Laennec's Capsule Research Articles

The Inter-Laennec Approach for Liver Tumors in Contact with Hepatic Veins in Laparoscopic Liver Resection.

Patients with liver tumors that are in contact with the major hepatic veins may require hepatic vein resection to achieve an adequate surgical margin; however, the potential for venous congestion and impaired remnant liver function must be considered. We introduce the anatomy of the hepatic vein related to Laennec's capsule as well as the surgical techniques to overcome these limitations in the laparoscopic approach.1,2 PATIENTS AND METHODS: A patient with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent resection of the paracaval portion of the caudate lobe. A 4.5-cm tumor was located on the hepatic hilum, compressing the middle and right hepatic veins (MHV and RHV). The Laennec's capsule around the hepatic veins consists of cardiac and hepatic layers. In the inter-Laennec approach, the hepatic veins and inferior vena cava were continuously exposed from the root side, during entry into the space between the hepatic and cardiac Laennec's capsules.3,4 Hence, the cardiac Laennec's capsule was preserved on the venous side, and the strength of the hepatic vein walls was maintained without exposing the tumor. Parenchymal transection was performed while preserving the MHV and RHV. The operative time was 331 min, with minimal estimated blood loss. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 6 without complications. A pathological examination revealed the presence of focal capsular invasion; however, the surgical margin was maintained by leaving the hepatic Laennec's capsule on the tumor side. Understanding the structure of the Laennec's capsule can contribute to the establishment of safe and feasible liver resection techniques.

The importance of the Glissoean approach and Laennec capsule concept in anatomical liver resections

The importance of the Glissoean approach and Laennec capsule concept in anatomical liver resections

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy based on Laennec approach via the cystic plate with lymphadenectomy in Calot's triangle for gallbladder neoplasms: Initial experience and technical details

BackgroundIt is still challenging to define the exact stage of early gallbladder carcinoma with preoperative imaging. Generally, subserous gallbladder is dissected for the potential early gallbladder carcinoma, which may cause incomplete tumor resection or tumor spread especially for the patients with T2 stage. Here, we reported our experience and safety of Laennec approach via the cystic plate to dissect the whole gallbladder with lymphadenectomy in Calot's triangle for accurate diagnosis and stage in gallbladder neoplasms. MethodsThe anatomical gap between Laennec capsule and the cystic plate serves as the landmark to dissect the whole gallbladder through Laennec approach. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy based on Laennec approach via the cystic plate, together with lymphadenectomy in Calot's triangle, was performed in 17 patients with gallbladder neoplasms. ResultsAll patients had less intraoperative bleeding, no gallbladder breakage, no bile leakage, and accurate intraoperative rapid pathological staging under the corresponding strategies. The duration of surgery was comparable to that of traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. ConclusionLaparoscopic cholecystectomy based on Laennec approach via the cystic plate, together with lymphadenectomy in Calot's triangular is safe for gallbladder neoplasms. In the future, the prospective clinical trial is going on to confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of this approach.

A novel Laennec's capsule tunnel approach for pure laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy: a propensity score matching study.

With the development of laparoscopic hepatectomy, there are different surgical approaches and pedicle anatomical methods for laparoscopic left hepatectomy. Combined with our practical experience, we proposed a method of transhepatic Laennec membrane tunnel for laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy (LT-LLH) and investigated the feasibility by comparison with the extrahepatic Glissonian approach for laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy (GA-LLH). The data of patients who underwent laparoscopic left hepatectomy in the Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic surgery of Fujian Provincial Hospital from December 2019 to March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 45 cases underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy with an extrahepatic Glissonian approach, and 38 cases underwent laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy via transhepatic Laennec membrane tunnel approach. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) method was performed to compare the perioperative indexes and long-term tumor prognosis between the two groups. After 1:1 PSM, 33 patients in each group were selected for further analysis. Compared with the GA-LLH group, the operation time of the LT-LLH group was shorter. There was no significant difference in the incidence of total complications between the two groups. Moreover, no statistical differences were found in disease-free survival and overall survival between the two groups. It is safe, faster, and convenient for selective appropriate cases to carry out laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy through the hepatic Laennec membrane tunnel, which is suitable for clinical promotion.

Hepatic vein anatomy related to Laennec's capsule for liver resection.

Laennec's capsule is the proper membrane covering the entire surface of the liver parenchyma, including around the Glissonean pedicles and hepatic veins. Laennec's capsule around the hepatic veins has been clinically reported to comprise two layers: the hepatic and cardiac Laennec's capsules. However, where the cardiac Laennec's capsule is derived from and the two capsules' separability are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the anatomy of the two capsules using cadaveric specimens. Histopathological examinations of autopsy specimens from four cadavers were conducted. Each specimen was sliced in the longitudinal section to include the pericardium, right hepatic vein (RHV), and inferior vena cava (IVC). Additionally, long-axis specimens of the RHV were obtained to determine the separability of the capsules and to examine the extent to which the capsules extended along the RHV. Laennec's capsule was estimated using elastic fiber staining. The cardiac Laennec's capsule is derived from the pericardium (parietal and visceral) and diaphragm and runs parallel with the IVC and hepatic veins associated with the hepatic Laennec's capsule. The two capsules were separable micro- and macroscopically. The hepatic Laennec's capsule was observed from the root to the peripheral side and the cardiac Laennec's capsule from the root to the middle side of the hepatic vein. The existence of the two layers of Laennec's capsule around the hepatic veins was confirmed histologically and they were separable. Identification and decollement of these layers would contribute to establishing safe and feasible anatomic liver resection techniques.

The characteristics of Laennec's capsule around the hepatic veins: A histological study based on 71 liver surgical specimens.

Laennec's capsule is a fibrous membrane attached to the surface of the liver, which is independent of the hepatic veins. However, the presence of Laennec's capsule surrounding the peripheral hepatic veins is controversial. This study aims to describe the characteristic of Laennec's capsule around the hepatic veins at all levels. Seventy-one hepatic surgical specimens were collected along the cross and longitudinal sections of the hepatic vein. Tissue sections of 3-4 mm were cut and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), resorcinol-fuchsin (R&F), and Victoria blue (V&B). Elastic fibers were observed around the hepatic veins. They were measured using K-Viewer software. Morphologically, we observed a thin, dense fibrous layer (so-called Laennec's capsule) around the hepatic veins at all levels, which was different from the thick elastic fibers of the hepatic vein wall. Therefore, there was a potential gap between Laennec's capsule and the hepatic veins. Laennec's capsule was visualized significantly better with R&F and V&B staining compared to H&E staining. The thickness of Laennec's capsule around the main, first, and secondary branches of the hepatic vein were 79.86 ± 24.20 μm, 48.41 ± 18.25 μm, and 23.56 ± 10.03 μm in the R&F staining, and 80.15 ± 21.85 μm, 49.46 ± 17.52 μm, and 25.05 ± 11.03 μm in the V&B staining, respectively. They were significantly different from each other (P < .001). The hepatic veins were surrounded by Laennec's capsule at all levels, including the peripheral hepatic veins. However, it is thinner along the vein branches. The gap between the Laennec's capsule and hepatic veins shows potential supplemental value for liver surgery.

Laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy using the extrahepatic Glissonean approach: Technical tips for entering gaps.

There are two methods for selective inflow control from the liver hilum: individual hilar dissection and the Glissonean pedicle approach. The Glissonean pedicle approach has been increasingly used in laparoscopic anatomical liver resection. Recently, the extrahepatic Glissonean approach has been standardized due to the anatomical concept of Laennec's capsule. This article describes the technical details of entering gaps between the Laennec's capsule and Glissonean pedicle in laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy using the extrahepatic Glissonean approach. The key procedures of the laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy using the extrahepatic Glissonean approach included the following: (1) Dissection of left side of the hilar plate, (2) Dissection of ventral side of caudal end of the Arantius ligament, (3) Dissection and transection of left Glissonean pedicle. Our standardized technique is to create gap between the Laennec's capsule and Glissonean pedicle through appropriate traction and countertraction at the anatomical landmarks. Our procedure helps the surgeons to reproduce the extrahepatic Glissonean approach without parenchymal transection.

Laparoscopic anatomic bi-segmentectomy (S3 and S4b) using the Glisson’s pedicle-first and intrahepatic anatomic markers approach

With the advancement of laparoscopic technology, more precise anatomical hepatectomies such as segmentectomy or even bi-segmentectomy have been recommended by updated expert consensus to treat a single small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) [1, 2]. Herein, we presented a video of laparoscopic anatomic bi-segmentectomy (S3 and S4b) using the Glisson's pedicle-first and intrahepatic anatomic markers approach. A 66-year-old male was referred for treatment of a single HCC adjacent to the Sagittal part of the left portal vein. The procedure was performed according to the following steps: (1) dissecting and transecting the Glisson's pedicle to S3 and S4b based on Laennec's capsule [3]; (2) identification of the ischemia boundary on the liver surface and confirming the presence of adequate surgical margins within the boundary, ensuing the integrity of segment 2 and 4a by the intraoperative ultrasonography meanwhile; (3) the left parenchymal transection was begun along the demarcation line, exposing the Glisson's pedicle to S2, left hepatic vein, and umbilical fissure vein; (4) the right parenchymal transection was performed to expose the V5, V4b, and V4a. And this operation was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the West China Hospital and written informed consent was obtained from patient of Sichuan University and written informed consent was obtained from patient. (5) The blood supply of residual liver surface was observed, and the integrity of segment 2 and 4a hepatic pedicle was ensured by intraoperative ultrasonography. The operative time was 224min and blood loss during operation was 50ml. The histopathologic examination showed a solitary HCC, 4cm in diameter, with negative surgical margin and no microvascular invasion. The patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery and was discharged on postoperative day 5. Laparoscopic bi-segmentectomy (S3 and S4b) using the Glisson's pedicle-first and intrahepatic anatomic markers approach is feasible and effective. Its advantages lie in obtaining the benefits of anatomical hepatectomy, while maximizing the postoperative functional hepatic reserve [4-6].

Extrahepatic approach for taping the common trunk of the middle and left hepatic veins or the left hepatic vein alone in laparoscopic hepatectomy (with videos).

Outflow control is difficult, and techniques required for effectively handling intraoperative hemorrhage during laparoscopic hepatectomy have not previously been adequately reported. Sixteen patients underwent surgery, of which 15 underwent laparoscopic left hepatectomy and one underwent laparoscopic partial hepatectomy of the caudate lobe. Encircling and taping of the common trunk of the middle (MHV) and left hepatic veins (LHV) was performed in 12 patients, and that of the LHV alone in four patients. Surgical techniques based on anatomical landmarks and histological findings are presented with videos. Histological confirmation of the anatomical landmarks for these procedures was performed in fresh cadavers to understand the anatomical structures and layers involved. The median procedure duration was 15 (6-25) minutes. All procedures were performed safely with no major bleeding. Histological findings showed fibrous connective tissue between the tunica adventitia of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the Laennec's capsule of the liver. The layer of dissection was along the tunica adventitia of the IVC. The surgical techniques for encircling and taping of the common trunk of the MHV and LHV and the LHV alone based on anatomical landmarks were feasible and could allow for efficient outflow control in laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Tailored Strategy for Dissecting the Glissonean Pedicle in Laparoscopic Right Posterior Sectionectomy: Extrahepatic, Intrahepatic, and Transfissural Glissonean Approaches (with Video).

Selective inflow control of the liver is important to identify the ischemic transection boundary and reduce blood loss during liver resection. The Glissonean approach is a widely used inflow control method that can be divided into three types: extrahepatic, intrahepatic, and transfissural Glissonean approaches. This report describes the tailored strategy and technical details of the three Glissonean approaches in laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy. Based on the ramification type of the right posterior Glissonean pedicle (RPGP), anatomical variation, and technical feasibility, the particular Glissonean approach was selected. Extrahepatic Glissonean approach: The entering gap between the Glissonean pedicle and Laennec's capsule was entered. Without liver parenchymal transection, the RPGP was dissected extrahepatically. Intrahepatic Glissonean approach: The parenchymal transection between the right side of the cystic plate and Rouviere's sulcus was dissected. With minor parenchymal transection, the RPGP was dissected intrahepatically. Transfissural Glissonean approach: Parenchymal transection along the right portal fissure was performed. With major parenchymal transection along the right portal fissure, the RPGP was dissected transparenchymally. Eighteen patients underwent laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy (lap-RPS) using the Glissonean approach: extrahepatic (n = 11), intrahepatic (n = 5), and transfissural (n = 2) Glissonean approaches. The median operation time was 270min (range, 190-310min), and the median estimated blood loss was 130mL (range, 30-700mL). Postoperative morbidity occurred in three patients (16.7%). There were no deaths. The feasibility and safety of the Glissonean approach in lap-RPS could be increased through appropriate selection of extrahepatic, intrahepatic, and transfissural Glissonean approaches.

Parenchyma-sparing vessel-guided major hepatectomies: Nonsense or new paradigm?

Parenchyma-sparing vessel-guided major hepatectomies: Nonsense or new paradigm?

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Tailored Strategy for Dissecting the Glissonean Pedicle in Laparoscopic Right Anterior Sectionectomy: The Extrahepatic, Intrahepatic, and Transfissural Glissonean Approaches (with Video).

The Glissonean approach is a widely used anatomic liver resection technique, which can be divided into three types: the extrahepatic, intrahepatic, and transfissural approaches. This report describes the technical details and surgical outcomes of these laparoscopic right anterior sectionectomy (lap-RAS) approaches. Using the extrahepatic Glissonean approach, the posterior extremity of the cystic plate is dissected and divided. The hilar plate is detached from Laennec's capsule covering the liver parenchyma. The gap between the plate system and Laennec's capsule is entered. Without liver parenchymal transection, the right anterior Glissonean pedicle (RAGP) is dissected extrahepatically. Using the intrahepatic Glissonean approach, the posterior extremity of the cystic plate is divided, and the hilar plate is detached, which may decrease the visibility of the RAGP. The RAGP then is dissected intrahepatically through the minor parenchymal transection around the cystic plate. When the extra- or intrahepatic Glissonean approach fails, the transfissural Glissonean approach can be used, with the RAGP dissected through the major parenchymal transection along the main portal fissure. Three patients underwent lap-RAS using the Glissonean approach. The median operation time was 330min (range, 300-380min), and the median estimated blood loss was 160mL (range, 80-180mL). No cases of postoperative morbidity or mortality were observed. The feasibility of the Glissonean approach in lap-RAS could be increased by appropriate selection of the extrahepatic, intrahepatic, and transfissural Glissonean approaches.

Laennec's Approach for Laparoscopic Anatomic Hepatectomy Based on Laennec Capsule

Background: Although Glissonean pedicle isolation and hepatic vein isolation should be the critical procedure for anatomical liver resection (ALR), there is no standardized approach for the hepatic vein and Glissonean pedicles. We proposed the novel Laennec's approach for laparoscopic anatomic hepatectomy (LAH) based on Laennec's capsule, which serves as the key anatomic landmark for Glissonean pedicle and hepatic vein isolation, liver mobilization, and Hanging maneuver.

Research progression and application of Laennec capsule in liver

The Laennec capsule of liver was first discovered and reported by French doctor Rene Theophile Hyacinthe Laennec in 1802.However, it has not received enough attention for more than 200 years since then. In recent years, with the rapid development of liver surgery represented by laparoscopic technology, and the deepening of the theory of precise liver surgery, the fine anatomical structure of liver Laennec capsule has returned to the vision of liver surgeons.Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of Laennec capsule in liver histology, covering the whole liver surface, and lining the surface of liver parenchyma around the Glisson pedicle and the main hepatic vein along the inflow and outflow channels of the liver. Based on the Laennec capsule approach, it is expected to unify the current approach of Glisson pedicle and the approach of hepatic vein, and provide a new theoretical basis for the liver surgery, and guide us in the standardization of liver surgeries.

Standardization of Anatomic Segmentectomy VIII by Extrahepatic Glissonean Pedicle Isolation and HV Root - At First One-way Resection Based on Laennec's Capsule: Open and Laparoscopic Approaches

Standardization of Anatomic Segmentectomy VIII by Extrahepatic Glissonean Pedicle Isolation and HV Root - At First One-way Resection Based on Laennec's Capsule: Open and Laparoscopic Approaches

Standardization of Anatomic Liver Resection Based on Laennec's Capsule

Standardization of Anatomic Liver Resection Based on Laennec's Capsule

Standardization of Laparoscopic Central Bisectionectomy by Extrahepatic Glissonean Pedicle Isolation and HV Root - At First One-way Resection Based on Laennec's Capsule

Standardization of Laparoscopic Central Bisectionectomy by Extrahepatic Glissonean Pedicle Isolation and HV Root - At First One-way Resection Based on Laennec's Capsule

Standardization of Isolated Caudate Lobectomy by Extrahepatic Glissonean Pedicle Isolation and HV Root - At First One-way Resection Based on Laennec's Capsule: Open and Laparoscopic Approaches

Standardization of Isolated Caudate Lobectomy by Extrahepatic Glissonean Pedicle Isolation and HV Root - At First One-way Resection Based on Laennec's Capsule: Open and Laparoscopic Approaches

The Importance of the Glissonean Approach and Laennec Capsule Concept in Open Anatomical Liver Resections: What we Need to Know

The Importance of the Glissonean Approach and Laennec Capsule Concept in Open Anatomical Liver Resections: What we Need to Know