Hemihepatic Vascular Occlusion Research Articles

Efficiency and safety of laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy: A study of intrathecal vs extrathecal Glissonean pedicle techniques.

Selective hemihepatic vascular occlusion is utilized in both right and left hemihepatectomies to preserve blood supply to the intact lobe, maintain hemodynamic stability, and mitigate surgical risks. While this technique encompasses both intrathecal and extrathecal Glissonean pedicle transection methods, there is a lack of systematic comparative reports on these two approaches. To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy in our hospital to explore the feasibility, safety, and short- and long-term efficacy of extrathecal and intrathecal Glissonean pedicle transection methods in laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy. A retrospective study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 49 HCC patients who underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy from January 2019 to December 2022 in our hospital. These patients were divided into extrathecal Glissonean pedicle transection (EGP) group (n = 24) and intrathecal Glissonean pedicle transection (IGP) group (n = 25) according to the different approaches used for selective hemihepatic vascular occlusion. The perioperative indicators, liver function indexes, complications, and follow-up findings were compared between these two groups. The surgeries were smooth in both groups, and no perioperative death was noted. The hepatic pedicle transection time and the operation time were (16.1 ± 2.3) minutes and (129.6 ± 19.0) minutes, respectively, in the EGP group, which were significantly shorter than those in the IGP group [(25.5 ± 2.4) minutes and (184.8 ± 26.0) minutes, respectively], both P < 0.01. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, time to anal exhaust, hospital stay, drain indwelling time, and postoperative liver function between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications showed no significant difference [16.67% (4/24) vs 16.0% (4/25), P > 0.05). All the 49 HCC patients were followed up after surgery (range: 11.2-53.3 months; median: 36.4 months). The overall survival rate and disease-free survival rate were not significantly different (both P > 0.05). Both extrathecal and intrathecal Glissonean pedicle approaches are effective and safe hepatic inflow occlusion techniques in laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy for HCC. However, the extrathecal approach simplifies the hepatic pedicle transection, shortens the operation time, and increases the surgical efficiency, making it a more feasible technique.

Differential Effects of Three Techniques for Hepatic Vascular Exclusion during Resection for Liver Cirrhosis on Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

Background/Aims Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a serious concern during hepatic vascular occlusion. The objectives of this study were to assess effects of three techniques for hepatic vascular occlusion on I/R injury and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods Liver cirrhotic rats had undertaken Pringle maneuver (PR), hemihepatic vascular occlusion (HH), or hepatic blood inflow occlusion without hemihepatic artery control (WH). Levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF), and hemeoxygenase 1 (HMOX1) were assayed. Results The histopathologic analysis displayed that liver harm was more prominent in the PR group, but similar in the HH and WH groups. The HH and WH groups responded to hepatic I/R inflammation similarly but better than the PR group. Mechanical studies suggested that TNF-α/NF-κB signaling and TLR4/TRIF transduction pathways were associated with the differential effects. In addition, the HH and WH groups had significantly higher levels of hepatic HMOX1 (P < 0.05) than the PR group. Conclusions HH and WH confer better preservation of liver function and protection than the Pringle maneuver in combating I/R injury. Upregulation of HMOX1 may lead to better protection and clinical outcomes after liver resection.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for complex bile duct stones.

We evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) for removing intra- and extrahepatic bile duct stones. A total of 26 patients with intra- and extrahepatic bile duct stones underwent LH and EPBD. Selective hemi-hepatic vascular occlusion was used to complete the LH. EPBD was performed under the guidance of a guidewire, and stones were removed with a stone basket or balloon. A one-stage LH with EPBD lithotomy was successfully performed in 26 cases. No residual bile duct stones, intestinal or bile duct perforations were found. In addition, no severe post-operative bleeding, severe pancreatitis or mortality occurred. Post-operative hyperamylasemia was observed in five cases and bile leakage in one case. Post-operative hospital stays lasted 7-11 days. LH combined with EPBD applied to intra- and extrahepatic bile duct stones was feasible, effective and safe, resulting in rapid recovery and few post-operative complications.

Laparoscopic Liver Resection and Enucleation of Liver Hemangioma with Selective Hepatic Vascular Occlusion: Technique and Indications.

Liver resection or enucleation has been the basic treatment for liver hemangioma. However, there were few reports about laparoscopic surgery (LS) of hemangioma. The intention of this study is to explore the indication and efficacy of LS for laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) and develop an opinion of these modern developments. Forty-four patients with LH underwent LS, with hemihepatic vascular occlusion (HVO group n = 24) or modified vascular occlusion (MVO group n = 20), and were retrospectively reviewed, including patients' demography, surgical technique, tumor size and location, blood loss, operation time, complications, modes of hepatic vascular occlusion and changes in postoperative liver function, and the difference in patients demography and operative outcome between HVO and MVO groups were compared as well. There were no deaths. The mean operating time was 162 minutes, intraoperative blood loss was 335 mL, blood transfusion rate was 9.1%, postoperative complication rate was 18.2%, and length of hospital stay was 7.3 days. Although the tumor size in the HVO group was significantly larger than that in the MVO group, there were no differences concerning operating outcomes, length of stay, and postoperative serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspertate aminotransferase (AST) level between the HVO and MVO groups. LS was feasible for LH with hepatic vascular occlusion with zero mortality and low complication rate.

Outcome using selective hemihepatic vascular occlusion and Pringle maneuver for hepatic resection of liver cavernous hemangioma.

BackgroundThough accumulated evidence proved the advantages of laparoscopic hepatectomy, bleeding still remains the most important challenge in clinical practice. Our study aimed to compare the outcomes of Pringle maneuver (PM) and selective hemihepatic vascular occlusion (SHVO) surgeries for patients with liver cavernous hemangioma (LCH).MethodsThe SHVO (n = 26; mean age, 42) and PM (n = 78; mean age, 43) surgeries were performed in 104 LCH patients from January 2006 to January 2015. The intraoperative (bleeding, arterial pressure, oxyhemoglobin saturation, etc.) and postoperative parameters (anal exhaust time, complications, blood cell numbers, etc.) were measured and compared between the two groups. Liver function of all these patients was detected by blood test at 1-day preoperation, and at 1, 3, and 5 days postoperation.ResultsBoth of the two surgeries were successfully performed without any mortality. The intraoperative systolic arterial pressure and pulse in PM group were much higher than that in SHVO group (P < 0.01). The postoperative liver function parameters such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and total bilirubin (TBIL) increased much more in the PM group than that in the SHVO group compared with preoperation results (P < 0.05). However, there were no statistical differences in intraoperative bleeding, blood transfusion, hepatic inflow occlusion time, oxygen saturation occlusion, anal exhaust time and incidence of complications between the two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsSHVO is safer with less ischemia reperfusion injury than PM surgery for hemangioma resection on patients with LCH.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy: a report on 40 patients

Objective To investigate the practicability and safety of laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy.Method 40 patients with space occupying lesions in the liver underwent laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy between Jan.2008 and Mar.2012.The diagnoses were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n=13),recurrent HCC (n =1 ),cholangiocarcinoma ( n =1 ),metastatic cancer ( n=6),hepatolithiasis (n=10),hemangioma (n=7),FNH (n=1) and liver cell adenoma (n =1).Intraoperative ultrasound was routinely performed to locate lesions and intrahepatic structures.Selective hemihepatic vascular occlusion was applied during resection. High frequency cautery,CUSA and Ligasure were used to transect liver parenchyma. Hemolocks were applied when large blood vessels and bile ducts were encountered.Endo-GIA was used if necessary.The operations included right hemihepatectomy (n =3),left hemihepatectomy (n =10),resections of segment Ⅴ and Ⅵ (n=5),segment Ⅴ (n=3),segment Ⅵ (n =4),and segment Ⅳb (n =1).Result 34 hepatectomics were performed laparoscopically.6 patients were converted to open surgery.There was no perioperative death. The operating time was 250.21±50.94 min,and intraoperative blood loss was 420.20± 120.10 ml.Bile leakage was diagnosed in 2 patients after operation.Conclusion With careful patient selection,and improvement in surgical technique and apparatus,laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy has become safe and practicable.The operation has the advantages of minimal invasion and rapid recovery. It can be regarded as a standard procedure for selected benign and malignant lesions. Key words: Laparoscopy; Anatomical Hepatectomy

Perioperative Analysis of Laparoscopic Liver Resection with Different Methods of Hepatic Inflow Occlusion

During liver resection, bleeding remains the most important challenge. A reduction in blood loss and avoiding the need for a blood transfusion are important objectives for liver surgeons today. The authors compared the intra- and postoperative course of patients undergoing laparoscopic liver resections under intermittent total pedicle occlusion (IPO), hemihepatic vascular occlusion (HVO), and selective vascular occlusion (SVO). Retrospective analysis was conducted of patient data from 41 cases of laparoscopic liver resection in three groups of patients under different occlusion methods, including 15 cases of IPO, 15 cases of HVO, and 11 cases of SVO. The advantages and disadvantages of the various methods were compared, as well as blood loss, operation time, changes in postoperative liver function, and complications. There was no operative death in any of the 41 patients. Generally, there was no significant difference among the three groups in blood loss, clamping time, or operative time. After the operation, the effect on liver function for the HVO and SVO groups was significantly less severe than that for the IPO group (P<.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was mainly related to IPO and the larger amount of bleeding. Both HVO and SVO are feasible in laparoscopic hepatectomy and have the advantage of reducing liver remnant ischemia injury and modality rate over IPO. HVO is easy to do for left lateral lobe or resection of the left half of the liver. SVO is suitable for right lobe resection.

Hemihepatic versus total hepatic inflow occlusion during hepatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing hepatectomy with hemihepatic vascular occlusion (HHO) compared with total hepatic inflow occlusion (THO). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing hemihepatic vascular occlusion and total hepatic inflow occlusion were included by a systematic literature search. Two authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and extracted the data. A meta-analysis was conducted to estimate blood loss, transfusion requirement, and liver injury based on the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Either the fixed effects model or random effects model was used. Four RCTs including 338 patients met the predefined inclusion criteria. A total of 167 patients were treated with THO and 171 with HHO. Meta-analysis of AST levels on postoperative day 1 indicated higher levels in the THO group with weighted mean difference (WMD) 342.27; 95% confidence intervals (CI) 217.28-467.26; P = 0.00 001; I(2) = 16%. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference between THO group and HHO group on blood loss, transfusion requirement, mortality, morbidity, operating time, ischemic duration, hospital stay, ALT levels on postoperative day 1, 3 and 7 and AST levels on postoperative day 3 and 7. Hemihepatic vascular occlusion does not offer satisfying benefit to the patients undergoing hepatic resection. However, they have less liver injury after liver resections.

Hepatic vascular occlusion during liver resection

This article reviews the various techniques of vascular occlusion that can be applied to reduce blood loss during liver resection and liver transplantation as well as the level of current evidence in regard to their application. Hepatoduodenal ligament occlusion can be either continuous or intermittent. The impact on cardiac preload, cardiac index, systemic vascular resistance and splanchnic congestion is minimal. Hemihepatic or segmental vascular occlusion selectively interrupts inflow to the tumour bearing hemi-liver/segment, offers obvious demarcation of the resection limits, protects the remnant liver from ischaemia and avoids splanchnic congestion and haemodynamic consequences. Should backflow from the hepatic veins cause major blood loss during portal clamping or should the tumour infiltrate the IVC or caval-hepatic junction, total hepatic vascular exclusion (THVE) may be applied. THVE is associated with haemodynamic intolerance in 10–20% of patients and requires close haemodynamic monitoring and anesthetic expertise. Alternatively extraparenchymal hepatic vein occlusion allows THVE without interruption of the IVC flow. Infrahepatic inferior vena caval clamping may be used in order to reduce backflow bleeding during portal clamping is to reduce CVP with minor negative haemodynamic consequences. The future of pharmacological strategies lessening or preventing ischaemia/reperfusion injury lies in a combination of drugs acting on several steps of the ischaemia/reperfusion injury cascades. Separating the molecular basis and differences after ischaemia/reperfusion injury in normal and marginal organs will finally lead to strategies for preconditioning, and organ preservation.

A prospective randomized controlled trial to compare Pringle maneuver, hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion, and main portal vein inflow occlusion in partial hepatectomy

Background Blood loss during liver resection and the need for perioperative blood transfusions have negative impact on perioperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term outcomes. Methods A randomized controlled trial was performed on patients undergoing liver resection comparing hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion, main portal vein inflow occlusion, and Pringle maneuver. The primary endpoints were intraoperative blood loss and postoperative liver injury. The secondary outcomes were operating time, morbidity, and mortality. Results A total of 180 patients were randomized into 3 groups according to the technique used for inflow occlusion during hepatectomy: the hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion group (n = 60), the main portal vein inflow occlusion group (n = 60), and the Pringle maneuver group (n = 60). Only 1 patient in the hemihepatic vascular occlusion group required conversion to the Pringle maneuver because of technical difficulty. The Pringle maneuver group showed a significantly shorter operating time. There were no significant differences between the 3 groups in intraoperative blood loss and perioperative mortality. The degree of postoperative liver injury and complication rates were significantly higher in the Pringle maneuver group, resulting in a significantly longer hospital stay. Conclusions All 3 vascular inflow occlusion techniques were safe and efficacious in reducing blood loss. Patients subjected to hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion, or main portal vein inflow occlusion responded better than those with Pringle maneuver in terms of earlier recovery of postoperative liver function. As hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion was technically easier than main portal vein inflow occlusion, it is recommended.

Hepatic blood inflow occlusion without hemihepatic artery control in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

To investigate the clinical significance of hepatic blood inflow occlusion without hemihepatic artery control (BIOwHAC) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fifty-nine patients with HCC were divided into 3 groups based on the technique used for achieving hepatic vascular occlusion: group 1, vascular occlusion was achieved by the Pringle maneuver (n = 20); group 2, by hemihepatic vascular occlusion (HVO) (n = 20); and group 3, by BIOwHAC (n = 19). We compared the procedures among the three groups in term of operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative liver function, postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay. There were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in age, sex, pathological diagnosis, preoperative Child's disease grade, hepatic function, and tumor size among the three groups. No intraoperative complications or deaths occurrred, and there were no significant intergroup differences (P > 0.05) in intraoperative bleeding, hepatic function change 3 and 7 d after operation, the incidence of complications, and length of hospital stay. BIOwHAC and Pringle maneuver required a significantly shorter operation time than HVO; the difference in the serum alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase levels before and 1 d after operation was more significant in the BIOwHAC and HVO groups than in the Pringle maneuver group (P < 0.05). BIOwHAC is convenient and safe; this technique causes slight hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury similar to HVO.

An effect analysis of hemihepatic vascular occlusion and pringle maneuver in Liver cancer operation

Objective To study the application and efficacy of hemihepatie vascular occlusion in HCC resection. Methods 90 ca-ses of HCC patients were roiled in and divided into two groups. Liver resection was performed with Pringle maneuver or hemihepatic vascular occhusion. Ischemia time, operative time, blood loss, postoperative liver function, the occurrence of complications and the recovery of gastro-intestinal function were recorded. The efficacy of the two occlusions was compared. Results There is no significant difference between hemibepatic vascular occlusion and Pringle maneuver in ischemia time, operative time, blood loss (P>0.05). However, there is signifi-cant difference in postoperative liver function, the occurrence of complications and intestinal function recovery time. The former is significant-ly superior to the latter (P<0.05). Conclusions The bemihepatic vascular occlusion and Pringle maneuver occlusion have no difference in ischemia time, operative time and blood loss. But bemihepatic vascular occlusion has less impact on liver function, lower rate of occur-rence of complications and faster recovery speed. Therefore, hemibepatie vascular occlusion is better than Pfingle maneuver occlusion in be-parle inflow occlusion in HCC surgery. Key words: Liver neoplasms/SU; Hepatectomy/MT

Clinical application of hepatic venous occlusion for hepatectomy

Most liver resections require clamping of the hepatic pedicle (Pringle maneuver) to avoid excessive blood loss. But Pringle maneuver can not control backflow bleeding of hepatic vein. Resection of liver tumors involving hepatic veins may cause massive hemorrhage or air embolism from the injuries of the hepatic veins. Although total hepatic vascular exclusion can prevent bleeding of the hepatic veins effectively, it also may result in systemic hemodynamic disturbance because of the inferior vena cava being clamped. Hepatic venous occlusion, a new technique, can control the inflow and outflow of the liver without clamping the vena cava. A total of 71 cases of liver tumors underwent resection with occlusion of more than one of the main hepatic veins. All tumors involved the second porta hepatis and at least one main hepatic vein. Ligation or occlusion with serrefines, tourniquets and auricular clamps were used in hepatic venous occlusion. Of the 71 patients, ligation of the hepatic veins was used in 28 cases, occlusion with a tourniquet in 26, and occlusion with a serrefine in 17. Right hepatic veins were occluded in 38 cases, both right and middle hepatic veins in 2, the common trunk of the left and middle hepatic veins in 24, branches of the left and middle hepatic veins in 2, and all three hepatic veins in 5. Thirty-five cases underwent hemihepatic vascular occlusion, 4 alternate hemihepatic vascular occlusion, 23 portal triad clamping plus selective hepatic vein occlusion, and 9 portal triad clamping plus total hepatic vein occlusion. The third porta hepatis was isolated in 26 cases. The amount of intraoperative blood loss averaged (540 +/- 283) (range 100 to 1000) ml in the group of total hemihepatic vascular occlusion and in the group of alternate hemihepatic vascular occlusion, (620 +/- 317) (range 200 - 6000) ml in the group of portal triad clamping plus selective or total hepatic vein occlusion. All tumors were completely removed. Hepatic venous occlusion applied in hepatectomy can prevent bleeding and air embolism, and is safe and effective with stable hemodynamics.

Evaluation of Effect of Hemihepatic Vascular Occlusion and the Pringle Maneuver during Hepatic Resection for Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Impaired Liver Function

Reducing blood loss during resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with impaired liver function is important. This study evaluated the effect and safety of inflow occlusion (hemihepatic vascular occlusion and the Pringle maneuver) in reducing blood loss during hepatectomy. A total of 120 HCC patients with impaired liver function (with a preoperative indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes > 10%) who underwent hepatectomy were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into three groups, no-occlusion (n = 30), hemihepatic vascular occlusion (n = 49), and Pringle maneuver (n = 41). There was one hospital death in each group. Of all three groups, 50 patients (41.7%) had blood loss less than 1000 ml. The three groups were similar in terms of clinocopathological features. All patients underwent minor resection. Blood loss was significantly greater in the no-occlusion group; there was no difference between the hemihepatic group and the Pringle group. Multivariate analysis revealed that risk factors related to blood loss included no inflow occlusion [odds ratios (ORs), 2.93; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) 1.13-7.59], tumor centrally located (ORs, 3.85; 95% CIs, 1.50-9.90), serum albumin level < 3.5 gm/dl (ORs, 5.15; 95% CIs, 1.20-22.07), and serum alanine aminotransferase >120 U/l (ORs, 3.58; 95% CIs, 1.19-10.80). For patients with occlusion time > or = 45 minutes, postoperative serum total bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the Pringle group were significantly higher than those in the hemihepatic and no-occlusion groups (P < 0.05). In HCC patients with impaired liver function undergoing hepatectomy, both hemihepatic vascular occlusion and the Pringle maneuver are safe and effective in reducing blood loss. Patients subjected to hemihepatic vascular occlusion responded better than those subjected to the Pringle maneuver in terms of earlier recovery of postoperative liver function, especially when occlusion time was > or = 45 minutes.

Survival after coronary revascularization among patients with kidney disease

Factors liable to cause hyperamylasemia after hepatectomy were studied retrospectively in 140 patients with chronic liver disease.The Pringle maneuver was performed in 113 patients (Pringle group), the hemihepatic vascular occlusion technique in 21 (hemihepatic group), and no vascular occlusion in 6 (no-occlusion group).In the Pringle group, postoperative serum amylase levels were elevated significantly in comparison with the preoperative levels, but were not elevated in hemihepatic and no-occlusion groups. In the Pringle group, there were 4 patients whose postoperative serum amylase levels exceeded 3.5 times the upper limit of the normal range together with serum pancreatic isoamylase or lipase elevation or both. When compared with the other 109 patients, these 4 patients had a significantly longer vascular occlusion time (51 ± 3 minutes versus 94 ± 8 minutes, P <0.005). One of them developed pancreatitis and died from hepatic failure.Prolongation of portal congestion carries a potential risk of serum amylase elevation and pancreatitis after hepatectomy in patients with underlying liver disease.

Management of hepatic duct injury during hemihepatic vascular occlusion

Management of hepatic duct injury during hemihepatic vascular occlusion

Management of hepatic duct injury during hemihepatic vascular occlusion.

Management of hepatic duct injury during hemihepatic vascular occlusion.

Serum amylase elevation following hepatic resection in patients with chronic liver disease

Factors liable to cause hyperamylasemia after hepatectomy were studied retrospectively in 140 patient with chronic liver disease. The pringle maneuver was performed in 113 patients (Pringle group), the hemihepatic vascular occlusion technique in 21 (hemihepatic group), and no vascular occlusion in 6 (no-occlusion group). In the Pringle group, postoperative serum amylase levels were elevated significantly in comparison with the preoperative levels, but were not elevated in hemihepatic and no-occlusions groups. In the Pringle group, there were 4 patients whose postoperative serum amylase levels exceeded 3.5 times the upper limit of the normal range together with serum pancreatic isoamylase or lipase elevation or both. When compared with the other 109 patients, these 4 patients had a significantly longer vascular occlusion time (51 +/-3 minutes versus 94 +/- 8 minutes P<0.005). One of them developed pancreatitis and died from hepatic failure. Prolongation of portal congestion carries a potential risk of serum amylase elevation and pancreatitis after hepatectomy in patients with underlying liver disease.