title: [Laparoscopic resection of the left segments of the liver: the "ideal technique" in experienced centres?].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The resection of tumours of the anatomical left lobe is normally straightforward using either left lateral sectionectomy (LLSEC) or segmentectomy II or III. Our objective is to present the results of the laparoscopic approach and to consider whether this could be the "ideal technique" in liver surgery units where the surgeons have experience of laparoscopic liver surgery (LLSURG).
  
  
  METHODS
  We have studied patients with resected solid tumours of the anatomical left lobe using LLSURG (n=18): 10 cases with LLSEC and 8 cases with segmentectomy II or III. We carried out a comparative study with a control group of 18 patients operated on using the same surgical technique using open surgery (OS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no cases of mortality in either of the 2 groups (n=36). Morbidity was similar (5.5% per group). For LLSEC, the LLSURG group (n=10) had a shorter hospital stay (p=0.005) and less surgical time (141 vs. 159 min) (differences not significant.), than the OS group. For segmentary resections II or III, in the LLSURG group (n=8) there was greater use of the Pringle manoeuvre (p=0.05), greater surgical time (p=0.05) and a shorter hospital stay (4.8 vs. 5.6 days) (differences not significant), than in the OS group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LLSEC should be carried out by laparoscopy in centres where they have considerable experience. The patients may have a shorter hospital stay and spend less time in surgery than when OS is performed, with the same morbidity and mortality rates. Segmentectomy resections II or III carried out by laparoscopy involve a shorter hospital stay but longer surgery time and therefore the advantages are not as evident as they are for LLSEC.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cirugía, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, El Palmar, Murcia, España. rirocam@um.es
authors.forename: Ricardo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Robles Campos
authors.forename: Caridad
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Marín Hernández
authors.forename: Asunción
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: López Conesa
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Abellán
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pastor Pérez
authors.forename: Pascual
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Parrilla Paricio