An improved technique for bloodless hepatic resection on in situ cold perfused liver.

An improved technique for bloodless hepatic resection using in situ isolation and asanguinous hypothermic perfusion was described to deal with huge liver tumors involved in the liver hilum, the main hepatic veins and retrohepatic inferior vena cava. The original Fortner's technique was modified, including the choice of incision; semi-isolated perfusion of the liver portion preserved through the single portal vein; suprahepatic outlet of the perfusate and the shortening of the period of hepatic ischemia by reperfusion of hepatic artery prior to the repair or reconstruction of the portal vein. The initial successful experience of the technique applied to 2 pediatric cases with giant liver tumors was reported, and the indications, intraoperative and early postoperative courses were discussed.