Reduction in the morbidity and mortality of major hepatic resection. Experience with 52 patients.

The general surgeon can be expected to encounter patients who require major hepatic resection with increasing frequency. Successful resection of large neoplasms requires meticulous attention to surgical technique. Use of the Lin hepatic compression clamp significantly reduces morbidity and mortality, operative time, and blood loss, and should be employed whenever possible during hepatectomy. In addition, an extended subcostal incision with use of the table-attached Hepco Upper Hand retractor offers superb exposure and avoids the morbidity associated with thoracoabdominal incisions.