title: Laparoscopy as a routine approach for left lateral sectionectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since 1997, the authors have performed laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy of lesions of the liver in preference to open surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between October 1997 and March 2005, 36 laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomies were performed using five trocars and a small incision for specimen retrieval. Liver resection was performed mainly using a harmonic scalpel and staplers. The Pringle manoeuvre was used in 24 patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean patient age was 55.2 (range 31-80) years. Twelve patients had underlying cirrhosis. Surgery was performed for 20 malignant lesions and 16 benign lesions with a mean size of 42.7 (range 5-110) mm. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in one patient. The mean operating time was 171.5 (range 90-240) min. Operatiing time and use of the Pringle manoeuvre were significantly decreased in the second half of the series. Mean blood loss was 208 (range 50-600) ml. No transfusion was required. There were no deaths. Two patients had postoperative complications (one incisional hernia and one pneumonia). The median postoperative stay was 5.2 days.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The laparoscopic approach to left lateral sectionectomy was safe and feasible in this series and could be considered as a routine approach in selected patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Digestive Surgery, Henri Mondor University Hospital, 51 Avenue du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny, 94010 Créteil, France.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Laurent
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Tayar
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karoui
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cherqui
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome