Three-Port laparoscopic partial hepatectomy using an ultrasonically activated device (USAD).

Background/purpose: We provide an initial report of the indications and procedure for three-port laparoscopic partial hepatectomy.

Methods: Three-port laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed in nine patients (age, 49 to 73 years) at our department. Eight patients (seven men and one woman) had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); six of these patients had liver cirrhosis (LC) and two had chronic hepatitis (CH). The ninth patient, a woman had a single metastatic liver tumor from colon cancer. The tumors were located in regons S(2), S(3), S(4), S(5), S(6), and S(8). Preoperative liver function assessment revealed Child-Pugh classification A or B. All the tumors were located superficially, and their diameter averaged approximately 3 cm. Hepatectomy was performed laparoscopically, using an ultrasonically activated device (USAD) with or without microwave coagulation therapy (MCT).

Results: The operative time was 50 to 168 min, and the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 32 to 158 g. The postoperative hospital stay was 5 to 17 days. No recurrences, including local relapse, were observed.

Conclusions: Three-port laparoscopic partial hepatectomy is safe and feasible for patients with Child-Pugh liver function classification A or B if the tumor is located superficially and is less than 3 cm in diameter.