Laparoscopic liver resection with radiofrequency

Background/Aims: In this report, the feasibility, efficacy and safety of laparoscopic liver resection with radiofrequency has been evaluated in a small series of patients. Methodology: From January 1993 to May 2002 we carried out 7 laparoscopic liver resections (3 men and 4 women), five of which were for benign pathology and two for metastases from colorectal cancer. In four of the above resections we used an argon coagulator; the last three were accomplished by means of a radiofrequency instrument. Results: We had no perioperative or postoperative complications in this small series of patients. There were no deaths. Perioperative blood loss was of 120mL (range 80-200) and the procedure took about 90 minutes (range 80-110). Hospitalization was of 4 days and pain was adequately controlled by 2mL of Toradol twice a day. Conclusions: We think that the advantages of laparoscopic techniques together with the efficacy of the radiofrequency instrument in hepatic surgery will allow the diffusion of this method and its extension to safe execution of major resections.