Laparoscopic versus open hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: improvement in outcomes and similar cost.

Objective: To compare outcomes of laparoscopic versus open hepatic resection (OHR) exclusively for hepatocellular carcinoma in terms of morbidity and cost.

Background: Laparoscopic hepatic resection (LHR) has become more prevalent with recent improvements in instrumentation and surgeon experience.

Methods: A review of multicenter, prospectively collected hepatobiliary databases from three institutions was performed from 12/1990 to 12/2009.

Differences between bipolar compression and ultrasonic devices for parenchymal transection during laparoscopic liver resection.

Objectives:   In laparoscopic liver resection, multiple options for parenchymal transection techniques exist; however, none have emerged as superior. The aim of this study was to compare operative characteristics and outcomes between bipolar compression and ultrasonic devices used for parenchymal transection during laparoscopic liver resection.

Methods:   A review of a prospective hepatopancreatobiliary database from December 2002 to August 2009 identified 54 patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection with parenchymal division using either a bipolar compression (n= 35) or an ultrasonic (n= 19) device.