title: Experience with reversed L-shaped incision for right hemicolectomy combined with liver resection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Various types of incisions have been applied in simultaneous resections of colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases. We describe our experience with the reversed L-shaped incision for simultaneous right hemicolectomy and liver resection.
  
  
  METHODS
  We applied the reversed L-shaped incision in nine patients who underwent simultaneous right hemicolectomy and right liver resection or left hepatectomy. A reversed L-shaped incision of the abdomen was consisted of midline and transverse incisions with the junction of the umbilicus. The operative field was kept open using Kent retractors. First, right colon mobilization was performed easily and right hemicolectomy was performed. Subsequently, liver mobilization with identification of hepatic vessels was achieved and right liver resection or left hepatectomy was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The reversed L-shaped incision successfully provided a good and rapid exposure in nine patients. There were no complications, such as wound infection, lung atelectasis/pneumonia, or incisional hernia, in patients with the reversed L-shaped incision.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our preliminary experience demonstrated that the reversed L-shaped incision might be a good choice in a subset of patients with simultaneous right hemicolectomy and right liver resection or left hepatectomy. However, a large, prospective, controlled study comparing different incision types in the same procedure with variables, such as operating time, postoperative pain scores, patient's satisfaction, and postoperative complication, is needed to support the benefit of the reversed L-shaped incision.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, No. 325, Cheng-Kung Rd, Sec 2, Neihu 114, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Kuo-Feng
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Jyh-Cherng
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Teng-Wei
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Shu-Wen
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Jao
authors.forename: De-Chuan
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Cheng-Jueng
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Ming-Lang
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Shih
authors.forename: Yao-Chi
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Chun-Yu
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Fu
authors.forename: Chung-Bao
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Hsieh
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003082:Colectomy / Q000379:methods*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies