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Impact of radiofrequency assisted hepatectomy for reduction of transfusion requirements.

Ayav A, Bachellier P, Habib NA, Pellicci R, Tierris J, Milicevic M, Jiao LR

Department of Surgery, Anaesthetics and Intensive Care, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Rd., London W12 0NN, UK.

BACKGROUND: Liver parenchyma transection technique using heat coagulative necrosis induced by radiofrequency (RF) energy is evaluated in this series. METHODS: Between January 2000 and October 2004, 156 consecutive patients underwent liver resection with the RF-assisted technique. Data were collected prospectively to assess the outcome, including intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion requirement, and morbidity and mortality rates. RESULTS: There were 30 major hepatectomies and 126 minor resections. While total operative time was 241 +/- 89 minutes, the actual resection time was 75 +/- 51 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was 139 +/- 222 mL. Nine patients (5%) received blood transfusion, predominantly those receiving major hepatectomy (P = .006). Thirty-six patients (23%) developed postoperative complications, and the mortality rate was 3.2%. Mean hospital stay was 12 +/- 12 days. CONCLUSION: The RF-assisted technique is associated with minimal blood loss, a low blood transfusion requirement, and reduced mortality and morbidity rates and can be used for both minor and major liver resections.

Published 22 January 2007 in Am J Surg, 193(2): 143-8.
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