New Liver Resection Method Promises Long-Term Survival for Liver Cancer Patients

  According to a Japanese report, anatomical hepatectomy by the hepatic tip transection method for hepatocellular carcinoma has a 5-year survival rate of up to 75% and a 10-year survival rate of about 50% for a single lesion regardless of tumor size. The technique is characterized by strict pre-cutting of the liver tip of the tumor-bearing liver segment, followed by anatomical hepatectomy according to the ischemic border of the liver segment. This technique is simple and practical, most consistent with the principles of surgical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, and can reduce the possibility of intrahepatic transportal dissemination. The safety and efficacy of hepatectomy can be significantly improved with proper mastery and application. I have achieved good results with this technique in recent years. The following case will be shared with you.  Intraoperative investigation: the main tumor was located in the middle of the left liver with multiple satellite foci around it. After ligating the left hepatic tip of the whole bundle, the left hepatic half was ischemic and darkened, and the lesions were located in the ischemic area of the left hepatic half by intraoperative ultrasound. The boundaries of the severed liver were marked along the ischemic border. The left half of the liver was completely resected. Commentary: The implementation of hepatic resection by hepatic tip transection must have a profound understanding of the anatomy of the hilar region and the intrahepatic anatomy, so that the complex hilar anatomy is transformed into a concise operation. As the liver is interrupted in the hepatic segment, bleeding is significantly reduced, no sutures are required in the hepatic section, and no special instruments are required.