title: Transthoracic approach for liver tumors.
abstract: Abdominal approach is commonly used for resection of liver tumors. However, in rare cases, transthoracic approach may be a valuable option for management of lesions located in the hepatic dome or involving the cavo-hepatic junction for very selected patients. This approach can be an open procedure (thoracotomomy), a video-assisted minimally invasive technique (thoracoscopy), or a strictly percutaneously treatment (CT-guided radiofrequency ablation). This approach seems useful for high-risk patients, with previous major abdominal surgery, or awaiting for liver transplantation (bridge concept) with cranially located single lesions. A limited liver resection (tumorectomy or segmentectomy) can be performed, but this approach is also suitable for percutaneous ablation therapy (radiofrequency or cryotherapy), with an acceptable morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie digestive et de transplantation hépatique, hôpital de la Croix-Rousse, université Claude-Bernard Lyon 1, 103, Grande rue de La-Croix-Rousse, 69317 Lyon cedex 04, France.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Golse
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ducerf
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rode
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gouillat
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Baulieux
authors.forename: J Y
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Mabrut
mesh_terms: D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D003452:Cryosurgery; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007813:Laparotomy; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D010791:Phrenic Nerve / Q000601:surgery; D056346:Sternotomy; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted; D013908:Thoracotomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome