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Belli. Introduction

In fact, the role of the mininvasive approach in liver surgery discussed their technique and results.
continues to increase, and many types of liver resections,
even in cirrhotic liver, including major hepatectomies, are The authors of this issue have demonstrated that
now performed laparoscopically in specialized centers. It minimally invasive liver surgery in cirrhotic liver is
is now clear that laparoscopic liver resection for HCC on feasible, safe and reproducible. It has been performed
cirrhotic liver has better short results when compared to an in highly specialised centres by surgeons using new
open approach. In fact, despite its technical challenges, technologies. In addition, all the surgeons are expert in
reduced operative blood loss, fewer early postoperative both liver and advanced laparoscopic surgery.
complications, such as postoperative ascites, lower
analgesic drug requirements, and shorter hospital stay I am very pleased and sincerely grateful to all of the
are the clear advantages of the laparoscopic approach. authors for their outstanding effort in contributing to
Therefore, laparoscopic resection of HCC in cirrhotic this issue.
liver is not only feasible and safe in selected patients with
excellent short-term results, but achieves not inferior long- Financial support and sponsorship
term survival end recurrence rates compared with open None.
surgery when stratified for tumor characteristics known to
be related to survival of outcome. Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
In this special issue of Hepatoma Research focusing
on “Advances in Minimally Invasive Cirrhotic Surgery”, Patient consent
the challenges of this rapidly developing field are Not involved.
addressed. Each of the contributors has referred
specific aspects of their experienced area, discussing Ethics approval
its limits but also its advantages. They have also Not involved.

240 Hepatoma Research ¦ Volume 2 ¦ September 19, 2016