Background: Hand-assisted laparoscopic liver surgery, a newly developed technique based on an innovative concept, has proved useful and safe for a variety of less invasive hepatectomies. Radiofrequency assisted hepatic resection has been reported to be safe, associated with minimal morbidity and mortality and decreased intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements.
Method: We describe how we perform hand assisted laparoscopic radiofrequency assisted hepatic resection using a bipolar radiofrequency device.
Results: The use of the hand port has allowed the surgeon to use his hand in direct liver manipulation, mobilization, and retraction. It was also useful for tactile tumor localization. Radiofrequency assisted hepatic parenchymal transaction was performed using bipolar device (Habib 4X) with minimal blood loss (35 ml), and reduced operative and resection times (75 min, 17 min respectively).
Conclusion: This combined procedure seems to offer a safer, more effective, and less time-consuming means of resection of hepatic tumours. This might encourage surgeons to perform more frequently a laparoscopic approach for liver resection.