Article ID: JNMS.2019_86-411
Before the first laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) was described in 1991, open hepatectomy (OH) was the only choice for the surgical treatment of liver tumors. At first, LH was indicated solely by tumor location, size, and type. The use of LH has spread rapidly throughout the world because it reduces the incision size. This review systematically assesses the current status of LH.
LH is significantly less complicated, requires a shorter hospital stay, and less blood loss compared with OH. The long-term survival rates with LH and OH are comparable. Developing new techniques and instruments will improve the conversion rate and reduce complications. Furthermore, the development of surgical navigation will improve the safety and efficacy of LH. Laparoscopic major hepatectomy for HCC has remained a challenging technique. It should only be performed by experienced practitioners. A training system for young surgeons will become mandatory in the near future for the standardization of LH. LH is likely to become a more standard procedure with wider applications.
