Objective: To explore the role and significance of liver hanging tape passed through the retrohepatic tunnel developed by dissecting the tissue plane between anterior surface of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and caudate lobe, in order to be substitute for control of in- and out-flow blood vessels in difficult hepatectomies.
Methods: Retrohepatic tunnel was developed by dissecting the anterior surface of the retrohepatic portion of the IVC, 7 difficult hepatectomies were performed with the use of liver hanging tape and hemostatic plate.
Results: Liver hanging tape was placed successfully in 7 cases. VIII segmentectomy, right hemihepatectomy, left hemihepatectomy and right trilobectomy plus complete caudate lobectomy were performed, there was no complication related to this maneuver.
Conclusion: It is feasible for placing liver hanging tape through the retrohepatic tunnel. In addition, it has extensive indications and minimal influence on hemodynamic response. It is a better way for the difficult hepatectomy and for harvesting the liver graft in living related liver transplantation.