A new technique for resecting ‘unresectable’ liver tumors

• Published in: Journal of pediatric surgery Vol. 35; no. 9; pp. 1294 - 1299
• Main Authors: Superina, Riccardo A., Bambini, Daniel, Filler, Robert M., Almond, P.Stephen, Geissler, Grant
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Elsevier Inc 01.09.2000; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Child, Preschool; extended atypical left hepatic resection hepatic vein involvement by tumor; Female; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Hepatectomy - methods; Hepatoblastoma; Hepatoblastoma - pathology; Hepatoblastoma - surgery; Humans; Liver Neoplasms - pathology; Liver Neoplasms - surgery; Liver, biliary tract, pancreas, portal circulation, spleen; Liver. Biliary tract. Portal circulation. Exocrine pancreas; Male; Medical sciences; Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases; Surgery of the digestive system; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Tumors; extended atypical left hepatic resection hepatic vein involvement by tumor; Hepatoblastoma; Human; Left; Radiodiagnosis; Hepatic disease; Male; Malignant tumor; Hepatectomy; Case study; Treatment; Surgery; Unresectable; Digestive diseases; Medical imagery; Female; Atypical; Computerized axial tomography; Technique; Child
• ISSN: 0022-3468; 1531-5037
• DOI: 10.1053/jpsu.2000.9300

Background/Purpose: Liver tumors that surround the three major hepatic veins traditionally have been considered unresectable. This report describes an extended atypical left hepatectomy technique for tumors around the major hepatic veins. Methods: Three children with tumors surrounding the 3 hepatic veins underwent intraoperative evaluation for extended atypical left hepatectomy. The left hepatic artery, left branch of the portal vein, and the 3 hepatic veins are occluded with vascular clamps. Perfusion of the remaining liver is through the right hepatic artery and portal vein into the retrohepatic vena cava via the retro hepatic veins. If the liver remains soft and does not become mottled, division of the 3 hepatic veins and resection of the tumor are carried out. Results: Extended atypical left hepatectomy was successful in 2 children. Bile leak occurred in 1 instance and healed spontaneously. Both patients had transiently elevated serum bilirubin and transaminase levels and an elevated prothrombin time for 2 weeks. Both survived after treatment with chemotherapy. In the third child the liver became tense and mottled, and the procedure was abandoned. Conclusions: Successful extended atypical left hepatectomy depends on the ability of the retro hepatic veins to adequately drain blood into the vena cava after interruption (clamping) of the main hepatic veins. If the liver becomes mottled and tense the procedure must be abandoned and the patient should be considered for hepatic transplantation. J Pediatr Surg 35:1294-1299. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company.