Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy

Abstract

Although the laparoscopic left lateral liver resection has been deemed as a gold standard procedure for liver lesions located in segments II and III, totally laparoscopic hemihepatectomy, especially laparoscopic right hepatectomy (LRH) is still a challenging and technically demanding surgery, with a high rate of conversion. There is general agreement that this surgery should be performed only at specialized centers with extensive experience in hepatic surgery and advanced laparoscopic technique, to ensure patients’ safety and strict adherence to established surgical indications. Our team has experience in performing laparoscopic hepatectomy for over 10 years. After establishing stylized method for laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy (LRH), we had accomplished 21 totally laparoscopic right hepatectomy from 2011 to 2014. In this chapter, we describe our technique for stylized method of laparoscopic right hepatectomy, highlighting the most relevant technical details essential for accomplishing a safe and efficient procedure. We also discuss the indications of increasing experience and improved skills developing during this time.