Transthoracic transdiaphragmatic approach for hepatectomy of Couinaud's segments VII and VIII.

For hepatectomy of Couinaud's segment VII or VIII, severe compression and mobilization of the liver is required to establish the operative field via the usual transabdominal approach. Compression of the cirrhotic liver impairs hepatic and systemic blood circulation, which may cause liver dysfunction. We adopted a transthoracic transdiaphragmatic approach for hepatectomy of segment VII or VIII in cirrhotic patients to establish a good operative field without compressing the liver. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of this approach. Forty-four patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicating liver cirrhosis who underwent limited hepatectomy of Couinaud's segment VII or VIII were studied. The patients were randomized to two groups preoperatively: group I (n = 22), transabdominal approach; group II (n = 22), transthoracic transdiaphragmatic approach. There were no differences in preoperative liver function tests, hepatic functional reserve, or extent of tumor between the two groups. The operative time in group II was significantly shorter than that in group I (243 +/- 50 versus 313 +/- 80 minutes;p < 0.01). Operative blood loss in group II was also significantly smaller than that in group I (1190 +/- 1098 versus 2679 +/- 2267 g;p < 0.01). Serum lactate dehydrogenase levels on postoperative day 1 in group II were significantly lower than those in group I (587 +/- 154 versus 791 +/- 383 IU/L;p < 0.05). Major postoperative complications were significantly fewer in group II. It was concluded that the transthoracic transdiaphragmatic approach is a useful method for hepatectomy of segments VII and VIII in cirrhotic patients.