technique for safe liver resection: the value of the argon beam coagulator

ABSTRACT

25 patients with primary hepatic tumors [20 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and 5 patients with liver cell adenoma] were subjected to liver resection in one year. 2 patients were operated upon as an emergency due to bleeding tumors. A technique of liver resection with preliminary temporary vascular control of the corresponding branches, securing the hepatic veins with great attention to the caval ligament and liver transection using the argon beam coagulator is described with median loss of 450 ml. No mortality occurred in this series. The argon beam coagulators is highly recommended for safe and almost bloodless liver resection