A comparison study of laparoscopic versus open liver lobectomy (segmentectomy) for hepatocellular carcinoma / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate short-term effects of laparoscopic liver lobectomy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods A comparison was made between 17 cases of laparoscopic liver lobectomy (segmentectomy) (Laparoscopic Group) and 22 cases of open hepatectomy (Open Group) from January 2001 to June 2004. The operative time, blood loss, blood transfusion amount, liver functions and blood picture before and after the surgery, and complications between the two groups were compared respectively. Results The operative time was longer in the Laparoscopic Group (median, 300 min) than in the Open Group (median, 145 min) ( u =107.05, P =0.023). Both groups presented a similar appearance in the blood loss and the blood transfusion amount. Serum levels of bilirubin and ALT varied within narrower limits in the Laparoscopic Group than in the Open Group. No significant difference was seen in blood pictures before and after the surgery in both groups. No complications happened in the Laparoscopic Group, whereas 4 cases of complications were observed in the Open Group (1 case of incision infection, 1 case of hydrothorax, 1 case of subphrenic dropsy, and 1 case of postoperative bleeding). Conclusions Laparoscopic liver lobectomy (segmentectomy) for hepatocellular carcinoma is minimally invasive, safe and effective.