Laparoscopy-assisted hepatic lobectomy using hilar Glissonean pedicle transection

The Applications of 3D Imaging and Indocyanine Green Dye Fluorescence in Laparoscopic Liver Surgery

Laparoscopic liver resections have gained widespread popularity among hepatobiliary surgeons and is nowadays performed for both standard and more complex hepatectomies. Given the increased technical challenges, preoperative planning and intraoperative guidance is pivotal in laparoscopic surgery to safely carry out complex and oncologically safe hepatectomies. Modern tools can help both preoperatively and intraoperatively and allow surgeons to perform more precise hepatectomies. Preoperative 3D reconstructions and printing as well as augmented reality can increase the knowledge of the specific anatomy of the case and therefore plan the surgery accordingly and tailor the procedure on the patient. Furthermore, the indocyanine green retention dye is an increasingly used tool that can nowadays improve the precision during laparoscopic hepatectomies, especially when considering anatomical resection. The use of preoperative modern imaging and intraoperative indocyanine green dye are key to successfully perform complex hepatectomies such as laparoscopic parenchymal sparing liver resections. In this narrative review, we discuss the aspects of preoperative and intraoperative tools that are nowadays increasingly used in experienced hepatobiliary centers.

Parenchymal Sparing Anatomical Liver Resections With Full Laparoscopic Approach: Description of Technique and Short-term Results

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe laparoscopic anatomical parenchymal sparing liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) and report the short-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Anatomical resections (ARs) have better oncological outcomes compared to partial resections in patients with HCC, and some suggest should be performed also for CRLM as micrometastasis occurs through the intrahepatic structures. Furthermore, remnant liver ischemia after partial resections has been associated with worse oncological outcomes. Few experiences on laparoscopic anatomical resections have been reported and no data on limited AR exist.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 86 patients undergoing full laparoscopic anatomical parenchymal sparing resections with preoperative surgical simulation and standardized procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients had HCC, whereas 31 had CRLM with a median of 1 lesion and a size of 30 mm. During preoperative three-dimensional (3D) simulation, a median resection volume of 120 mL was planned. Sixteen anatomical subsegmentectomies, 56 segmentectomies, and 14 sectionectomies were performed. Concordance between preoperative 3D simulation and intraoperative resection was 98.7%. Two patients were converted, and 7 patients experienced complications. Subsegmentectomies had comparable blood loss (166 mL, P = 0.59), but longer operative time (426 min, P = 0.01) than segmentectomies (blood loss 222 mL; operative time 355 min) and sectionectomies (blood loss 120 mL; operative time 295 min). R0 resection and margin width remained comparable among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

A precise preoperative planning and a standardized surgical technique allow to pursue the oncological quality of AR enhancing the safety of the parenchyma sparing principle, reducing surgical stress through a laparoscopic approach.

Glissonean approach for hepatic inflow control in minimally invasive anatomic liver resection: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The Glissonean approach has been widely validated for both open and minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR). However, the possible advantages compared to the conventional hilar approach are still under debate. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the application of the Glissonean approach in MIALR.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted on PubMed and Ichushi databases. Articles written in English or Japanese were included. From 2,390 English manuscripts evaluated by title and abstract, 43 were included. Additionally, 23 out of 463 Japanese manuscripts were selected. Duplicates were removed, including the most recent manuscript.

RESULTS

The Glissonean approach is reported for both major and minor MIALR. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd order divisions of both right and left portal pedicles can be reached following defined anatomical landmarks. Compared to the conventional hilar approach, the Glissonean approach is associated with shorter operative time, lower blood loss, and better peri-operative outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Glissonean approach is safe and feasible for MIALR with several reported advantages compared to the conventional hilar approach. Clear knowledge of Laennec's capsule anatomy is necessary and serves as a guide for the dissection. However, the best surgical approach to be performed depends on surgeon experience and patients' characteristics. Standardization of the Glissonean approach for MIALR is important.

"Liver parenchyma dissecting-first" method facilitates the Glissonean pedicle approach in anatomical laparoscopic hepatolobectomy

Background

Anatomical laparoscopic hepatolobectomy (ALH) is a difficult and challenging operation, and avoiding massive hemorrhage during parenchyma transection remains one of its major concern. Glissonean pedicle approach (GPA) has achieved great success in open liver surgery due to its simplicity and reproducibility, but it is difficult to apply in ALH for the limited vision and motion. We thus aimed to introduce a modified method to facilitate the GPA in ALH.

Methods

In this retrospective study, in 15 patients who underwent ALH (at least 2 couinaud segments), the liver parenchyma was dissected at first (LPDF) adequately under intermittent total inflow control to reveal the Glissonean pedicle (GP) sufficiently for safe and precise transection. The technical details of LPDF for different types of hepatolobectomy and a modified laparoscopic Pringle maneuver are described, and the surgical outcomes are reviewed.

Results

LPDF was applied in all patients, and intraoperative blood transfusion was not needed. LPDF facilitated GPA in ALH without any severe morbidity or mortality.

Conclusions

LPDF is a safe and effective technique, it reduces the difficulties in inflow occlusion in GPA and can promote the application of ALH. Further clinical control trails are needed to validate the superiority of LPDF compared with GPA in ALH.

Influence of the Glissonean Pedicle Transection Approach in Spiegel Lobe-Preserving Left Hepatectomy on Spiegel Lobe Volume and Remnant Liver Functions

BACKGROUND

The extrahepatic surgical technique in liver resection can be divided into glissonean pedicle transection and glissonean separated transection approaches. In this study, we compared remnant liver function and liver regeneration involving the Spiegel lobe between these two approaches regarding Spiegel lobe-preserving left hepatectomy.

METHODS

We enrolled 31 patients who underwent Spiegel lobe-preserving left hepatectomy for malignant hepatobiliary diseases between April 2008 and January 2020. The postoperative Spiegel lobe volume was measured using a volume analyzer at 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Of the 31 patients, 22 and 9 were included in the glissonean separated transection and glissonean pedicle transection groups, respectively. There was no significant between-group difference in the preoperative Spiegel lobe volume. However, the volumes at 3 and 6 months postoperatively were significantly larger in the glissonean pedicle transection group than in the glissonean transection group (29.92 mL vs. 13.00 mL; P < 0.001 and 28.43 mL vs. 15.01 mL; P < 0.001, respectively). There was no significant between-group difference in postoperative remnant liver function.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative Spiegel lobe volume was larger, and liver regeneration was better with the glissonean pedicle transection approach because of transection for Spiegel branch of the portal vein. It is desirable to preserve Spiegel branch in possible cases when surgeons select the glissonean separated transection approach based on the location and size of the tumors.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection: Experience of 436 Cases in One Center

BACKGROUND

To report experience of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) in one center.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 436 consecutive LLRs in 411 patients between December 2010 and December 2016. On the basis of the 2008 Louisville Statement, we divided the 436 cases into two groups: Simple Group (n = 203) and Difficult Group (n = 233).

RESULTS

The indications were HCC (n = 194), colorectal cancer liver metastasis (n = 156), benign tumors (n = 62), hepatolithiasis (n = 2), and other malignant lesions (n = 22). The median tumor size was 24 mm (range 3 to 130). Procedures of LLR included wedge resection (n = 230), one segmentectomy (n = 8), two segmentectomies (n = 12), left lateral sectionectomy (n = 75), right hepatectomy (n = 52), left hepatectomy (n = 31), extended right hepatectomy (n = 2), extended left hepatectomy (n = 5), central bisectionectomy (n = 3), right posterior sectionectomy (n = 12), and right anterior sectionectomy (n = 6). The median operative time was 228 min (range 9-843) and median blood loss was 150 ml (range 2-3500). Twenty-five cases required blood transfusion (5.7%). Conversion to open surgery was required in six cases (1.4%). The mean length of stay was 6.4 ± 2.9 days. Overall complication rate was 9.4% and major complication rate was 5%. One patient died of liver failure on the thirtieth postoperative day after a right hepatectomy. We had higher median blood loss (200 vs. 100 ml; p < 0.001), higher transfusion rate (8.2 vs. 2.9%; p = 0.020), longer median operative time (297 vs. 164 min; p < 0.001), higher conversion rate (2.6 vs. 0%; p = 0.021), higher complication rate (14.2 vs. 3.9%; p < 0.001), and longer mean postoperative hospital stay (6.8 ± 2.9 vs. 5.9 ± 3.0 days; p < 0.001) in the Difficult Group.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic liver resection is safe for selected patients in the Difficult Group. On the basis of the 2008 Louisville Statement, selection criteria of LLR are helpful to predict the difficulty of the operation and the postoperative outcomes of LLR.

Evolution of laparoscopic surgery in a high volume hepatobiliary unit: 150 consecutive pure laparoscopic hepatectomies

INTRODUCTION

Compared to other surgical areas, laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has not been widely implemented and currently less than 20% of hepatectomies are performed laparoscopically worldwide. The aim of our study was to evaluate the feasibility, and the ratio of implementation of LLR in our department.

METHODS

We analyzed a prospectively maintained database of 749 liver resections performed during the last 10-year period in a single centre.

RESULTS

A total of 150 (20%) consecutive pure LLR were performed between 2005 and 2015. In 87% of patients the indication was the presence ofprimary or metastatic liver malignancy. We performed 30 major hepatectomies (20%) and (80%) were minor resections, performed in all liver segments. Twelve patients were operated twice and 2 patients underwent a third LLR. The proportion of LLR increased from 12% in 2011 to 62% in the last year. Conversion rate was 9%. Overall morbidity rate was 36% but only one third were classified as severe. The 90-day mortality rate was 1%. Median hospital stay was 4 days and the rate of readmissions was 6%.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of LLR has been fast with morbidity and mortality comparable to other published series. In the last 2 years more than half of the hepatectomies are performed laparoscopically in our centre.

Comparative Short-term Benefits of Laparoscopic Liver Resection: 9000 Cases and Climbing

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of worldwide literature on laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) and compare short-term outcomes against open liver resections (OLR) by meta-analyses.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

There are no updated pooled data since 2009 about the current status and short-term outcomes of LLR worldwide.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All English language publications on LLR were screened. Descriptive worldwide data and short-term outcomes were obtained. Separate analyses were performed for minor-only and major-only resection series, and series in which minor/major resections were not differentiated. Apparent case duplications were excluded.

RESULTS

A set of 463 published manuscripts were reviewed. One hundred seventy-nine single-center series were identified that accounted for 9527 LLR cases worldwide. Minor-only, major-only, and combined major-minor series were 61, 18, and 100, respectively, including 32, 8, and 43 comparative series, respectively. Of the total 9527 LLR cases reported, 6190 (65%) were for malignancy and 3337 (35%) were for benign indications. There were 37 deaths reported (mortality rate = 0.4%). From the meta-analysis comparing case-matched LLR to OLR (N = 2900 cases), there was no increased mortality and significantly less complications, transfusions, blood loss, and hospital stay observed in LLR vs OLR.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the largest review of LLR available to date with over 9000 cases published. It confirms growing safety when performed in selected patients and by trained surgeons, and suggests that LLR may offer improved patient short-term outcomes compared with OLR. Improved levels of evidence, standardized reporting of outcomes, and assuring proper training are the next challenges of laparoscopic liver surgery.

Video assisted resections. Increasing access to minimally invasive liver surgery?

Objective: To evaluate perioperative outcomes, safety and feasibility of video-assisted resection for primary and secondary liver lesions. Methods : From a prospective database, we analyzed the perioperative results (up to 90 days) of 25 consecutive patients undergoing video-assisted resections in the period between June 2007 and June 2013. Results : The mean age was 53.4 years (23-73) and 16 (64%) patients were female. Of the total, 84% were suffering from malignant diseases. We performed 33 resections (1 to 4 nodules per patient). The procedures performed were non-anatomical resections (n = 26), segmentectomy (n = 1), 2/3 bisegmentectomy (n = 1), 6/7 bisegmentectomy (n = 1), left hepatectomy (n = 2) and right hepatectomy (n = 2). The procedures contemplated postero-superior segments in 66.7%, requiring multiple or larger resections. The average operating time was 226 minutes (80-420), and anesthesia time, 360 minutes (200-630). The average size of resected nodes was 3.2 cm (0.8 to 10) and the surgical margins were free in all the analyzed specimens. Eight percent of patients needed blood transfusion and no case was converted to open surgery. The length of stay was 6.5 days (3-16). Postoperative complications occurred in 20% of patients, with no perioperative mortality. Conclusion : The video-assisted liver resection is feasible and safe and should be part of the liver surgeon armamentarium for resection of primary and secondary liver lesions.

Laparoscopy in the management of hilar cholangiocarcinoma

The use of minimally invasive surgery has become widely accepted in many gastrointestinal fields, even in patients with malignancy. However, performing laparoscopic resection for the treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma is still not universally accepted as an alternative approach to open surgery, and only a limited number of such procedures have been reported due to the difficulty of performing oncologic resection and the lack of consensus regarding the adequacy of this approach. Laparoscopy was initially limited to staging, biopsy and palliation. Recent technological developments and improvements in endoscopic procedures have greatly expanded the applications of laparoscopic liver resection and lymphadenectomy, and some reports have described the use of laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic resection for hilar cholangiocarcinoma as being feasible and safe in highly selected cases, with the ability to obtain an adequate surgical margin. However, the benefits of major laparoscopic surgery have yet to be conclusively proven, and carefully selecting patients is essential for successfully performing this procedure.

Laparoscopic liver resection under hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion using the lowering of hilar plate approach

BACKGROUND

With advances in technology, laparoscopic liver resection is widely accepted. Laparoscopic liver resection under hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion has advantages over the conventional total hepatic inflow occlusion using the Pringle's maneuver, especially in patients with cirrhosis.

METHOD

From November 2011 to August 2012, eight consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection under hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion using the lowering of hilar plate approach with biliary bougie assistance.

RESULTS

The types of liver resection included right hepatectomy (n=1), right posterior sectionectomy (n=1), left hepatectomy and common bile duct exploration (n=1), segment 4b resection (n=1), left lateral sectionectomy (n=2), and wedge resection (n=2). Four patients underwent right and 4 left hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion. Four patients had cirrhosis. The mean operation time was 176.3 minutes. The mean time taken to achieve hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion was 24.3 minutes. The mean duration of vascular inflow occlusion was 54.5 minutes. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 361 mL. No patient required blood transfusion. Postoperatively, one patient developed bile leak which healed with conservative treatment. No postoperative liver failure and mortality occurred. The mean hospital stay of the patients was 7 days.

CONCLUSION

Our technique of hemihepatic vascular inflow vascular occlusion using the lowering of hilar plate approach was safe, and it improved laparoscopic liver resection by minimizing blood loss during liver parenchymal transection.

Extrahepatic Glissonean approach for laparoscopic major liver resection (with video)

Although recent technological developments and improved endoscopic procedures have further spread the application of laparoscopic liver resection, laparoscopic major liver resection remains a highly specialized field because there are major technical difficulties, such as hilar dissection and pedicle control. The entire length of the primary branches of the Glissonean pedicle and the origin of the secondary branches are located outside the liver. In contrast, the trunks of the secondary branches and more peripheral branches run inside the liver. The right, left, anterior, or posterior Glissonean pedicle can thus be tied and divided en bloc extrahepatically during open anatomical liver resection. Each Glissonean pedicle can be easily and safely encircled and divided en bloc extrahepatically during laparoscopic anatomical liver resection using an Endo Retract Maxi or Endo Mini-Retract. This report describes a novel technique by which the extrahepatic Glissonean approach appears to be both feasible and safe for the performance of laparoscopic major liver resection.

Caudal approach to pure laparoscopic posterior sectionectomy under the laparoscopy-specific view

AIM: To study our novel caudal approach laparoscopic posterior-sectionectomy with parenchymal transection prior to mobilization under laparoscopy-specific view.

METHODS: Points of the procedure are: (1) Patients are put in left lateral position and posterior sector is not mobilized; (2) Glissonian pedicle of the sector is encircled and clamped extra-hepatically and divided afterward during the transection; (3) Dissection of inferior vena cava (IVC) anterior wall behind the liver is started from caudal. Simultaneously, liver transection is performed to search right hepatic vein (RHV) from caudal; (4) Liver transection proceeds to the bifurcation of the vessels from caudal to cranial, exposing the surfaces of IVC and RHV. Since the remnant liver sinks down, the cutting surface is well-opend; and (5) After the completion of transection, dissection of the resected liver from retroperitoneum is easily performed using the gravity. This approach was performed for a 63 years old woman with liver metastasis close to RHV.

RESULTS: RHV exposure is required for R0 resection of the lesion. Although the cutting plane is horizontal in supine position and the gravity obstructs the exposure in the small subphrenic space, the use of specific characteristics of laparoscopic hepatectomy, such as the good vision for the dorsal part of the liver and IVC and facilitated dissection using the gravity with the patient positioning, made the complete RHV exposure during the liver transection easy to perform. The operation time was 341 min and operative blood loss was

1356 mL. Her postoperative hospital stay was uneventfull and she is well without any signs of recurrences 14 mo after surgery.

CONCLUSION: The new procedure is feasible and useful for the patients with tumors close to RHV and the need of the exposure of RHV.

Arantius' ligament approach for the left extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle in pure laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy

INTRODUCTION

Laparoscopic hemihepatectomy has not yet become widely accepted because of the technical difficulties in controlling each Glissonean pedicle laparoscopically.

MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

The subjects in the present study included 12 patients who underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy between August 2007 and June 2011. Arantius' ligament was divided. Retracting the caudal stump of the ligament revealed a space between the left Glissonean pedicle and the liver parenchyma. The left Glissonean pedicle could be easily encircled by using an Endo Retract Maxi. No Glissonean injuries, including bleeding or biliary leakage, occurred in any of the 12 patients.

DISCUSSION

Therefore, the Arantius' ligament approach for the left extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle appears to be feasible and safe for successfully performing pure laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy.

A novel extra-glissonian approach for totally laparoscopic left hepatectomy

INTRODUCTION

We describe a novel extra-glissonian approach (EGA) for totally laparoscopic left hepatectomy. Published techniques for totally laparoscopic left hepatectomy generally involve the selective ligation of the vascular and biliary elements of the left pedicle. The laparoscopic dissection of these structures can be tedious, difficult, and dangerous. The EGA has proven useful in open surgery for major hepatectomies. We feel that this approach could be even more useful in the laparoscopic context.

METHODS

We describe an extra-glissonian laparoscopic technique in which the left pedicle is isolated extraparenchymally, detaching the left hilar plate, with particular attention to preserving the branch for segment I. The left portal triad is encircled with a cotton tape and transected with an endostapler. This is performed totally extraparenchymally without damaging the surrounding parenchyma.

RESULTS

This EGA technique for laparoscopic left hepatectomy follows by laparoscopy the same steps and recommendations that make the EGA safe and effective in open surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The EGA for LLH can be performed as described in open surgery, therefore offering the same advantages.

Curative resection of hepatocellular carcinoma using modified Glissonean pedicle transection versus the Pringle maneuver: a case control study

OBJECTIVE

The Glissonean pedicle transection method of liver resection has been found to shorten operative time and minimize intraoperative bleeding during liver segmentectomy. We have compared the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of the Glissonean pedicle transection method with the Pringle maneuver in patients undergoing selective curative resection of large hepatocellualr carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

Eligible patients with large (> 5 cm) nodular HCC (n = 50) were assigned to undergo curative hepatectomy using the Glissonean pedicle transection method (n = 25) or the Pringle maneuver (n = 25). Partial interruption of the infrahepatic inferior vena cava was incorporated to further reduce bleeding from liver transection. The primary outcome measure was postoperative changes in liver function from baseline. Secondary outcomes included operating time, volume of intraoperative blood loss/transfusion, and time to resolution of ascites.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable in age, sex, site and size of the liver tumor, segment or lobe intended to be resected, and liver function reserve, and the results were not significant statistically. All patients underwent successful major hepatectomies using the assigned method, with the extent of major hepatectomy comparable in the two groups (P = 0.832). The Glissonean approach was associated with shorter hepatic inflow interruption (30.0 ± 12.0 min vs. 45.0 ± 13.0 min, P < 0.001), lower volume of blood loss (145.0 ± 20.0 mL vs. 298.0 ± 109.0 mL, P < 0.001), reduced requirement for transfusion (0.0 ± 0.0 mL vs. 200.0 ± 109.0 mL, P < 0.0001), and more rapid resolution of ascites (9.5 ± 1.2 d vs. 15.3 ± 2.4 d, P < 0.001). Postoperative liver function measures were comparable in the two groups, and the results were not significant statistically.

CONCLUSION

The Glissonean pedicle transection method is a feasible, effective, and safe technique for hepatic inflow control during the curative resection of large nodular HCCs.

[Value of laparoscopic liver resection]

Whereas in other fields of surgery minimally invasive techniques have replaced the open surgery approach, liver resection is still a domain of conventional surgery. However, it is internationally emerging that laparoscopic hepatic surgery will become more important by conceptional improvements. This article describes the technical aspects of laparoscopic liver resection, in particular the procedure with respect to the individual liver segments. The advantages and disadvantages of the minimally invasive technique and also the indications for laparoscopic liver resection will be discussed.

Safe and feasible extrahepatic Glissonean access in laparoscopic anatomical liver resection

BACKGROUND

Although recent technological developments and improved endoscopic procedures have further spread the application of laparoscopic liver resection, laparoscopic anatomical liver resection still presents major technical difficulties, such as pedicle control.

METHODS

Subjects comprised 27 patients who underwent laparoscopic anatomical liver resection using an extrahepatic Glissonean pedicle transaction between August 2005 and February 2010.

RESULTS

A total of 61 Glissonean pedicles could be encircled en bloc extrahepatically, as planned. No serious complications, including major bleeding or injury of the portal triad, were encountered during procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Extrahepatic Glissonean access seems to be feasible and safe for laparoscopic anatomical resection of the liver.

Laparoscopic major hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery: formidable challenge to standardization

INTRODUCTION

Although laparoscopic colorectal or gastric surgery has become widely accepted as a superior alternative to conventional open surgery, the surgical management of hepato-biliary-pancreatic disease has traditionally involved open surgery. Recently, many reports have described laparoscopic partial liver resection, lateral segmentectomy, and distal pancreatectomy. However, laparoscopic major hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery, such as hepatic lobectomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy, has not been widely developed because of technical difficulties.

METHODS

We describe our experience with laparoscopic major hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery, including right hepatectomy using hilar Glissonean pedicle transaction, and pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy.

CONCLUSION

Although our experience is limited, and randomized study is necessary to elucidate the appropriate indications for and effects of the present procedures, we believe that laparoscopic major hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery can be feasible, safe, and effective in highly selected patients, and that it will be one of the standard therapeutic options for carefully selected patients with hepato-biliary-pancreatic disease.

Comparison of laparoscopy-assisted and open pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary disease

BACKGROUND

Although many reports have described laparoscopic pancreatic surgery, pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has not been widely accepted. The present study aimed to compare laparoscopy-assisted and open pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) to investigate the feasibility, safety, and tumor clearance.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with periampullary disease underwent laparoscopy-assisted PPPD, in which resection was performed laparoscopically and the reconstruction was performed through a small midline incision. These patients were compared with 15 patients who, during the same period, underwent conventional open PPPD.

RESULTS

Mean operative time and mean blood loss were similar between groups. No significant differences in the incidence of complications or hospital stay were noted between groups. Surgical margin and number of lymph nodes found in the resected specimen did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy-assisted PPPD is on the same level with conventional open surgery in terms of perioperative outcomes or treatment efficacy.

A totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy and reconstruction

Although many reports have described laparoscopic pancreatic surgery, laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has not been widely employed because of technical difficulties. This paper describes a totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving PD performed for an intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasm. After the laparoscopic resection, an end-to-side pancreaticojejunostomy including duct-to-mucosa anastomosis without a stenting tube, an approximation of the pancreas stump and jejunal wall, an end-to-side hepaticojejunostomy, and an end-to-side duodenojejunostomy were performed intracorporeally. The patient recovered without any complications and was discharged on the 14th postoperative day. The surgical margin was free of neoplastic changes. Although the experience is limited and the appropriate indications must await future studies, this case indicates that a laparoscopic pylorus-preserving PD can be feasible, safe, and effective in highly selected patients.

Laparoscopic resection of left liver segments using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in laparoscopic techniques have resulted in growing indications for laparoscopic hepatectomy. However, this procedure has not been widely developed, and anatomic segmental liver resection is not currently performed due to difficulty controlling the segmental Glissonian pedicles laparoscopically. This study aimed to report a novel technique for laparoscopic anatomic resection of left liver segments using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach based on small incisions according to anatomic landmarks such as Arantius' and round ligaments.

METHODS

Nine consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection using the intrahepatic Glissonian technique from April 2007 to June 2008. Five patients underwent laparoscopic bisegmentectomy 2-3, one laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy, two resections of segment 3, and one resection of segment 4.

RESULTS

One patient required a blood transfusion. The mean operation time was 180 min (range, 120-300 min), and the median hospital stay was 3 days (range, 1-5 days). No patient had postoperative signs of liver failure or bile leakage. No postoperative mortality was observed.

CONCLUSION

The main advantage of the intrahepatic Glissonian procedure over other techniques is the possibility of gaining a rapid and precise access to the left Glissonian sheaths facilitating left hemihepatectomy, bisegmentectomy 2-3, and individual resections of segments 2, 3, and 4. The authors believe that the intrahepatic Glissonian technique facilitates laparoscopic liver resection and may increase the development of segment-based laparoscopic liver resection.

A simple technique for large tumor removal during laparoscopic liver resection

Experience with laparoscopic liver resections has increased in recent years, and so have the number of patients operated on by minimally invasive techniques. Specimen extraction is an important step of laparoscopic liver resection. The size of the specimen is usually a limitation for the use of laparoscopy. The aim of this paper is to describe a new technique combining Pfannenstiel suprapubic incision and obstetric forceps to remove a large specimen from laparoscopic liver resections. The present technique allows an expeditious extraction of intact specimens, even huge ones, through a standard suprapubic Pfannenstiel incision. This technique has additional functional and cosmetic advantages over other techniques of specimen retrieval. We believe that the described technique is feasible, can be easily and rapidly performed, and facilitates laparoscopic liver resection by reducing the technical difficulties for specimen removal and may also be used in other abdominal laparoscopic interventions that deal with large surgical specimens.

Total laparoscopic resection of the gallbladder together with the gallbladder bed

Patients with carcinoma of the gallbladder that is preoperatively diagnosed by radiology do not undergo laparoscopic resection, because such surgery is thought to worsen the prognosis of gallbladder carcinoma. However, the prognosis for patients with incidental T2 gallbladder carcinoma who are treated laparoscopically is reportedly no worse than that for patients undergoing conventional surgery. We successfully performed total laparoscopic resection of the gallbladder together with the gallbladder bed without any complications. We believe that this procedure represents a valid therapeutic option for carefully selected patients with T2 carcinoma of the gallbladder.

Intrahepatic Glissonian approach for laparoscopic right segmental liver resections

BACKGROUND

Experience with laparoscopic procedures and recent advances in laparoscopic devices have created an evolving interest in the application of these techniques to liver resection. However, laparoscopic liver resection has not been widely developed and anatomical segmental liver resection is not currently performed due to difficulty to control segmental Glissonean pedicles laparoscopically.

METHODS

Seven consecutive patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection using an intrahepatic Glissonian approach from April 2007 to September 2007. Three patients underwent laparoscopic bisegmentectomy 6-7 and 4 patients underwent laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy.

RESULTS

Blood transfusion was required in 1 patient. Mean operation time was 460 minutes (range 300-630 minutes). The median hospital stay was 5 days (range 3-8 days). One patient developed bile leakage that was treated conservatively. No patient had postoperative signs of liver failure. No postoperative mortality was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

The main advantage over other techniques is the possibility to gain a rapid and precise access to the right posterior and anterior sheaths facilitating right hemihepatectomy, and right anterior and posterior sectionectomies. We believe that the described technique facilitates laparoscopic liver resection by reducing the technical difficulties in pedicle control and may increase the development of segment-based laparoscopic liver resections.