title: Extended left hepatectomy--modified operation planning based on three-dimensional visualization of liver anatomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Based on the patient history of a 62-year-old man with a centrally located hepatocellular carcinoma we describe the potential influence of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D CT) on operation planning in extended left hepatectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  By 3D reconstruction of the liver, not only variations of the intrahepatic vascular structure but also the number and extent of portal venous segments, as well as their relation to hepatic veins, can be visualized. Thus, areas at risk for either devascularization or venous congestion may be identified prior to liver resection. This is particularly important in extended hepatectomies with a small liver remnant, where already minor complications may have fatal consequences.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In these resections, operation planning may be improved substantially by pre-operative 3D reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Allgemein- und Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. hauke.lang@uni-essen.de
authors.forename: Hauke
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.forename: Arnold
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Radtke
authors.forename: Chao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Nils R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Frühauf
authors.forename: Heinz O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Peitgen
authors.forename: Christoph E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Broelsch
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014584:User-Computer Interface