The value of laparoscopic liver surgery for solid benign hepatic tumors

Background Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has gained wide acceptance for various liver resection procedures, mainly for benign diseases. However, only small series have been reported from a few selected centers. Methods Between January 2001 and January 2006, a total of 629 liver resections were performed at our institution. The indication was solid benign liver tumor in 56 (8.9%) patients. LLR was performed in 20 (35.7%) cases. Data from the LLR group were compared with those from a consecutive control group undergoing open liver surgery (OS) for similar indications in a matched-pair analysis during the same period. The pairs were matched as closely as possible for age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, indication for resection, and type and location of the lesions. The endpoint was to investigate overall morbidity and outcome. Results All patients but one are alive and well after a mean follow-up of 35 months (range 10-60 months). Conversion laparotomy was required in two out of 20 (10%) cases for uncontrolled bleeding (one requiring temporary hemodialysis). LLR was characterized by faster time to first oral intake and shorter hospital stay compared to OS (p = 0.001 and 0.008, respectively). Incisional hernias (25%) were only recorded in the OS (p = 0.047 vs. LLR). Overall morbidity was 45% in OS versus 20% in LLR (p = 0.3). Conclusions LLR significantly reduced time to oral intake, hospital stay, and incisional hernias compared to OS. Bleeding is a major risk and should be carefully considered when resecting benign tumors. In the hands of expert surgeons, LLR may become the gold standard for the resection of benign liver tumors located in the anterior and lateral sectors and for minor hepatic resections.