Bloodless Liver Resection Using Radiofrequency Energy

Vol. 24, No. 4, 2007

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Paper

Bloodless Liver Resection Using Radiofrequency Energy
Ahmet Ayav, Long R. Jiao, Nagy A. Habib

Department of Surgical Oncology, Imperial College London, Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK

Address of Corresponding Author

Dig Surg 2007;24:314-317 (DOI: 10.1159/000103664)

Key Words

Bloodless liver resection
Radiofrequency energy
Radiofrequency-assisted liver resection technique

Abstract

Background: Liver surgery carries the risk of intraoperative bleeding. In order to avoid bleeding, transection of the liver can be performed after coagulating the parenchyma by using monoplolar or bipolar radiofrequency energy. Methods: 236 consecutive patients underwent liver resection with the radiofrequency-assisted technique using either a monopolar or a bipolar device. Data were collected prospectively to assess the outcome including, intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion requirement, morbidity and mortality rates. Results: There were 41 major hepatectomies and 195 minor resections. Overall mean intraoperative blood loss was 157 ± 240 ml, while mean blood loss during liver transection was 90 ± 105 ml. 10 patients (4%) received blood transfusion. 50 patients (21%) developed postoperative complications including 5 bile leaks (2%). The mortality rate was 2.1%. No patient was reoperated for postoperative haemorrhage or bile leak. The mean postoperative stay was 11 ± 10 days. Conclusion: The radiofrequency-assisted liver resection technique offers hepatobiliary surgeons an additional method for performing liver resections with minimal blood loss, low transfusion requirement, and low morbidity and mortality rates.

Author Contacts

Prof. Nagy Habib
Department of Surgical Oncology
Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Campus
Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN (UK)
Tel. +44 20 8383 8574, Fax +44 20 8383 3212, E-Mail nagy.habib@imperial.ac.uk

Article Information

Published online: July 27, 2007
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 1, Number of References : 28

Medline Abstract (ID 17657158)

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