Is any method of vascular control superior in hepatic resection of metastatic cancers? Longmire clamping, pringle maneuver, and total vascular isolation.

HYPOTHESIS Although control of the hepatic vascular pedicle is commonly used during hepatic resection, the optimal method of vascular control continues to be debated. The utility of total or selective vascular isolation, pedicle inflow occlusion, or the absence of vascular isolation during minor and major hepatectomy needs to be examined. DESIGN Retrospective review of hepatic resections performed for either isolated colorectal or noncolorectal hepatic metastases. SETTING The University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, Ill, a tertiary-care referral center. PATIENTS One hundred forty-one patients who underwent hepatic resection for isolated metastatic liver disease were identified through The University of Chicago Hospitals Tumor Registry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Intraoperative parameters, perioperative morbidity and mortality, and tumor recurrence. RESULTS Four groups were compared with alternative methods of vascular management, including total vascular isolation, Longmire clamping, Pringle maneuver, or no vascular control. Tumor number and size were not significantly different between groups. Blood loss and transfusion requirements tended to be higher in the total vascular isolation group and were significantly higher compared with the Pringle group (P =.06) and the no vascular control group (P =.04), but this also correlated with a higher incidence of complexity of surgical resection. The highest incidence of postoperative complications occurred in the total vascular isolation group (P<.05). With similar permanent pathologic margins, the rates of intrahepatic recurrence were similar among all groups, with the no vascular control group having the lowest recurrence rate. CONCLUSIONS All methods of vascular control appeared equivalent with respect to limiting blood loss and transfusion requirements while providing adequate surgical margins. The highest rates of blood requirements and complications were noted in the total vascular isolation group, which corresponded to the highest incidence of complex resections. The Longmire clamp group incurred the lowest incidence of complications and resulted in identical surgical margins. The application of vascular control is beneficial to surgeons during hepatic resection, but the method of control should be selected based on the location and complexity of resection required and preference of the individual surgeon.