Intrahepatic Glissonian approach for pure laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy.

BACKGROUND Recent advances in laparoscopic devices and experience with advanced techniques have increased the indications for laparoscopic liver. AIM 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. PATIENT AND METHOD 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. RESULTS 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. CONCLUSION 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.