Brief Article
Copyright ©2011 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Nov 14, 2011; 17(42): 4725-4728
Published online Nov 14, 2011. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i42.4725
Comparison of laparoscopic vs open liver lobectomy (segmentectomy) for hepatocellular carcinoma
Ben-Shun Hu, Ke Chen, Hua-Min Tan, Xiang-Ming Ding, Jing-Wang Tan
Ben-Shun Hu, Ke Chen, Xiang-Ming Ding, Jing-Wang Tan, Hepato-bilio-pancreatic Surgery Department, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu Province, China
Hua-Min Tan, General Surgery Department, Fuzhou General Hospital of Nanjing Military Command, Fuzhou 350000, Fujian Province, China
Author contributions: Tan JW and Hu BS proposed the study; Hu BS and Tan JW wrote the first draft of the manuscript; Chen K, Tan HM and Ding XM analyzed the data; All authors contributed to the design and interpretation of the study and further drafts; Tan JW acquired the funding for these studies.
Correspondence to: Jing-Wang Tan, Chief Physician, Hepato-bilio-pancreatic Surgery Department, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital, No. 98, Nantong West Rd, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu Province, China. tanjingwang02@yahoo.com.cn
Telephone: +86-514-8737004 Fax: +86-514-8737004
Received: April 7, 2011
Revised: June 9, 2011
Accepted: June 16, 2011
Published online: November 14, 2011
Abstract

AIM: To investigate the effects of laparoscopic hepatectomy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS: From 2006 to January 2011, laparoscopic hepatectomies were performed on 30 cases of HCC at Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital. During this same time period, 30 patients elected to undergo conventional open hepatectomy over laparoscopic hepatectomy at the time of informed consent. The degree of invasiveness and outcomes of laparoscopic hepatectomy compared to open hepatectomy for HCC were evaluated.

RESULTS: Both groups presented with similar blood loss amounts, operating times and complications. Patients in the laparoscopic hepatectomy group started walking and eating significantly earlier than those in the open hepatectomy group, and these more rapid recoveries allowed for shorter hospitalizations. There were no significant differences between procedures in survival rate.

CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic hepatectomy is beneficial for patient quality of life if the indications are appropriately based on preoperative liver function and the location and size of the HCC.

Keywords: Laparoscopy, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Liver resection, Liver lobectomy