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World J Gastroenterol. May 7, 2014; 20(17): 4892-4899
Published online May 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i17.4892
Laparoscopic liver resections for hepatocellular carcinoma: Current role and limitations
Martin Gaillard, Hadrien Tranchart, Ibrahim Dagher
Martin Gaillard, Hadrien Tranchart, Ibrahim Dagher, Department of Minimally Invasive Digestive Surgery, Antoine Béclère Hospital, AP-HP, Paris-Sud University, 92141 Clamart cedex, France
Author contributions: Gaillard M and Tranchart H wrote the manuscript; Dagher I designed the study and co-ordinated the writing of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Ibrahim Dagher, MD, PhD, Professor, Department of Minimally Invasive Digestive Surgery, Antoine Béclère Hospital, AP-HP, Paris-Sud University, 157 rue de la Porte de Trivaux, 92141 Clamart cedex, France. ibrahim.dagher@abc.aphp.fr
Telephone: +33-1-45374545 Fax: +33-1-45374978
Received: November 26, 2013
Revised: January 8, 2014
Accepted: January 20, 2014
Published online: May 7, 2014
Abstract

Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently known to be a safer procedure than it was before because of technical advances and improvement in postoperative patient management and remains the first-line treatment for HCC in compensated cirrhosis. The aim of this review is to assess current indications, advantages and limits of laparoscopic surgery for HCC resections. We also discussed the possible evolution of this surgical approach in parallel with new technologies.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Laparoscopic liver resection, Hepatectomy, Minimally invasive, Review, Laparoscopic resection of gastrointestinal

Core tip: We assess in this review current indications, advantages and limits of laparoscopic surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma. We also discuss the possible evolution of this surgical approach in parallel with new technologies.