Laparoscopic liver resection. Experience in one center in Argentina

Abstract

Background: The number of Laparoscopic Liver Resection (LLR) performing worldwide is increasing. There are few publications coming from South America. The aim of the present study was to review a single institution experience of LLR. Methods: Between August 1997 and September of 2015, 47 patients underwent LLR, 11 for benign lesion, and 36 for malignant lesion: 30 for secondary liver tumors and 6 for primary liver tumor. Operations included: 31 no anatomic liver resection, and 16 anatomic resection: 3 right hepatectomy, 1 left hepatectomy, 3 lateral seccionectomy and 9 segmentectomies. In 14 patient the LLR was associated with other procedure simultaneously. Results: Median operating time was 212 (range 30–510) min. Median tumor size and surgical margin were 29 (range 55–100) and 7 (range 0–35) mm respectively. Eight procedures were converted to a hand assisted hepatectomy; and 7 to and open surgery: 5 the cause of conversion was the liver and in 2 was the resection of the colon. Seven patients developed complications up to grade 3 of Dindo Clavien. There was 1 mortality at 90 days not related with the procedure. Median postoperative stay was 7 (range 1–49) days. Conclusion: LLR can be performed safely for a variety of primary and secondary liver tumors, and seems to offer at least short-term benefits in selected patients.