Laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy: surgical technique and our results from Leeds.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic left lateral sectionectomy is increasingly becoming the accepted approach for resection of tumors in hepatic segments II and III, the variations in surgical technique exist. METHODS: Our technique relies on mobilization of the left lateral sector followed by extracorporeal control of the portal pedicle allowing intermittent occlusion when needed. The parenchyma is thinned, exposing the inflow and outflow allowing application of endoscopic staplers under direct vision for parenchymal transection. RESULTS: Eleven patients underwent left lateral sectionectomy between 2000 and November 2007 and had a median postoperative stay of 3 days. Two patients had to be converted early on. CONCLUSION: Left lateral sectionectomy using this approach appears to be safe and reproducible, and this technique should be considered for patients with tumors in hepatic segments II and III.