[The role and significance of retrohepatic tunnel and the liver hanging tape passed through the tunnel in difficult hepatectomies].
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Peng
Shu-you
SY
Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hang Zhou 310009, China.
Cao
Li-ping
LP
Li
Jiang-tao
JT
Wang
Xin-bao
XB
Liu
Ying-bin
YB
Wu
Yu-lian
YL
Fang
He-qing
HQ
Wang
Jian-wei
JW
Xu
Bin
B
Du
Jun
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged