title: Combined liver mobilization and retraction: A novel technique to obtain the optimal surgical field during laparoscopic total gastrectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  During laparoscopic gastrectomy, it is important to establish a good operative field and ensure an adequate working space. The combined liver mobilization and retraction method is used to get a safe and optimal view.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively analyzed 32 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The patients were divided into two groups: the mobilization (+) group (n = 12) and the mobilization (-) group (n = 20). Hepatic function tests were performed in all patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mobilization provided a satisfactory view of the working field, especially the gastroesophageal junction and the angle of His during laparoscopic total gastrectomy, and no complications were observed during liver retraction. On postoperative hepatic function testing, there was no significant difference between the two groups on any day.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combined liver mobilization and retraction may be helpful in laparoscopic total gastrectomy.
authors.affiliation: The Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Kozo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Yoshikawa
authors.affiliation: The Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Mitsuo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shimada
authors.affiliation: The Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Higashijima
authors.affiliation: The Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Toshihiro
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakao
authors.affiliation: The Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Masaaki
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nishi
authors.affiliation: The Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Chie
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Takasu
authors.affiliation: The Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Hideya
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kashihara
authors.affiliation: The Department of Surgery, The University of Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan.
authors.forename: Syohei
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005743:Gastrectomy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008099:Liver / Q000601:surgery*; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: LATG; liver retraction; organ retractor