Laparoscopic hepatectomy: new approach for hepatocellular carcinoma

This article presents the rationale for the laparoscopic approach to liver surgery, showing the technique of fully endoscopic and endoscopic-assisted formal and wedge hepatic resections. The early results are comparable to those of conventional surgery, with the benefits derived from minimal access surgery. Laparoscopic liver resections are technically feasible, with an acceptable morbidity and mortality rate, but extensive experience in conventional liver surgery, advanced laparoscopic surgery, and the availability of all requested technologies are indispensable prerequisites. Received for publication on Jan. 17, 2000; accepted on April 1, 2000