Background: Laparoscopic liver resections are 1 of the most complex procedures in hepatobiliary surgery. During the last 20 years, laparoscopic liver surgery has had an important development in specialized centers.
Objective: To describe the initial experience in laparoscopic liver resection for benign and malignant tumors, to assess its indications and outcomes, and to describe technical aspects of these resections.
Methods: Review of the records of 28 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection between November 2000 and November 2007. Analysis of the data regarding preoperative management and postoperative outcomes.
Results: Twenty-six liver resections were performed laparoscopically (20 purely laparoscopic, 3 hand assisted, and 3 hybrid technique) and 2 were converted to open surgery. The laparoscopic approach was attempted in 6% (28 out of 459) of the liver resections carried out in the analyzed period. Indications for resection were: benign tumors in 22 patients (78%) and malignant tumors in 6 patients (22%). Resections were minor in 27 patients (96%) and major in 1 patient (4%). Pringle maneuver was performed in 14 patients (50%). Margins were negative in all the cases. Mean operative time was 170 minutes (range 70 to 350), and the mean length of stay was 3 days (range 1 to 6). Mortality rate was 0%. Only 2 patients (7%) had postoperative minor complications (self-limited bile leaks).
Conclusions: In selected patients with benign and malignant liver tumors, laparoscopic liver resections can be safely performed. This procedure must be carried out by the surgeons trained in both the hepatobiliary and laparoscopic surgery.