperative data were prospectively collected and analyzed. Results: Eighteen patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection. All operations were performed without vascular clamping and consisting of tumorectomy (n = 9), multiple tumoretcomies (n = 2), segmentectomy (n = 2), and bisegmentectornies (n = 2). Mean blood loss was 121 +/- 68 mL, and mean resection was time 167 +/- 45 minutes. There was no need for perioperative or postoperative transfusion of blood or blood products. One patient developed pneumothorax during surgery as a result of direct puncture of pleura with the radiofrequency probe, and I patient had transient liver failure and required supportive care after surgery. The mean length of hospital stay was 6.0 +/- 1.5 days. At follow-up, those with liver cancer had no recurrence. Conclusions: Radiofrequency-assist laparoscopic liver resection can decrease the risk of intraoperative bleeding and blood transfusion. (c) 2007 Excerpta Medica Inc. All rights reserved.