title: Portal triad clamping versus other methods of vascular control in liver resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Portal triad clamping (PTC) is the most commonly used method of achieving vascular control during liver resection. However, the efficacy and safety of PTC, compared with those of other methods of vascular control, are uncertain.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PTC with other methods of vascular control during liver resection. Endpoints included in-hospital mortality, need for transfusion, number of complications and length of hospital stay. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ten RCTs were identified; these included a total of 820 patients. No statistically significant differences between PTC and other forms of vascular control in liver resection were demonstrated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is no evidence, on the basis of this meta-analysis of RCTs, of any difference between PTC and other forms of vascular control in liver resection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia. arthurr@arthurrichardson.com.au
authors.forename: Arthur J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.forename: Jerome M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Laurence
authors.forename: Vincent W T
authors.initials: VW
authors.lastname: Lam
mesh_terms: D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D003250:Constriction; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D017052:Hospital Mortality; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery*; D008136:Longevity; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000601:surgery*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014656:Vascular Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000401:mortality