Laparoscopic Major Liver Resection

Abstract

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has several advantages over conventional open liver surgery. However, the indications for laparoscopic liver resection remain limited because of technical difficulties, hemorrhagic and embolic risks, and the suspicion of oncological inadequacy. The number of publications on this topic has significantly increased in recent years, and they show that LLR is becoming the standard approach for patients with liver tumors. Although potential good candidates for LLR are patients with peripheral lesions requiring limited hepatectomy or left lateral sectionectomy, the indications for LLR have recently been extended to major hepatectomy in well-experienced centers. We provide a comprehensive review of LLR, focusing on the types of resection, technical approaches, and collective morbidity and mortality according to the literature presently available. LLR, which is a complex procedure requiring experience in both laparoscopic technique and conventional liver surgery, is safe and feasible with careful patient selection.