Radiofrequency-assisted right hemihepatectomy by using a new incremental bipolar generator combined with liver hanging maneuver.

In order to reduce bleeding, various surgical maneuvers and devices have been used and radiofrequency (RF)-assisted liver resections have been recently advocated by many authors. We performed a right hemihepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases by using new radiofrequency generator (Surtron SB®) combined with hanging maneuver to facilitate the application of the probe and avoid injuries of the interior vena cava (IVC). Operative time was 245 minutes, intraoperative blood loss was 120 ml, transection blood loss was 70 mL. No blood units were administered at any time. After a regular postoperative (PO) course patient was discharged on 11th PO day with normal liver function tests. In conclusion combined use of a RF generator and hanging maneuver in right hemihepatectomy provide bloodless parenchymal transection. The enhanced exposure contributes to better hemostasis and permits the best allocation of the comb with protection of the IVC from injuries.

Characterization of Haemophilus paragallinarum isolated in the Philippines.

In 1989 and 1990, we isolated five strains of Haemophilus paragallinarum in the Philippines. Serological studies were done on three of these isolates. The results of haemagglutination, reactability to monoclonal antibodies and cross immunization with standard strains showed that they belonged to serotypes A, B and C respectively. This is the first report on the isolation of H. paragallinarum and on a related serological study in the Philippines.