title: Radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection: a step toward bloodless liver resection.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Liver resection is currently the most efficient curative approach for a wide variety of liver tumors. The application of modern techniques and new surgical devices has improved operative outcomes. Radiofrequency ablation is used more often for liver parenchymal transection. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study of 145 consecutive patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection was performed. Intraoperative blood loss, need for transfusion or intraoperative Pringle maneuver, the duration of liver parenchymal transection, perioperative complications, and postoperative morbidity and mortality were all evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fifty minor and ninety-five major liver resections were performed. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 251 mL, with a transfusion rate of 11.7%. The Pringle maneuver was necessary in 12 patients (8.3%). The mean duration for parenchymal transection was 51.75 minutes. There were 47 patients (32.4%) with postoperative complications. There is no mortality within 30 days after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiofrequency ablation-assisted liver resection permits both major and minor liver resections with minimal blood loss and without occlusion of hepatic inflow. Furthermore it decreases the need for blood transfusion and reduces morbidity and mortality.
authors: Nicosia Surgical Department, Division of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgery, Nicosia General Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus. kneophy2@gmail.com.
authors: Athanasios
authors: A
authors: Petrou
authors: Kyriakos
authors: K
authors: Neofytou
authors: Constantinos
authors: C
authors: Mihas
authors: Jessamy
authors: J
authors: Bagenal
authors: Michael
authors: M
authors: Kontos
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Griniatsos
authors: Evangelos
authors: E
authors: Felekouras
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D005260:Female; D006498:Hepatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome