Identification of resection plane for anatomical liver resection using ultrasonography-guided needle insertion

Abstract

PurposesTo set up an easy-handled and precise delineation of resection plane for hepatic anatomical resection (AR).MethodsCases of AR using ultrasonography-guided needle insertion to trace the target hepatic vein for delineation of resection planes [new technique (NT) group, n = 22] were retrospectively compared with those without implementation of this surgical technique [traditional technique (TT) group, n = 29] in terms of perioperative courses and surgical outcomes.ResultsThe target hepatic vein was successfully exposed in all patients of the NT group, compared with a success rate of 79.3% in the TT group (P < 0.05). The average operation time and intraoperative blood loss were 280 ± 32 min and 550 ± 65 ml, respectively, in the NT group. No blood transfusion was required in either group. The postoperative morbidities (bile leakage and peritoneal effusion) were similar between groups. No mortality within 90 days was observed.ConclusionsUltrasonography-guided needle insertion is a convenient, safe and efficient surgical approach to define a resection plane for conducting AR.