3D vision and maintenance of stable pneumoperitoneum: a new step in the development of laparoscopic right hepatectomy

Abstract

Background: Although laparoscopic liver resection is widely performed, many technical difficulties remain, such as accurate isolation/division of hepatic vessels in laparoscopic right hepatectomy (LRH). Innovative surgical devices, such as three-dimensional (3D) laparoscopy and optimized carbon dioxide (CO₂) insufflation system, may help to overcome technical difficulties in LRH. The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy of 3D vision associated with active pneumoperitoneum maintenance in LRH.

Methods: In our prospectively maintained database from 2006, 75 consecutive LRH from May 2011 to June 2017 were included in this study. All LRH were performed with 2D vision and standard CO₂ insufflator (2D-LRH group, 45 cases) or 3D vision with optimized CO₂ insufflator (3D-LRH group, 30 cases). Preoperative clinical characteristics, surgical data including operation time of separate steps within the procedure, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

Results: Clinical and pathological factors were comparable between two groups. Total operative time was significantly shorter in 3D-LRH group than in 2D-LRH (360 vs 390 min, P = 0.029). Right hepatic pedicle dissection time was significantly shorter in 3D-LRH group (101 vs 123 min, P = 0.003). Liver parenchyma transection time was also shorter in 3D-LRH group (138 vs 151 min, P = 0.089), although not significant. There was no significant difference in liver mobilization time, intraoperative bleeding/transfusion, and postoperative complications.

Conclusions: 3D vision with maintenance of pneumoperitoneum facilitates hepatic vascular isolation/division, and may contribute to the development of LRH.

Keywords: 3D vision; Laparoscopic right hepatectomy; Operative time; Pneumoperitoneum maintenance.