Radiofrequency assisted liver resection: Analysis of 604 consecutive cases

Background: Intraoperative blood loss is an important factor contributing to morbidity and mortality in liver surgery. To address this we developed a bipolar radiofrequency (RF) device, the Habib 4X, used specifically for hepatic parenchymal transection. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the pen-operative data using this technique. Methods: Between 2001 and 2010, 604 consecutive patients underwent liver resections with the RF assisted technique. Clinico-pathological and outcome data were collected and analysed. Results: There were 206 major and 398 minor hepatectomies. Median intraoperative blood loss was 155 (range 0-4300) ml, with a 12.6% rate of transfusion. There were 142 patients (23.5%) with postoperative complications; none had bleeding from the resection margin. Only one patient developed liver failure and the mortality rate was 1.8%. Conclusions: RF assisted liver resection allows major and minor hepatectomies to be performed with minimal blood loss, low blood transfusion requirements, and reduced mortality and morbidity rates. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.