title: Modified radiofrequency-assisted liver resection: a new device.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiofrequency ablation (RF) is emerging as new therapeutic method for the management of hepatic tumors. So far the RF-assisted hepatectomy has been described using an electrode initially designed for ablation of unresectable tumors. Herein, we describe a new technique for liver resection using a bipolar radiofrequency device.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten patients undergo liver resection using a bipolar radiofrequency device. A minimal zone of desiccation around the tumor is created between pairs of opposing electrodes as a result of a minimum amount of energy released. This coagulated plane can be divided with a scalpel.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The liver parenchyma was divided with minimal blood loss. No intensive care unit admission was needed. There was no postoperative biliary leak or any other septic complication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The technique is safe and feasible, simplifies liver resection and appears to be associated with minimal morbidity and maximum liver parenchyma preservation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery University Hospital of Larissa, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece. zachadim@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Dimitris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zacharoulis
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Tzovaras
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rountas
authors.forename: Antigoni
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Poultsidis
authors.forename: Emmanuel
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Katsogridakis
authors.forename: Eleni
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sioka
authors.forename: Constantine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hatzitheofilou
mesh_terms: D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000601:surgery; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*