Intrahepatic Glissonian Approach Research Articles

Techniques of Laparoscopic Right Posterior Sectionectomy: Glissonian Approach and a Parenchymal Transection Technique.

Laparoscopic liver resections (LLR) have been widely accepted as a treatment option for liver tumors. They offer several advantages over open liver resections, including less blood loss, reduced wound pain, and shorter hospital stays with a comparable oncological outcome. However, laparoscopic resection of lesions in the right posterior section of the liver is challenging due to difficulties in bleeding control and visualizing the surgical field. In the past, laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy (LRPS) was still in the exploration phase, with undefined risks in the Second International Consensus Conference on LLR in 2014. However, recent technological advancements and increased surgical experience have shown that LRPS can be safe and feasible. It has been found to reduce hospital stay and blood loss compared to open surgery. This manuscript aims to provide a detailed description of the steps involved in LRPS. The key factors contributing to our success in this challenging procedure include proper liver retraction and exposure, the use of an intrahepatic Glissonian approach for inflow control, a technique called the 'ultrasonic scalpel mimic Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA)' for parenchymal transection, early identification of the right hepatic vein, and meticulous bleeding control using bipolar diathermy.

Bases anatómicas y aplicación clínica inicial del abordaje glissoniano intrahepático en las hepatectomías

Introducción: El control pedicular durante las resecciones hepáticas puede hacerse mediante disección hiliar extrahepática (DHE) o abordaje glissoniano (AG). El AG intrahepático (AGI) según técnica de Machado puede brindar ciertas ventajas, especialmente en disecciones difíciles. Sin embargo, es menos empleado que la DHE.Objetivo: Analizar las bases anatómicas del AGI y comunicar nuestra experiencia clínica inicial.Material y métodos: El AGI según técnica de Machado se practicó en seis (6) hígados cadavéricos. Luego se hizo la disección hepática para valorar la efectividad del cargado pedicular y medir la profundidad de los diferentes pedículos glissonianos. La aplicación clínica de la técnica fue gradual y selectiva, aplicándola cuando nos parecía factible y que aportaba alguna ventaja sobre la DHE.Resultados: en los 6 hígados cadavéricos fue posible realizar el cargado de todos los pedículos glissonianos (lobares y sectoriales bilateralmente, así como los segmentarios izquierdos). Estos se encuentran a una profundidad menor a 2 cm de la capsula hepática, siendo accesibles para su control mediante AGI. La principal excepción es el pedículo anterior derecho, cuyo nacimiento es más profundo, lo que asociado a su origen en sentido cefálico y a veces ramificado, puede hacer más difícil su cargado. La aplicación del AGI se llevo a cabo en 5 pacientes, en todos fue efectiva, insumió poco tiempo y no tuvo complicaciones intraoperatorias.Conclusiones: el AGI según técnica de Machado es un procedimiento sistematizado, reproducible, factible y seguro, aún en su aplicación clínica inicial. El conocimiento anatómico de los pedículos glissonianos es fundamental para llevarlo a cabo con éxito.

ROBOTIC LIVER RESECTION. REPORT OF THE FIRST 50 CASES.

Robotic surgery has gained growing acceptance in recent years, expanding to liver resection. The aim of this paper is to report the experience with our first fifty robotic liver resections. This was a single-cohort, retrospective study. From May 2018 to December 2020, 50 consecutive patients underwent robotic liver resection in a single center. All patients with indication for minimally invasive liver resection underwent robotic hepatectomy. The indication for the use of minimally invasive technique followed practical guidelines based on the second international laparoscopic liver consensus conference. The proportion of robotic liver resection was 58.8% of all liver resections. Thirty women and 20 men with median age of 61 years underwent robotic liver resection. Forty-two patients were operated on for malignant diseases. Major liver resection was performed in 16 (32%) patients. Intrahepatic Glissonian approach was used in 28 patients for anatomical resection. In sixteen patients, the robotic liver resection was a redo hepatectomy. In 10 patients, previous liver resection was an open resection and in six it was minimally invasive resection. Simultaneous colon resection was done in three patients. One patient was converted to open resection. Two patients received blood transfusion. Four (8%) patients presented postoperative complications. No 90-day mortality was observed. The use of the robot for liver surgery allowed to perform increasingly difficult procedures with similar outcomes of less difficult liver resections.

Intrahepatic Glissonian Approach to the Ventral Aspect of the Arantius Ligament in Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy.

Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy using the Glissonian approach is technically challenging secondary to a thick Glissonian pedicle and limited maneuverability of laparoscopic instruments. This procedure demands extreme caution owing to the high risk of bile leakage associated with left hemihepatectomy. We describe the technical details and surgical outcomes of the intrahepatic Glissonian approach to the ventral aspect of the Arantius ligament in laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy. After detachment of the left side of hilar plate, the meticulous dissection was performed in the liver capsule above the left Glissonian pedicle. Dissection of the ventral aspect of the Arantius ligament creates the space between the liver parenchyma and the left Glissonian pedicle. The left Glissonian pedicle was isolated and encircled using the long curved laparoscopic instrument. During the parenchymal transection, the left Glissonian pedicle was transected using lateral to the Arantius ligament. Between February 2013 and July 2018, 13 consecutive patients underwent pure laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy. The median operation time was 230min (range 180-300min), and the median estimated blood loss was 300mL (range 100-600mL). Two patients (15%) required transfusion. The median tumor size was 40mm (range 10-105mm). All patients showed negative resection margins. The median postoperative hospital stay was 8days (range 6-15days). Major postoperative complications occurred in 1 patient (7.7%). No perioperative deaths occurred. An intrahepatic Glissonian approach to the ventral aspect of the Arantius ligament is a feasible and effective technique in laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy.

Intrahepatic Glissonian approach for single-port laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy

Background: In the last few years, a novel technique using single-incision laparoscopic approach has been described. There are few reports on single-port liver resection in the literature. The aim of this video is to present a single-port laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy with intrahepatic Glissonian approach. Methods: A 27 year-old woman with a 6-cm hepatocellular adenoma is referred for surgical treatment. Liver resection is advised and a single-port laparoscopic liver resection using intrahepatic Glissonian approach is proposed. The patient was informed about the advantages and risks of the technique, and she gave consent for its use. A transumbilical incision is performed, and a single-incision platform is introduced. The operation begins with ultrasound examination of the liver. Intrahepatic Glissonian access of the portal pedicle from segments 2 and 3 is performed, and the pedicle is divided with a stapler. The liver is transected, and the left hepatic vein is divided with a stapler. A surgical specimen is retrieved through the single umbilical incision. No drains are left in place. Results: Operative time was 90 minutes and there was minimal bleeding. Recovery was uneventful and patient was discharged on the first postoperative day. Final pathology showed hepatocellular adenoma with no signs of malignancy. Conclusion: Single-port laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy is feasible and can be safely performed in specialized centers. Intrahepatic approach is a useful tool to control the Glissonian pedicle.

Laparoscopic Parenchymal-Sparing Liver Resections Using the Intrahepatic Glissonian Approach

One of the main criticisms of laparoscopic liver resection is that it is difficult, or not possible, to perform liver-sparing resections. Our aim was to present short videos where the intrahepatic Glissonian approach was used to perform anatomical liver segmental resections, instead of a larger operation, to avoid unnecessary sacrifice of the liver parenchyma. We selected six types of anatomical liver resections to exemplify the use of the intrahepatic Glissonian approach to perform segment-oriented liver resections. These types of hepatectomies were used as an alternative to right or left hepatectomy, or as an alternative to extended liver resections. The intrahepatic Glissonian approach was feasible in all cases. The use of anatomical landmarks previously described was essential to reach and control the Glissonian pedicles. Among the liver-sparing resections, we were able to perform right anterior (S5+S8) and posterior (S6+S7) sectionectomies, resection of segments 2, 3, and 4, and mesohepatectomy (S4+S5+S8). No patient presented postoperative liver failure. Laparoscopic liver-sparing resections are feasible and may be a good alternative to hemihepatectomies or extended liver resections. The use of the intrahepatic Glissonian approach can be useful.

Anatomical basis for the intrahepatic glissonian approach during hepatectomies.

BackgroundAnatomical liver resections are based on some basic technical principles such as vascular control, ischemic area delineation to be resected and maximum parenchymal preservation. These aspects are achieved by the intrahepatic glissonian approach, which consists in accessing the pedicles of hepatic segments within the hepatic parenchyma. Small incisions on well-defined anatomical landmarks are performed to approach the pedicles, making dissection of the hilar plate unnecessary.AimAnalyze parameters in liver anatomy related to intrahepatic surgical technique to glissonians pedicles, to set the normal anatomy related to the procedure and thereby facilitate the attainment of this technique.MethodsAnatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach were studied in 37 cadavers. Measurements were performed with precision instruments. Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation. The subjects were divided into groups according to gender and liver weight and groups were compared statistically.ResultsTwenty-five cadavers were male and 12 female. No statistically significant difference was observed in virtually all parameters when groups were compared. This demonstrates the consistency of the anatomical parameters related to the intrahepatic glissonian approach.ConclusionThe results obtained in this study made possible major technical advances in the realization of open and laparoscopic hepatectomies with intrahepatic glissonian approach, and can help surgeons to perform liver resections by this method.

Intrahepatic Glissonian approach and outflow vascular occlusion during partial hepatectomy

Under ultrasound guidance, a blunt suture needle was inserted around the Glissonian pedicle and then sutured. This technique significantly reduced the blood loss and facilitated the procedure of partial hepatectomy. We applied this technique in 182 patients who needed partial hepatectomy. We concluded that this method is simple and easy to occlude the vascular inflow and outflow, and allows an accurate delineation of the anatomic zone and therefore, simplifies the procedure of partial hepatectomy.

Laparoscopic bisegmentectomy 6 and 7 using a Glissonian approach and a half-Pringle maneuver

Despite accumulated experience and advancing techniques for laparoscopic hepatectomy, surgeons still face challenging resections that require specific and innovative intraoperative maneuvers. The right posterior sectionectomy presents special concerns about its location, the extensive transection area, and the difficult access to the pedicle. The intrahepatic Glissonian approach allows safe en masse control of the portal structures without prolonged dissection. Its association with the half-Pringle maneuver results in less bleeding during parenchymal transection. A 34-year-old woman was referred for treatment of an 8-cm hepatocellular adenoma located at segments 6 and 7. She was placed in a semi-supine position, and six ports were located in a distribution that resembled a Makuuchi incision. The right liver was mobilized, and preparation for an anatomic Glissonian approach was performed. A vascular clamp was placed to ensure that full control of the right posterior pedicle was possible. Then a vascular stapler replaced it, with division of the right posterior Glissonian pedicle. A vascular clamp was inserted from the inferior right-flank 5-mm trocar for performance of a half-Pringle maneuver of the right pedicle to minimize blood loss during parenchymal transection. The liver parenchyma was transected with a harmonic scalpel and a vascular stapler. The right hepatic vein was divided intraparenchymally with a vascular stapler. The specimen was extracted through a Pfannenstiel incision. The total surgical time was 210 min, and the estimated blood loss was 200 ml. No blood transfusion was required. The recovery was uneventful, and hospital discharge occurred on postoperative day 5. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of an hepatocellular adenoma. Technical issues initially hindered the development of laparoscopic liver resections [7-10]. Surgeons were concerned about hemostasis, bleeding control, safe and effective parenchymal transection, adequate visualization, and the feasibility of working on deeper regions of the liver. During the past decade, many limitations were overcome, but lesions located on the posterosuperior liver are still considered tough to beat. Large series and extensive reviews show that resections located on the posterior segments still are infrequent. Limited access to the portal triad, difficult pedicle control, and a large transection area and its anatomic location, attached to the diaphragm and retroperitoneum and hidden from the surgeon's view, makes such resections defying. The authors' team has performed 97 laparoscopic hepatectomies, including resection of 6 lesions in the right posterior sector. In their series, half-pedicle clamping was used for 12 patients, and they adopt such a maneuver as an inflow control when operating on peripheric lesions with difficult vascular control (e.g., enucleations or posterosuperiorly located segmentectomies). This technique is safe and useful because it reduces liver ischemic aggression, a very important issue with diseased livers (e.g., steatosis, steatohepatitis, prolonged chemotherapy, cirrhosis). In their series, the authors applied the Glissonian intrahepatic approach in 7 cases (2 left hepatectomies and 5 right hepatectomies). They understand that laparoscopy applies perfectly to oddly (posterosuperior) located tumors and that right posterior sectionectomy can be accomplished safely. In fact, they share the opinion of other specialized hepatobiliary centers, believing that this may be the preferred approach.

Total laparoscopic limited anatomical resection for centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic liver

BackgroundLimited anatomical liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is complicated in cirrhotic patients with centrally located HCC and limited liver reserve. We present a case of total laparoscopic left medial and right ventroanterior sectionectomy performed using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach in a cirrhotic liver for curative resection of HCC.MethodsThe patient was a 69-year-old man with a 6.5-cm-diameter HCC located at segments 4, 5, and 8 and which was compressing the middle hepatic vein (MHV). Child–Pugh class A liver cirrhosis was noted, and the 15-min retention rate for indocyanine green was 14 %. Preoperative surgical planning suggested the feasibility of limited anatomical subsegmental resection. The patient was placed in the supine position and 5 trocars were used for the procedure. The operation began with cholecystectomy, division of liver ligaments, and exposure of the right hepatic vein root and the umbilical Glissonian pedicles to the left medial segment. Parenchymal transection was performed using a laparoscopic harmonic scalpel and Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator until the MHV was reached. After exposing the ventral branches of the right anterior Glissonian pedicle and dividing them, resection was continued along the demarcation line. Fissure veins draining to the MHV root were identified and divided. The MHV root was closed using an automatic stapler.ResultsThe operation time was 565 min and estimated blood loss was 665 ml; blood transfusion was not required. Pathological examination confirmed a moderately differentiated HCC with all resected margins free of malignancy. Postoperative recovery was uneventful and the patient was discharged on the postoperative day 7. There was no tumor recurrence 18 months after the operation.ConclusionsTotal laparoscopic left medial and right ventroanterior sectionectomy via the intrahepatic Glissonian approach is feasible for HCC in a cirrhotic liver with limited liver reserve. Preoperative planning is essential in order to compute successful hepatic function. Standardization of surgical techniques may aid in safely performing this procedure.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00464-012-2624-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy in the semi-prone position using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach and a modified hanging maneuver to minimize intraoperative bleeding

Although laparoscopic liver resection has been widely adopted, performing a pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy remains a challenging procedure. The aim of this report is to evaluate the efficiency of a pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy (PLRH) in the semi-prone position using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach and a modified hanging maneuver. Pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy was performed in the semi-prone position with the use of an intrahepatic Glissonian approach and modified hanging maneuver for patients with primary liver cancer (n = 3) and metastatic liver cancer (n = 1). The intraoperative total blood loss was only 95-140 g (mean: 126.2 g). None of the patients required a blood transfusion, and no serious complications were encountered. The durations of the surgeries ranged from were 308 to 445 min (mean: 394.8 min). The postoperative hospital stay was 8-11 days (mean 9.5 days). Pure laparoscopic right hepatectomy in the semi-prone position using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach and a modified hanging maneuver is thus considered to be a safe modality, which minimizes intraoperative bleeding.

Intrahepatic Glissonian approach for pure laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy

To present a video of laparoscopic right hepatectomy using Glissonian technique. A new strategy for liver transection is presented. Liver is divided in three parts. The posterior part, containing short hepatic veins, is divided with stapler before liver transection. Anterior part is fully divided with harmonic scalpel, and the middle part, containing hepatic veins from segments 5 and 8, is the last part to be transected. A 41-year-old woman with right-sided hepatolithiasis and choledocholithiasis was referred for surgical treatment. Patient was positioned in left lateral position. Four trocars were used. Operation began with division of liver ligaments, right liver mobilization, and exposure of the retrohepatic vena cava. Cholecystectomy was performed, followed by intrahepatic access to the right Glissonian pedicle (containing arterial, portal, and bile duct branches of segments 5-8). Two small incisions were performed around hilar plate according to specific anatomic landmarks. A vascular clamp was introduced into those incisions, resulting in ischemic delineation of right liver. Clamp was replaced by a vascular stapler, and stapler was fired. Liver parenchyma was divided by harmonic scalpel combined with vascular stapler. The specimen was extracted through suprapubic incision. Intraoperative cholangiography confirmed a 2-cm common bile duct stone which was immediately removed by endoscopy (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, ERCP). Falciform ligament was sutured to maintain the liver in its original anatomical position, avoiding hepatic vein kinking, and abdominal cavity was drained. Operative time was 180 min, with blood loss estimated at 50 ml, without need for transfusion. Postoperative recovery was uneventfully, and patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day. Laparoscopic intrahepatic Glissonian approach is feasible and is a useful technique for rapid and safe control of the right liver pedicle, facilitating laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy. The special strategy described may help laparoscopic surgeons to safely perform this challenging procedure.

One-stage laparoscopic bisegmentectomy 7–8 and bisegmentectomy 2–3 for bilateral colorectal liver metastases

Bisegmentectomy 7-8 is feasible even in the absence of a large inferior right hepatic vein. To our knowledge, this operation has never been performed by laparoscopy. This study was designed to present video of pure laparoscopic bisegmentectomy 7-8 and bisegmentectomy 2-3 in one-stage operation for bilateral liver metastasis. A 67-year-old man with metachronous bilobar colorectal liver metastasis was referred for surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CT scan disclosed two liver metastases: one located between segments 7 and 8 and another one in segment 2. At liver examination, another metastasis was found on segment 3. We decided to perform a bisegmentectomy 7-8 along with bisegmentectomy 2-3 in a single procedure. The operation began with mobilization of the right liver with complete dissection of retrohepatic vena cava. Inferior right hepatic vein was absent. Right hepatic vein was dissected and encircled. Upper part of right liver, containing segment 7 and 8, was marked with cautery. Selective hemi-Pringle maneuver was performed and right hepatic vein was divided with stapler. At this point, liver rotation to the left allowed direct view and access to the superior aspect of the right liver. Liver transection was accomplished with harmonic scalpel and endoscopic stapling device. Bisegmentectomy 2-3 was performed using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach. The specimens were extracted through a suprapubic incision. Liver raw surfaces were reviewed for bleeding and bile leaks. Operative time was 240 minutes with no need for transfusion. Recovery was uneventful. Patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. Patient is well with no evidence of disease 14months after liver resection. Tumor markers are within normal range. Bisegmentectomy 7-8 may increase resectability rate in patients with bilateral lesions. This operation can be performed safely by laparoscopy. Preservation of segments 5 and 6 permitted simultaneous resection of segments 2 and 3 with adequate liver remnant.

Glissonian approach for laparoscopic mesohepatectomy

Experience with advanced techniques has increased the indications for laparoscopic liver resection. This video demonstrates technical aspects of a pure laparoscopic mesohepatectomy using intrahepatic Glissonian technique. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of anatomic laparoscopic mesohepatectomy using the Glissonian approach published in the English literature. A 62-year-old man with colorectal liver metastasis occupying central liver segments was referred for surgical treatment. The first step is the control of segment 4 pedicle. Using the round ligament as a guide, one incision is performed on its right margin and another is made at the bottom of segment 4. A vascular clamp is introduced through those incisions to occlude segment 4 Glissonian sheath. The next step is to control the right anterior pedicle. The first incision is made in front of the hilum and another is performed on the right edge of gallbladder bed. Laparoscopic clamp is introduced through these incisions and closed producing ischemic discoloration of segments 5 and 8. Vascular clamp is replaced by an endoscopic vascular stapling device and stapler is fired. Line of liver transection is marked along the liver surface following ischemic area. Liver transection is accomplished with bipolar vessel sealing device and endoscopic stapling device as appropriate. Specimen was extracted through a suprapubic incision. Liver raw surfaces were reviewed for bleeding and bile leaks. Operative time was 200min with minimum blood loss and no need for blood transfusion. Recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. Histological examination revealed clear surgical margins. Mesohepatectomy can be safely performed laparoscopically in selected patients and by surgeons with expertise in both liver surgery and laparoscopic techniques. The use of the intrahepatic Glissonian approach may help to identify the exact limits of the mesohepatectomy to avoid ischemic injury of the remnant liver.

Intrahepatic Glissonian Approach for Pure Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy

Recent advances in laparoscopic devices and experience with advanced techniques have increased the indications for laparoscopic liver. The aim of this work was to present a video with technical aspects of a pure laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy (segments 2, 3, and 4) by using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach and control of venous outflow without hilar dissection or the Pringle maneuver. A 63-year-old woman with a 5-cm solitary liver metastasis was referred for treatment. Four trocars were used. The left lobe was pulled upward and the lesser omentum was divided, exposing Arantius' ligament. This ligament is a useful landmark for the identification of the main left Glissonian pedicle. A small anterior incision was made in front of the hilum, and a large clamp was introduced behind the Arantius' ligament toward the anterior incision, allowing control of the left main sheath. Ischemic discoloration of the left liver was achieved and marked with cautery. The vascular clamp was replaced by a stapler. If ischemic delineation was coincident with a previously marked area, the stapler was fired. The left hepatic vein was dissected and encircled. Parenchymal transection and vascular control of the hepatic veins were accomplished with a Harmonic scalpel and an endoscopic stapling device, as appropriate. All these steps were performed without the Pringle maneuver and without hand assistance. Operative time was 220 minutes with minimum blood loss. Hospital stay was 4 days. Pathology showed free surgical margins. The patient is alive with no signs of recurrence 18 months after the operation. Totally laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy is safe and feasible in selected patients and should be considered for patients with benign or malignant liver neoplasms. The described technique, with the use of the intrahepatic Glissonian approach and control of venous outflow, may facilitate laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy by reducing the technical difficulties in pedicle control and may decrease bleeding during liver transection.

Two-stage laparoscopic liver resection for bilateral colorectal liver metastasis

Hepatectomy may prolong the survival of colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. Two-stage liver surgery is a valid option for the treatment of bilobar colorectal liver metastasis. This video demonstrates technical aspects of a two-stage pure laparoscopic hepatectomy for bilateral liver metastasis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of a two-stage laparoscopic liver resection in the English literature. A 54-year-old man with right colon cancer and synchronous bilobar colorectal liver metastasis underwent laparoscopic right colon resection followed by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. The patient then was referred for surgical treatment of liver metastasis. Liver volumetry showed a small left liver remnant. Surgical planning was for a totally laparoscopic two-stage liver resection. The first stage involved laparoscopic resection of segment 3 and ligature of the right portal vein. The postoperative pathology showed high-grade liver steatosis. After 4 weeks, the left liver had regenerated, and volumetry of left liver was 43%. The second stage involved laparoscopic right hepatectomy using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach. Intrahepatic access to the main right Glissonian pedicle was achieved with two small incisions, and an endoscopic vascular stapling device was inserted between these incisions and fired. The line of liver transection was marked following the ischemic area. Liver transection was accomplished with the Harmonic scalpel and an endoscopic stapling device. The specimen was extracted through a suprapubic incision. The falciform ligament was fixed to maintain the left liver in its original anatomic position, avoiding hepatic vein kinking and outflow syndrome. The operative time was 90 min for stage 1 and 240 min for stage 2 of the procedure. The recoveries after the first and second operations were uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative days 2 and 7, respectively. Two-stage liver resections can be performed safely using laparoscopy. The intrahepatic Glissonian approach is a useful tool for pedicle control of the right liver, especially after previous dissection of the hilar plate.

Anatomic resection of segment VIII of liver for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients based on an intrahepatic Glissonian approach

Isolated segmentectomy VIII is a technically demanding operative procedure and is reported only rarely. To our knowledge, no reports on anatomic segmentectomy based on an intrahepatic approach have been described. For cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) limited to segment VIII, this is a parenchyma-preserving hepatectomy that can be tolerated. Eighteen patients with HCC underwent anatomic segment VIII segmentectomy from January 2005 to January 2008 in our institution. The operative techniques, postoperative, and oncologic outcomes were reviewed. Anatomic segmentectomy VIII was feasible with the technology described herein in all patients. The perioperative and oncologic outcomes were comparable with those of other similar hepatic resections. The median follow-up time was 28 months. The 3-year survival rate was 65%. Although complex and technically demanding, an intrahepatic Glissonian approach for anatomic segmentectomy of segment VIII is an oncologically radical but parenchyma-sparing hepatic resection. In terms of preserving greater functioning liver parenchyma, it may be a safe and effective alternative to extensive hepatectomy.

Laparoscopic resection of left liver segments using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach

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. 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. 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. 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.

Intrahepatic Glissonian approach for anatomical resection of left liver segments

Intrahepatic Glissonian approach for anatomical resection of left liver segments

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.