Anatomical Bi- and Trisegmentectomies as Alternatives to Extensive Liver Resections

Objective To assess the technical and oncologic results of anatomic hepatic bi- and trisegmentectomies. Summary Background Data Regardless of their size, some tumors require extensive hepatectomy only because they are located centrally or in the vicinity of major portal pedicles or hepatic veins. Anatomic bi- and trisegmentectomy might represent an alternative to extensive hepatectomies in such cases. Methods Of 435 liver resections, 32 cases (7%) included 2 or 3 adjacent segments (left lateral sectionectomies, ie, bisegmentectomies 2–3, excluded). There were 16 central hepatectomies (segments 4, 5, and 8), 7 right posterior sectionectomies (segments 6 and 7) and 2 central anterior (segments 4b and 5), 1 central posterior (segments 4a and 8), 2 right superior (segments 7 and 8), 3 right inferior (segments 5 and 6), and 1 left anterior (segments 3 and 4b) bisegmentectomies. Indications were malignant disease in 29 patients, including 15 with cirrhosis and 2 with benign tumors. External landmarks, selective devascularization, and intraoperative ultrasound were used to achieve anatomic resection. Results Mortality, transfusion, and morbidity rates were 0%, 26%, and 19%, respectively. Mean section margin was 9 mm (range, 1-40 mm). Isolated intrahepatic recurrence occurred in 7 patients (24%) and 3 (43%) underwent repeat hepatectomy. Conclusion Anatomic bi- or trisegmentectomy is a safe alternative to extensive liver resection in selected patients, avoiding unnecessary sacrifice of functional parenchyma and enhancing the opportunity to perform repeat resections in cases of recurrence.