Background: The main morbidity associated with hepatic resection is related to excessive blood loss. Total vascular isolation (TVI) may be used to minimize blood loss in difficult hepatic resection cases.
Study design: We reviewed our criteria for use of TVI and our experience in 43 patients who underwent hepatic resection for benign lesions between January 1990 and January 1995. Total vascular isolation was used in 23 patients; 20 resections were performed without TVI.
Results: We found TVI particularly useful for resection of highly vascular lesions, and lesions located centrally or adjacent to major vessels. The use of TVI reduced blood loss in difficult hepatic resections; transfusion requirements for these patients were similar to requirements for the resection of peripheral lesions. Fewer complications directly related to hepatic resection were encountered in the TVI group.
Conclusions: Appropriate use of TVI will improve results after difficult hepatic resections and allow maximal sparing of normal hepatic tissue when operating on benign lesions.