射频止血系统在肝切除术中的应用(附65例报告)

目的介绍一种新的射频止血系统在肝切除术中的应用情况并评估其安全性及有效性。方法 2015年6月至2016年6月间11例病人单独使用射频止血系统行肝切除术,54例病例采用射频止血系统与其他肝切除设备[超声刀、双极电凝钳和超声吸引刀(cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator,CUSA)]配合使用行肝切除术。使用射频止血系统解剖第一肝门、离断肝周韧带,使用其他切肝设备离断肝脏实质,肝断面出血点采用射频止血系统止血。结果 11例单独使用射频止血切肝的病人中,有9例没有行肝脏血流阻断,1例左半肝切除病人预先结扎患侧入肝血流,1例左半肝切除术中行陈氏肝血流阻断(第一肝门阻断联合肝下下腔静脉阻断);中位出血量为150 ml(30~300 ml),中位手术时间为200 min(90~250 min)。射频止血系统配合使用其他切肝设备54例病例中:腹腔镜肝切除术33例,开腹手术21例;33例未采用任何血流阻断方法(59.3%),第一肝门联合下腔静脉阻断3例,第一肝门阻断5例,10例半肝切除及3例扩大左半肝切除均预先处理患侧血管;54例中有1例活体肝移植供肝手术未采用任何血流阻断技术;腹腔镜手术无中转开腹;中位出血量为230 ml(50~500 ml),中位手术时间为240 min(90~360 min)。所有病例均未输血,均恢复顺利,无严重术后并发症,无围手术期死亡。结论在肝切除术中使用射频止血系统可减少术中出血量,避免肝血流阻断带来的缺血再灌注损伤,操作简单,值得推广。     

Standardization of basic skills for laparoscopic liver surgery towards laparoscopic donor hepatectomy

Introduction  We have accumulated over 170 patients since 1995 who underwent laparoscopic partial liver resection, laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy, and laparoscopy-assisted hepatectomy. Bleeding control, which is a basic element of liver resection, needs to be better managed by methods suitable for safer laparoscopic liver resection. The aim of this study was to standardize the basic skills and to establish safer techniques for laparoscopic liver surgery in order to perform safe laparoscopic donor hepatectomy. Materials and methods  We analyzed initial results from the viewpoint of operative techniques of laparoscopic liver resection in our series. Laparoscopic liver resections have been successfully performed by the application of automatic suturing devices and the radiofrequency method. Results  We have performed 105 laparoscopic partial liver resections, 26 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomies, and 45 laparoscopy-assisted major hepatectomies. A total of 176 patients underwent minimally invasive liver resections. Conclusion  For safer laparoscopic liver resection, efficient bleeding control techniques, such as radiofrequency pre-coagulation and the liver hanging maneuver, are needed during parenchymal transection of the liver. Laparoscopy-assisted donor hepatectomy can be safely performed without increasing operative risks with mini-laparotomy.     

肝癌肝切除对阻断与不阻断人肝血流的比较

目的　比较肝癌肝切除时阻断与不阻断入肝血流的优缺点。方法　 2 49例病人包含两组 :甲组 112例 ,肝切除时阻断入肝血流 ,乙组 137例 ,肝切除时不阻断入肝血流。比较两组病人术中失血量 ,术后谷丙转氨酶恢复时间 ,并发症发生率 ,1、2、3、年复发率和存活率。结果　甲乙两组估计术中失血量分别为 846 .4± 984.7ml和 5 93 .9± 6 45 .6ml(P <0 .0 1)。术后并发症发生率分别为 47.3 %和 19% (P <0 .0 1) ,1、2、3年复发率为甲组 2 1.4%、38.4%、42 .9% ,乙组 11.7%、2 6 .3 %、32 .8% ,1、2、3年存活率为甲组 92 .8%、79.4%、6 9.6 % ,乙组 97.1%、90 .0 %、79.5 % ,(P <0 .0 1)。结论　肝癌肝切除时不阻断入肝血流优于阻断入肝血流。     

Pringle's maneuver and selective inflow occlusion in living donor liver hepatectomy.

While inflow occlusion techniques such as Pringle's maneuver are accepted methods of reducing bleeding without inducing liver injury during liver surgery, donor hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation is currently performed without inflow occlusion for fear that injury to the graft may result. We have performed donor hepatectomy for 12 years using selective intermittent inflow occlusion, a technique in which the portion used to form the graft is perfused during hepatectomy. Starting in November 2000, we applied intermittent Pringle's maneuver to donor hepatectomy in 81 cases of living donor liver transplantation. We reviewed our experience with Pringle's maneuver and selective inflow occlusion techniques in donor hepatectomy in living donor liver transplantation. The quality of the grafts was assessed and compared by determining maximum postoperative aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values. Neither primary nonfunction nor dysfunction occurred. Maximum AST values in the recipients were the same whether the liver segments that formed the grafts were totally ischemic during dissection (total ischemia), partially ischemic (partial ischemia), perfused only with arterial blood flow (portal ischemia), or not ischemic at all (no ischemia). Maximum ALT values in the recipients of the total ischemia group was lower, albeit not significantly, than in other groups. Total inflow occlusion can be applied to living donor hepatectomy without causing graft injury. In conclusion, because the transection surface is blood-free, there is decreased risk to the donor during living donor liver transplantation surgery, and surgeons should not hesitate to apply this technique because it contributes to donor safety.     

Occlusion of hepatic blood inflow for complex central liver resections in cirrhotic patients: a randomized comparison of hemihepatic and total hepatic occlusion techniques

BACKGROUND: Intermittent occlusion of hepatic blood inflow by means of a hemihepatic or total hepatic occlusion technique is essential for reducing operative blood loss. Central liver resection to preserve more functioning liver parenchyma is mandatory for centrally located liver tumors in patients with cirrhosis, but it requires a longer overall hepatic ischemic time because of a wide transection plane. No controlled comparison has been performed for the 2 techniques in these operations. HYPOTHESIS: Hemihepatic inflow occlusion may be beneficial in cirrhotic patients who undergo complex central hepatectomy with a wide liver transection plane. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized study. SETTING: University hospital and tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: During liver parenchymal transection, 58 cirrhotic patients who underwent complex central liver resections with a wide transection plane were prospectively randomized into 2 groups. In the group undergoing total hepatic inflow clamping (group T; n = 28), occlusion of hepatic blood inflow was performed for 15 minutes with declamping for 5 minutes. In the group undergoing selective clamping of ipsilateral blood inflow (group H; n = 30), clamping was performed for 30 minutes with declamping for 5 minutes. INTERVENTION: Comparison of patient backgrounds, operative procedures, and early postoperative results. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operative blood loss, need for blood transfusion, and postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: The patients' backgrounds, operative procedures, and area of liver transection plane were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In all patients, the liver transection areas were greater than 60 cm(2) and overall liver ischemic times were greater than 60 minutes. The amount of operative blood loss and incidence of blood transfusion were significantly greater in group T because of greater blood loss during declamping. Overall liver ischemic and total operative times, postoperative morbidity, and postoperative changes in liver enzyme levels were not significantly different between groups. No in-hospital deaths occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent hemihepatic and total occlusion of hepatic blood inflow are safe in cirrhotic patients with an overall ischemic time of greater than 60 minutes. However, for complex liver resections with an estimated liver transection plane of greater than 60 cm(2), hemihepatic occlusion of blood inflow, if feasible, may be recommended in cirrhotic patients to reduce operative blood loss and the incidence of blood transfusion under our defined occlusion time.     

腹腔镜肝切除：解剖性与非解剖性利弊之我见

随着腹腔镜手术器械和技术的不断进步,腹腔镜肝切除技术在肝脏良恶性疾病的治疗和肝移植供肝的切取中得到越来越多的应用。依据是否预先解剖和阻断预切除肝脏的入肝和(或)出肝血流,腹腔镜肝切除可分为解剖性和非解剖性肝切除。二者具有各自的适应证和优缺点。本文结合文献和个人经验,对腹腔镜解剖性与非解剖性肝切除的利弊进行论述与讨论。     

A prospective, randomized, controlled trial comparing intermittent portal triad clamping versus ischemic preconditioning with continuous clamping for major liver resection

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether ischemic preconditioning (IP) with continuous clamping or intermittent clamping (IC) of the portal triad confers better protection during liver surgery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: IP and IC are distinct protective approaches against ischemic injury. Since both strategies proved to be superior in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to continuous inflow occlusion alone, we designed a RCT to compare IP and IC in patients undergoing major liver resection. METHODS: Noncirrhotic patients undergoing major liver resection were randomized to receive IP with inflow occlusion (n = 36) or IC (n = 37). Primary endpoints were postoperative liver injury and intraoperative blood loss. Postoperative liver injury was assessed by peak values of AST (alanine aminotransferase) and ALT (aspartate aminotransferase), as well as the area under the curve (AUC) of the postoperative transaminase course. Secondary endpoints included resection time, the need of blood transfusion, ICU, and hospital stay as well as postoperative complications and mortality. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable regarding demographics, ASA score, type of hepatectomy, duration of inflow occlusion (range, 30-75 minutes), and resection surface. The transection-related blood loss was 146 versus 250 mL (P = 0.008), and when standardized to the resection surface 1.2 versus 1.8 mL/cm (P = 0.01) for IP and IC, respectively. Although peak AST, AUCAST, and AUCALT were lower for IC, the differences did not reach statistical significance. Overall (42% vs. 38%) and major (33 vs. 27%) postoperative complications as well as median ICU (1 vs. 1 day) and hospital stay (10 vs. 11 days) were similar between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both IP and IC appear to be equally effective in protecting against postoperative liver injury in noncirrhotic patients undergoing major liver resection. However, IP is associated with lower blood loss and shorter transection time. Therefore, both strategies can be recommended for noncirrhotic patients undergoing liver resection.     

大肝癌手术切除术中不同肝血流阻断方法的临床研究

目的：比较大肝癌手术切除术中3种不同的入肝血流阻断法的临床效果。
　　方法：回顾性分析2011年1月—2013年3月期间218例大肝癌（>5cm）手术患者的临床资料,术中88例采用Pringle法间断阻断全肝血流（肝门阻断组）,51例行选择性的半肝血流阻断（半肝阻断组）,79例行肝下下腔静脉阻断联合Pringle法阻断入肝血流（联合阻断组）。比较3组患者的术中与术后的相关指标。
　　结果：3组患者的术前情况、手术时间、入肝血流阻断时间及肝切除量的差异均无统计学意义（均P>0.05）;半肝阻断组与联合阻断组的术中出血量、输血量、输血率均明显低于肝门阻断组,且联合阻断组的输血量、输血率明显低于半肝阻断组（均P<0.05）;3组患者术后第1天肝功能指标差异无统计学意义（均P>0.05）,但半肝阻断组与联合阻断组第3、7天的转氨酶和总胆红素水平均明显低于肝门阻断组（均P<0.05）;3组术后并发症的发生率差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。
　　结论：大肝癌切除术术中采用肝下下腔静脉阻断联合Pringle法阻断入肝血流不仅能够有效减少术中失血量,而且有利于术后肝功能的恢复。     

A prospective evaluation of ultrasound-directed transparenchymal vascular control with linear cutting staplers in major hepatic resections

BACKGROUND: We prospectively evaluated a novel ultrasound-directed technique of major hepatic resection using transparenchymal application of vascular staplers intending to minimize blood loss, operative time, and hepatic warm ischemia time. METHODS: Beginning in 1998 many major hepatic resections for hepatic tumors were performed with ultrasound-directed transparenchymal application of vascular linear cutting staplers. An endoscopic flexible neck vascular linear cutting stapler was used for control of the hepatic veins. RESULTS: From December 1998 to April 2003, 346 patients undergoing hepatic resection using this technique were identified from a prospective hepatobiliary tumor surgery database. Records were reviewed for blood loss, transfusion requirement, inflow occlusion (Pringle maneuver) time, overall operative time, and perioperative and postoperative complications. The average blood loss for all patients was 396 +/- 28.4 mL. The inflow occlusion time was 13.7 +/- .64 minutes with a total operative time of 140.7 +/- 3.7 minutes. Additional liver-related procedures were performed in 52% of the patients. The overall complication rate was 29.5% with a 90-day mortality rate of 1.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-directed transparenchymal application of vascular staplers to control inflow and outflow during major liver resection minimizes blood loss, warm ischemia time, and operative time compared to published reports of patients undergoing resection using other techniques.     

Hepatic resections

Hepatic resection is the treatment of choice for many secondary and primary hepatic tumors. With improvement in surgical techniques and earlier recognition of hepatic tumors, there has been a renewed interest in performing hepatic resections. In this operative review, we will describe the techniques for performing right-sided and left-side hepatic resections. A major hepatic resection can be performed with less than 5% mortality and approximately a 5% to 15% morbidity. Special mention will be made of performing a hepatic resection without vascular inflow occlusion. This is necessary in performing a hepatic resection for use in live donor liver transplantation.     

A prospective randomized controlled trial to compare Pringle maneuver, hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion, and main portal vein inflow occlusion in partial hepatectomy

Background

Blood loss during liver resection and the need for perioperative blood transfusions have negative impact on perioperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term outcomes.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was performed on patients undergoing liver resection comparing hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion, main portal vein inflow occlusion, and Pringle maneuver. The primary endpoints were intraoperative blood loss and postoperative liver injury. The secondary outcomes were operating time, morbidity, and mortality.

Results

A total of 180 patients were randomized into 3 groups according to the technique used for inflow occlusion during hepatectomy: the hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion group (n = 60), the main portal vein inflow occlusion group (n = 60), and the Pringle maneuver group (n = 60). Only 1 patient in the hemihepatic vascular occlusion group required conversion to the Pringle maneuver because of technical difficulty. The Pringle maneuver group showed a significantly shorter operating time. There were no significant differences between the 3 groups in intraoperative blood loss and perioperative mortality. The degree of postoperative liver injury and complication rates were significantly higher in the Pringle maneuver group, resulting in a significantly longer hospital stay.

Conclusions

All 3 vascular inflow occlusion techniques were safe and efficacious in reducing blood loss. Patients subjected to hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion, or main portal vein inflow occlusion responded better than those with Pringle maneuver in terms of earlier recovery of postoperative liver function. As hemihepatic vascular inflow occlusion was technically easier than main portal vein inflow occlusion, it is recommended.     

Use of a bipolar vessel-sealing device for parenchymal transection during liver surgery

Most blood loss during liver resection occurs during parenchymal transection, and multiple approaches have been developed to limit blood loss. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new bipolar vesselsealing device in hepatic surgery, particularly whether the device would permit safe transection without routine inflow occlusion. Twenty-seven hepatic procedures were performed using the device after preliminary studies to adapt its use to the liver. Inflow occlusion was used when necessary to control blood loss but not as a routine. The device worked well for transection through normal liver during common liver operations such as right hepatectomy. It worked less well for enucleations. Inflow occlusion was used in approximately 10% of resections, exclusive of enucleations, and about 25% of these patients were transfused during surgery or in the postoperative period. We conclude that the device is a useful tool in standard liver resections. Presented at the Third Americas Congress of the American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association, Miami, Florida, February 23, 2001.     

不同入肝血流阻断法行肝硬化大鼠肝切除的比较

目的：比较不同入肝血流阻断法行肝硬化大鼠肝切除的手术安全性及对肝脏、小肠损伤的影响。 方法：大鼠采用CCl4加乙醇复合法诱导肝硬化模型后行Higgins法70%肝切除。根据术中肝血流阻断法的不同分为A组（Pringle法）;B组（半肝血流阻断法）;C组（保留半肝动脉血流阻断法）;D组（门静脉转流保留半肝动脉血流阻断法）,阻断时间均为30 min。比较各组手术成功率,肝切除24 h后动物存活率及肝细胞及小肠病理改变。 结果：A、B、C、D组手术成功率各分别为90.9%（10/11）、76.9%（10/13）、80.3%（10/12）、76.9%（10/13）,组间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）;肝切除术后24 h存活率分别为3/10（30%）、10/10（100%）、9/10（90%）、10/10（100%）,B、C、D组大鼠存活率均明显高于A组（均P<0.05）。病理学结果显示,A组肝组织、小肠黏膜明显损伤,除C组小肠黏膜损伤与A组类似外,其他各组肝组织损伤均较A组轻微,且小肠黏膜基本无损伤。 结论：在肝硬化大鼠肝切除中,采用半肝血流阻断法、保留半肝动脉血流阻断法、门静脉转流保留半肝动脉血流阻断法的手术安全性及肝损伤程度均优于Pringle法。

     

不阻断肝血流状态下左半肝切除术的临床前瞻性研究

目的前瞻性分析研究不阻断肝血流状态下行左半肝切除术的临床可行性。方法 32例左半肝切除术患者随机分成AB两组:A组(n=16肝切除时阻断入肝血流);B组(n=16肝切除时不阻断入肝血流)。比较两组患者的相关临床及手术资料。结果两组患者在术中出血量、手术时间、并发症、术后住院天数等临床资料的差异无统计学意义;但不阻断肝血流组患者术后1、3天ALT、AST水平明显低于阻断肝血流组,有统计学差异。结论不阻断肝血流的左半肝切除术是一种安全、有效、可行的手术切除方法,但其总体疗效并不优于阻断肝血流。     

Vascular occlusion to decrease blood loss during hepatic resection

BACKGROUND: Historically, the primary hazard with liver surgery has been intraoperative blood loss. This led to the refinement of inflow and outflow occlusive techniques. The utility of the different methods of inflow and outflow techniques for hepatic surgery were reviewed. METHODS: A search of the English literature (Medline, Embase, Cochrane library, Cochrane clinical trials registry, hand searches, and bibliographic reviews) using the terms "liver," "hepatic," "Pringle," "total vascular exclusion," "ischemia," "reperfusion," "inflow," and "outflow occlusion" was performed. RESULTS: A multitude of techniques to minimize blood loss during hepatic resection have been studied. The evidence suggests that inflow occlusion techniques are generally well tolerated. These should be used with caution in patients with cirrhosis, fibrosis, steatosis, cholestasis, and recent chemotherapy, and for prolonged time intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Harmful effects of intraoperative blood loss and transfusion occur during hepatic resection. Portal triad clamping (PTC) is associated with less blood loss compared with no clamping. In procedures with ischemic times <1 hour in length, PTC-C (continuous) is likely equal to PTC-I (intermittent). In patients with chronic liver disease or undergoing lengthy operations, PTC-I is likely superior to PTC-C. PTC is superior to total vascular exclusion except in patients with tumors that are large and deep seated, hypervascular, and/or abutting the hepatic veins or vena cava and in patients with increased right-sided heart pressures.     

Effects of hepatovenous back flow on ischemic- reperfusion injuries in liver resections with the pringle maneuver

BACKGROUND: Experimental findings have demonstrated a beneficial role of retrograde blood flow from hepatic veins that takes place during the Pringle maneuver in liver resections. The cytoprotective effect of hepatovenous back-perfusion has not been evaluated in humans. A randomized prospective study was designed to compare the response of liver cells to ischemic-reperfusion injury during the application of two different ischemic procedures: inflow versus inflow plus outflow vascular occlusion of the liver. STUDY DESIGN: Forty patients were randomly allocated to undergo liver resection using the continuous Pringle maneuver (n = 20) or inflow plus outflow vascular occlusion of the liver by selective hepatic vascular exclusion (n = 20). Liver function was assessed on postoperative days 1 to 6. Response of liver cells to I/R injury was evaluated by measuring interleukins IL-6 and IL-8 at 3, 12, 24, and 48 hours after reperfusion. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde levels. RESULTS: Both groups were comparable regarding ischemic time, operative time, and extent of liver resection. Patients in whom retrograde blood flow to the liver took place during the Pringle maneuver showed better liver function postoperatively and less severe hepatic I/R injuries compared with those undergoing liver resection using both inflow and outflow vascular occlusion. Oxidative stress was significantly lower in the Pringle maneuver group compared with the inflow plus outflow vascular occlusion group (mean [+/- SD] malondialdehyde 8 +/- 2.1 micromol/L in the Pringle group versus 14.7 +/- 1.8 micromol/L in the selective hepatic vascular exclusion group 30 min after reperfusion, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Back perfusion via hepatic veins contributes to attenuation of I/R damage during the Pringle maneuver and should be preferred if possible during liver resection.     

小型猪腹腔镜肝切除模型的建立

【摘要】〓目的〓介绍构建小型猪腹腔镜肝切除模型的经验和体会,并评价其应用价值。 方法〓建立小型猪腹腔镜肝左外叶切除的动物模型,其技术包括Trocar戳孔布局及CO2气腹的建立、肝脏游离及入肝血流阻断、肝脏离断及肝内外管道的处理等。 结果〓共10只小型猪接受了腹腔镜肝左外叶切除手术,均建模成功,未有中转开放,手术平均时间65.4±10.4 min,平均出血量164.2±23.5 mL,术中无大血管及腹腔脏器损伤等严重并发症发生。 结论〓建立小型猪腹腔镜肝切除模型是安全可行的,并可作为学习腹腔镜肝切除技术的一种重要途径。     

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??Recent advances and difficulties in techniques of the complex and extended liver resection CHEN Xiao-ping, HE Song-qing. Hepatic Surgery Center??Tongji Hospital??Tongji Medical College??Huazhong University of Science and Technology??Wuhan430030, China
Abstract Advances in liver surgery have increased the safety of all types of liver resections and have made complex and extended hepatectomy performed successfully with low operative mortality. The progresses achieved are attributable to an improved understanding of hepatic anatomy using computer-aided reconstruction of the tumor zones,vascular and biliary anatomy, intraoperative ultrasound and other new imaging technologies and a better method of vascular clamping, vascular reconstruction and better techniques and instruments to achieve more precise liver transection with a good haemostasis on the cut surface. Preoperative manipulation of the liver volume with hypertrophy of the future liver remnant (portal vein embolization) has made complex and extended hepatectomies feasible. Control bleeding during hepatic resection using low CVP anesthesia with selective vascular inflow and outflow control before parenchymal transection is a safe, reliable and effective approach. Complex combinations of surgery, chemotherapy and local ablation are used in advanced disease, extended the limits of resectability for liver tumors. Hepatic laparoscopic surgery is gaining popularity due to the useful for staging purposes and the availability of new laparoscopic instruments for liver transection. Advances in laparoscopic equipment and techniques and telerobotic surgery will undoubtedly expand the use of the techniques and become the next frontier in hepatic complex resectional surgery.     

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??Evaluation of different methods of hepatic vascular occlusion in laparoscopic hepatectomy ZHANG Wan-guang, CHAI Song-shan. Department of Hepatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College , Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
Corresponding author??ZHANG Wan-guang??E-mail??wgzhang@tjh.tjmu.edu.cn
Abstract Laparoscopic liver resection and bleeding control techniques are the central link in laparoscopic hepatectomy. At present, there are so many laparoscopic hepatic vascular occlusion, such as total inflow occlusion, regional hepatic vascular occlusion, hepatic vein occlusion and the inferior vena cava occlusion, etc. Surgeon should combine their own llaparoscopic technique level, the range and position of the liver resection, the degree of liver cirrhosis to select the appropriate liver blood flow blocking technology to reduce the incidence of intraoperative bleeding, improve the success rate of laparoscopic hepatectomy, and also promote the further development and promotion of laparoscopic hepatectomy.     

Preoperative left hepatic lobe devascularisation to minimize perioperative bleeding in a Jehovah’s Witness undergoing left hepatectomy

IntroductionMajor liver resection in a Jehovah’s Witness presents unique clinical challenges requiring multimodal blood minimization strategies to reduce perioperative complications. We report a case where complete left hepatic lobe devascularisation was undertaken to minimize bleeding in a Jehovah’s Witness undergoing left hepatectomy.Presentation of caseA 65-year-old male Jehovah’s Witness presented for open left hepatectomy for a large left-sided hepatocellular carcinoma involving segment IV of the liver. Three weeks prior to surgery, the patient underwent left portal vein embolization. To isolate and devascularise the left lobe, the gastroduodenal artery and left hepatic artery were then occluded with coils. The bed of the left hepatic artery was then embolised to stasis with particles. Finally, the anastomosis back to the right hepatic artery was also occluded by coils. The patient underwent uneventful surgery with an estimated blood loss of 450 mls.DiscussionLeft hepatectomy in a Jehovah’s Witness patient is feasible but requires careful planning and a multidisciplinary approach. Major liver resection represents a well defined but complex haemostatic challenge from tissue and vascular injury, further complicated by hepatic dysfunction, and activation of inflammatory, haemostatic and fibrinolytic pathways. In addition to the haemoglobin optimization strategies utilized preoperatively, the use of interventional radiology techniques to further reduce perioperative bleeding should be considered in all complex cases.ConclusionCombination of portal vein embolization and hepatic lobe devascularisation to produce total vascular occlusion of inflow to the left lobe radiologically allowed a near bloodless surgical field during major liver resection in a Jehovah’s Witness patient.