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Technical considerations in laparoscopic liver surgery

A solid organ easily forgotten?

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Abstract

Background

Laparoscopic solid organ surgery has gained growing acceptance, but this does not hold for laparoscopic surgery of the liver. Laparoscopic liver surgery mainly comprizes diagnostic procedures and treatment of liver cysts. However, we believe there is room for a laparoscopic approach to the liver in selected cases, with the benefits that may be expected from laparoscopic solid organ surgery.

Methods

Between 1993 and 2000, 10 patients with various lesions of the liver underwent laparoscopic surgery. Indications consisted of cystic disease (n=2), hemangioma (n=2), focal nodular hyperplasia (n=2), liver abcess (n=1), and liver metastasis (n=3). Laparoscopic treatment varied from fenestration (n=3) to wedge resections (n=5), and formal left lateral hepatectomy (n=2).

Results

The mean patient age was 54 years (range, 34–71 years). The mean operative time, including laparoscopic ultrasonography, measured 180 min (range, 80–240 min). Peroperative blood loss ranged from 200 to 450 ml. There was no mortality. In two patients, conversion to laparotomy was necessary. There were no postoperative complications. The mean hospital stay was 6 days (range, 4–11 days).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic treatment should be considered in selected patients with benign and malignant lesions in the left lobe or frontal segments of the liver.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, University Hospital of the ‘Vrije Universiteit’ Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    F. J. Berends, S. Meijer & M. A. Cuesta

  2. Department of Radiology, University Hospital of the ‘Vrije Universiteit’, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

    W. Prevoo

  3. Department of Surgery, University Hospital Rotterdam, Dijkzigt, The Netherlands

    H. J. Bonjer

Authors
  1. F. J. Berends
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  2. S. Meijer
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  3. W. Prevoo
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  4. H. J. Bonjer
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  5. M. A. Cuesta
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Additional information

Online publication: 12 June 2001

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Berends, F.J., Meijer, S., Prevoo, W. et al. Technical considerations in laparoscopic liver surgery. Surg Endosc 15, 794–798 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004640090094

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004640090094

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