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Golhar et al. Mini-invasive Surg 2019;3:9 Mini-invasive Surgery
DOI: 10.20517/2574-1225.2018.58

Review Open Access

Laparoscopic resection of liver tumors

Ankush Golhar, Vinayak Nikam, Prashantha Rao, Ravi Mohanka

Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery and Liver Transplant, Global Hospital, Mumbai 400012, India.

Correspondence to: Dr. Ravi Mohanka, Chief Surgeon and Head of Department, Department of Hepato-Biliary Surgery and
Liver Transplantation, Global Hospital, Mumbai 400012, India. E-mail: ravimohanka@gmail.com

How to cite this article: Golhar A, Nikam V, Rao P, Mohanka R. Laparoscopic resection of liver tumors. Mini-invasive Surg
2019;3:9. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2574-1225.2018.58
Received: 21 Aug 2018 First Decision: 23 Oct 2019 Revised: 23 Feb 2019 Accepted: 4 Mar 2019 Published: 17 Apr 2019

Science Editor: Fernando Andrés Alvarez Copy Editor: Cai-Hong Wang Production Editor: Huan-Liang Wu

Abstract
Laparoscopic liver resection is technically challenging compared to open liver surgery and has a steep learning curve.
Tumors located in the posterior sector, centrally, in proximity of major vascular pedicles or in a background of liver
cirrhosis are surgically more complex with a higher risk of blood loss. There is emerging consensus about indications
for laparoscopic liver resection. While laparoscopic approach is considered standard for left lateral sectionectomy and
minor laparoscopic liver resections in antero-lateral segments, with increasing experience, major resections, parenchyma
sparing resections and even donor hepatectomies are being performed laparoscopically with good outcomes.
Laparoscopic liver surgery is feasible and safe for well selected patients by well-trained surgeons with short-term
advantages and non-inferior long-term oncologic outcomes.

Keywords: Laparoscopic liver surgery, liver tumors, hepatocellular cancer

INTRODUCTION
Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is performed for benign as well as malignant liver tumors. Its adoption
has been relatively slow, although the benefits of LLR compared to open liver resection (OLR) are similar
to other laparoscopic surgeries, such as lesser peri-operative blood loss, shorter hospital stay and fewer
[1]
post-operative complications . The first international consensus conference to define its role was held at
Louisville (USA) in 2008 where it was suggested that LLR was best suited for solitary lesions smaller than 5 cm in
diameter, located in the anterior segments of liver, away from the hepatic hilum or the vena cava so that
[1]
an adequate resection margins could be obtained . The conference also recommended creation of an
international registry for ongoing assessment of outcomes with its increasing adoption by surgeons . More
[1]

© The Author(s) 2019. Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
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