Mesohepatectomy for centrally located large hepatic tumors: a report of 37 patients

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the safety of mesohepatectomy for centrally located large hepatic tumors. Methods The clinical data of 37 patients who underwent hepatectomy for centrally located large liver tumors in our hospital from October 2010 to August 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. During the operation, the left and right hemilivers were mobilized. Slings for the improved liver hanging maneuver and for selective hepatic vascular occlusion were placed. These slings were used when necessary in order to minimize occlusion and ischemia time to the residual liver, and to maximize the volume of functional liver remnant. Mesohepatectomy was carried out using a microwave hemostatic separator. The feasibility, its effects on preventing hemorrhage, the degree of liver damage and the postoperative complications were evaluated. Results The mean diameter of the neoplasms was (12.6±7.2) cm. The vascular inflow occlusion time of the left and right hemilivers were (12.2±3.5) min and (18.5±7.1) min, respectively. The blood loss was (487±352) ml. The amount of red blood cell transfusion was (2.7±1.9) U. The operation time was (215±72) min. TBIL, ALT and AST reached their peak levels on the 1st day after operation and they were higher than before surgery (P 0.05). The initial increase in ALT was quick and then it slowed down, while the initial increase in AST was slow but it decreased quickly. Conclusions Mesohepatectomy for centrally located large hepatic tumors could safely be carried out using the liver hanging maneuver combined with selective hepatic vascular occlusion and a microwave hemostatic separator. This method has the advantages of causing less bleeding, liver damage and rapid recovery. Key words: Liver neoplasms; Mesohepatectomy; Liver hanging maneuver; Hepatic vascular occlusion