Liver resection with a new multiprobe bipolar radiofrequency device.
OBJECTIVE
Liver resection can be associated with marked blood loss. A novel multiprobe bipolar radiofrequency device (Habib 4X; RITA Medical Systems Inc, Fremont, California) has been developed to assist in liver resection and to reduce intraoperative blood loss.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
Tertiary referral unit.


METHODS
Sixty-two patients requiring liver resection between November 1, 2004, and February 28, 2006, primarily for metastatic cancer.


METHODS
Liver resection with the radiofrequency device.


METHODS
Intraoperative blood loss, liver parenchyma transection time, and complications.


RESULTS
There were 51 minor and 11 major hepatectomies. Mean (SD) transection time was 39 (27) seconds per square centimeter. Mean (SD) blood loss was 4.8 (5.6) mL per square centimeter. No patient required hepatic inflow occlusion. One patient required blood transfusion. There were no deaths, and the morbidity rate was 18%. Mean (SD) hospital stay was 8 (3) days.


CONCLUSIONS
This new bipolar radiofrequency device allows minor and major hepatectomies to be performed with minimal blood loss, low blood transfusion requirement, and reduced mortality and morbidity rates.
Ayav
Ahmet
A
ChM, Department of Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College School of Medicine, Du Cane Road, London W120NN, England.
Jiao
Long
L
Dickinson
Robert
R
Nicholls
Joanna
J
Milicevic
Miroslav
M
Pellicci
Ricardo
R
Bachellier
Philippe
P
Habib
Nagy
N
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome