Hepatic resections with the Lin liver clamp.

Twenty-three hepatic resections were performed over a period of four years with the use of a Lin liver clamp and an operative mortality rate of 17.3%. Indications for liver resections were: five primary liver malignancies, four metastatic liver tumors and 14 benign liver diseases. All of the 14 patients with benign diseases survived the operation without developing late symptoms or complications. The survival rate of five patients with malign diseases ranged from three to 31 months. The technical details, advantages and precautions involved in the use of the Lin liver clamp are discussed. This approach improved the rate of operative mortality and facilitated partial lobectomy in cirrhotic livers, but the long-term results are dependent on the disease rather than the result of the operation.