Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy.

To review the literature that addresses carrying out laparoscopic partial hepatectomy A review and analysis of the English-speaking literature addressing laparoscopic partial hepatectomy. Laparoscopic partial hepatectomy is carried out in limited numbers and mostly on small tumours requiring wedge or segmental resections. No prospective trials have been carried out comparing laparoscopic techniques to open surgery, but case control comparisons suggest that this technique is safe and associated with shortened hospital stay and decreased incisional pain. Major hepatectomies have been carried out laparoscopically, but in very limited numbers and published experience is not sufficient to formally address this operation. Laparoscopic minor partial hepatectomy appears to be safe and of some benefit to patients if carried out by surgeons experienced in both laparoscopic and hepatic surgery. The ultimate utility of this novel surgical technique will have to be determined by future randomized prospective trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]