Dorsal Approach Combined with In Situ Split for Laparoscopic Segment 7 Resection.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic segment 7 resection has been a technically challenging procedure (Li et al. in J Gastrointest Surg 23:1084-1085, 2019). We introduce a dorsal approach with in situ split for laparoscopic segment 7 resection. PATIENT AND METHODS: The patient was a 26-year-old male diagnosed with hepatic focal nodular hyperplasia located in segment 7. The lesion, measuring approximately 6.7 cm × 5.7 cm, was close to the right caudate lobe. Firstly, the segment 7 pedicle was exposed through the Rouviere's groove combined with caudate lobe-first approach, followed by clipping to confirm demarcation. Peripheral parenchymal transection at the dorsal side started and the intersegmental vein between segments 6 and 7 was found. Dissection of this vein towards its root proceeded preferentially at the dorsal side. Then the segment 7 pedicle was cut off, followed by parenchymal transection toward the cranial side to find the trunk of the compressed right hepatic vein (RHV). It was further dissociated from the trunk to periphery, exposing and cutting off its branches draining segment 7. The remaining parenchyma at the cranioventral side was subsequently separated along the exposed RHV. Finally, the resection of segment 7 was accomplished by dividing the right perihepatic ligaments. RESULTS: The operative time was 395 min with the estimated blood loss of 500 ml. The patient did not receive perioperative blood transfusion. The patient was discharged on tenth postoperative day following suture removal without experiencing any postoperative bleeding, hepatic failure, or other complications. CONCLUSION: Dorsal approach combined with in situ split for laparoscopic segment 7 resection is feasible and has certain advantages (Cao et al. in Surg Endosc 35:174-181, 2021; Liu et al. in Surg Oncol 38:101575, 2021; Yang et al. in Surg Endosc 37:1334-1341, 2023). Further investigations are required due to some limitations.

Caudo-dorsal approach combined with the occlusion of right hepatic vein and Pringle maneuver in laparoscopic anatomical resection of segment 7.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic anatomical resection of segment 7 (LARS7) remains a technically challenging procedure due to the deep anatomical location and the potential risk of injury to the right hepatic vein (RHV). Herein, we initiated an innovative technique of caudo-dorsal approach combined with the occlusion of the RHV and Pringle maneuver for LARS7 and presented the outcomes of our initial series. METHOD: Since January 2021, the patients who underwent LARS7 by using this novel technique were enrolled in this study. The critical aspect of this technique was the interruption of communication between the RHV and the inferior vena cava. Meanwhile, the Pringle maneuver was adopted to control the hepatic inflow. RESULT: A total of 11 patients underwent LARS7 by using this novel technique, which included 8 hepatocellular carcinoma, 2 bile duct adenocarcinoma and one focal nodular hyperplasia. The median operative time was 199 min (range of 151-318 min) and the median blood loss was 150 ml (range of 50-200 ml). The main trunk of the RHV was fully exposed on the cutting surface in all cases and no patient received perioperative blood transfusion. No procedure was converted to open surgery. Of note, no indications of CO2 gas embolism were observed in these cases after the introduction of double occlusion. Only one patient suffered from postoperative complications and healed after treatment. The median postoperative stay was 5 days (range of 4-7 days). The 90-day mortality was nil. At a median follow-up period of 19 months, all of the patients were alive without any evidence of tumor recurrence. CONCLUSION: The caudo-dorsal approach combined with the occlusion of RHV and the Pringle maneuver may be a feasible and expected technique for safe exposure of RHV in LARS7. Further validation of the feasibility and efficacy of this technique is needed.

Should Focal Nodular Hyperplasia Still be Operated Upon? Analysis of a Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a frequent benign liver lesion. Its course is considered benign, and there is no recommendation for its treatment. Nevertheless, the literature presents a high incidence of surgery. AIM: To evaluate the results of conservative treatment in a series of patients with presumed FNH. METHODS: The study included patients diagnosed with FNH from May 2007 to July 2017 based on conventional imaging or magnetic resonance imaging with liver-specific contrast (MRI-LSC) or lesion biopsy (histology/immunohistochemical analysis). Patients were followed clinically and using imaging exams. RESULTS: In a total of 54 patients, the diagnosis was obtained by typical findings on computed tomography scan and gadolinium MRI in 48.1% of the patients, by MRI-LSC in 31.5%, and by histological examination in 20.4% of cases. The mean follow-up time was 35.5 months. The initially asymptomatic patients remained symptom-free, and none of those with HNF-related pain had to worsen of the initial symptom. Conservative treatment was effective in 94.4% of the cases. In only 3 cases, there was a need for some therapeutic approach (5.5%); 2 cases for pain and 1 case for lesion growth during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that it is safe to conservatively manage patients with FNH presumed by highly accurate imaging tests. Similar to hepatic hemangiomas, surgery for FNH should be an exception.

Growth of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia is Not a Reason for Surgical Intervention, but Patients Should be Referred to a Tertiary Referral Centre.

BACKGROUND: When a liver lesion diagnosed as focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) increases in size, it may cause doubt about the initial diagnosis. In many cases, additional investigations will follow to exclude hepatocellular adenoma or malignancy. This retrospective cohort study addresses the implications of growth of FNH for clinical management. METHODS: We included patients diagnosed with FNH based on ≥2 imaging modalities between 2002 and 2015. Characteristics of patients with growing FNH with sequential imaging in a 6-month interval were compared to non-growing FNH. RESULTS: Growth was reported in 19/162 (12%) patients, ranging from 21 to 200%. Resection was performed in 4/19 growing FNHs; histological examination confirmed FNH in all patients. In all 15 conservatively treated patients, additional imaging confirmed FNH diagnosis. No adverse outcomes were reported. No differences were found in characteristics and presentation of patients with growing or non-growing FNH. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that FNH may grow significantly without causing symptoms. A significant increase in size should not have any implications on clinical management if confident diagnosis by imaging has been established by a tertiary benign liver multidisciplinary team. Liver biopsy is only indicated in case of doubt after state-of-the-art imaging. Resection is deemed unnecessary if the diagnosis is confirmed by multiple imaging modalities in a tertiary referral centre.

Regenerative nodular hyperplasia, portal vein thrombosis and primary myelofibrosis: an unusual triple association.

We report a case of a regenerative nodular hyperplasia with a portal vein cavernomatosis with a subsequent progression to symptomatic, occlusive thrombosis of the superior mesenteric vein. A thorough investigation resulted in a final diagnosis of primary myelofibrosis associated with the V617F mutation in the JAK2 gene.

Tissue sublimation follow transarterial embolization of a follicular nodular hyperplasia of the liver-report of a case.

BACKGROUND: Follicular nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a common benign liver tumor for which conservative management is indicated. Surgical or interventional management is indicated in symptomatic cases. Transarterial embolization (TAE) has been extensively used to manage unresectable liver tumors. Sublimation describes a change of physical state from solid to gas. Hepatic tissue sublimation following TAE has so far not been reported in medical literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 30 year - old male patient presenting with pain to the upper abdomen due to a large FNH was managed with TAE. Routine radiographic control on post-intervention day one was within normal limits. Imaging due to right upper quadrant pain with fever and elevated inflammatory markers and liver enzymes on day two after TAE revealed a marked reduction of the FNH accompanied by the presence of a large volume of gas collection without signs of abscess formation. This change of state from solid to gas without sign of abscess formation within 2 days after TAE was described as hepatic tissue sublimation. The patient was managed conservatively and discharge 12 days after TAE. CONCLUSION: Tissue sublimation has hardly been reported in medical literature. This to the best of our knowledge is the first documented case of hepatic tissue sublimation following TAE.

What is Changing in Indications and Treatment of Focal Nodular Hyperplasia of the Liver. Is There Any Place for Surgery?

Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a common benign liver tumor, which occurs in the vast majority of the cases in young women. FNH represents a polyclonal lesion characterized by local vascular abnormalities and is a truly benign lesion without any potential for malignant transformation. A retrospective single institution analysis of 227 FNH patients, treated from 1990 to 2016 and a review of studies reporting surgical therapy of overall 293 patients with FNH was performed. Indications for resection with a focus on diagnostic workup, patient selection, surgical mode and operative mortality and morbidity have been analysed. Ninety three patients underwent elective hepatectomy and 134 patients observation alone, where median follow-up was 107 months. Postoperative complications were recorded in 14 patients, 92% of patients reported an improvement with respect to their symptoms. Overall among 293 patients underwent surgery in the series, included to this review, there was a morbidity of 13%, where median follow-up was 53 months. Systematic follow-up remains the gold standard in asymptomatic patients with FNH. However elective surgery should be considered in symptomatic patients, in those with marked enlargement and in case of uncertainty of diagnosis. Surgery for FNH is a safe procedure with low morbidity and very good long term results as far as quality of life after surgery is concerned and surely an integral part of the modern management of FNH.

Resection of benign liver tumours: an analysis of 62 consecutive cases treated in an academic referral centre.

BACKGROUND: Benign tumours of the liver are increasingly diagnosed and constitute a substantial proportion of all hepatic tumours evaluated and resected at tertiary referral centres. This study assessed the safety and outcome after resection of benign liver tumours at a major referral centre. METHOD: All patients with symptomatic benign liver tumours who underwent resection were identified from a prospective departmental database of a total of 474 liver resections (LRs). Demographic data, operative management and morbidity and mortality using the Accordion classification were analysed. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients (56 women, 6 men, median age 45 years, range 17-82) underwent resection of symptomatic haemangiomata n=23 (37.1%), focal nodular hyperplasia n=19 (30.6%), biliary cystadenoma n=16 (25.8%) and hepatic adenomas n=4 (6.5%). A major resection was required in 25 patients, 14 patients had 4 segments resected, 11 had 3 segments and 37 patients had 2 or fewer segments resected. Median operating time was 169 minutes (range 80-410). Median blood loss was 300 ml (range 50-4500 ml) and an intra-operative blood transfusion was required in 6 patients. Median length of post-operative hospital stay was 7 days (range 4-32). Complications occurred in 11 patients (Accordion grades 1 n=1, 2 n=4, 3 n=1, 4 n=4, 6 n=1). Four patients required re-operation (bleeding n=2, bile leak n=1, small bowel obstruction n=1). An elderly patient died in hospital on day 16 following a postoperative cerebrovascular accident. CONCLUSION: Clinically relevant symptomatic benign liver tumours comprise a substantial proportion of LRs. Our data suggest that resections can be performed safely with minimal blood loss and transfusion requirements. We advocate selective resection according to established indications. Despite the low postoperative mortality rate, the risk of postoperative complications emphasizes the need for careful selection of patients for resection.

Liver biopsy for diagnosis of presumed benign hepatocellular lesions lacking magnetic resonance imaging diagnostic features of focal nodular hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The contribution of liver biopsy for the diagnosis of presumed benign hepatocellular lesions lacking the diagnostic features of focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is unknown. We evaluated liver biopsy and MRI performances in this setting. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging and slides of liver biopsies performed for a presumed benign hepatocellular lesion (2006-2013) without the typical features of FNH on MRI were blindly reviewed (n = 45). Eighteen lesions were surgically removed and also analyzed. The final diagnosis was the diagnosis established after surgery or on the biopsy in the absence of surgery. RESULTS: The final diagnosis was FNH (n = 19), hepatocellular adenoma (HCA, n = 15), hepatocellular carcinoma (n = 3) and indefinite (n = 4). Four lesions corresponded to non hepatocellular lesions. FNH, HNF1A mutated and inflammatory HCA were diagnosed accurately on the biopsy in 95%, 67% and 100% of the cases respectively. Diagnostic performance of liver biopsy for HNF1A mutated HCA was lower because of the lack of non-tumoral tissue. Diagnosis based on morphological analysis was certain and correct in 27 cases. Immunostaining allowed a definite diagnosis in 12 additionnal cases. Radiological diagnosis was in agreement with the histological diagnosis in 75.6% of the cases, with a very high sensitivity (97%) and specificity (100%) for the diagnosis of HNF1A mutated HCA. CONCLUSIONS: Liver biopsy has a good diagnostic performance particularly for FNH and inflammatory HCA, and sampling of non-lesional tissue is highly recommended. A biopsy does not seem necessary if H-HCA is diagnosed on MRI.

Less cost by using hanging maneuver and Pringle maneuver in left lateral hepatectomy through small laparotomy wound--experience of Southern Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic segmentectomy for liver tumor located in the left lateral segment (LLS) is thought to be a standard protocol nowadays with several advantages, such as small wound, few blood loss, and short hospital stay. However, there are still many disadvantages during executing laparoscopic LLS segmentectomy. This manuscript aims to present the technique to execute LLS segmentectomy with small incision, hanging maneuver without Pringle maneuver in patients with tumor at LLS of the liver. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between November 2010 and July 2011, hepatectomies through small incision for nine patients with benign and malignant tumors were performed at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. Perioperative and postoperative results, such as operation time, blood loss, incisional width, and postoperative stay were used to determine consequents for this technique. RESULT: Results demonstrated that modified LLS segmentectomy by the author's team was performed successfully in patient with liver tumor with fewer blood loss, smaller incisional width, and lower hospital cost than traditional open surgery. In addition, the instrument cost and blood loss in our series were less than that in laparoscopic LLS segmentectomy in published literature. CONCLUSION: Authors concluded that minimally incisional segmentectomy, with less cost and technical demanding, could be an alternative choice in patient with liver tumor at LLS.

[Rupture of focal nodular hyperplasia in the 37th week of pregnanacy - case report]. / Ruptura jater u pacientky s fokální nodulární hyperplazií ve 37. týdnu tehotenství - kazuistika.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a case of spontaneous hepatic rupture associated with undiagnosed focal nodular hyperplasia of a patient in the third trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, we provide a brief review of literature. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague. RESULTS: We report the case of a 29 year old patient with otherwise physiological pregnancy, who was hospitalized with pain in left hypochondrium. The patient experienced painful respiration, increasing in intensity in supine position. The possibility of lung embolism was considered and ruled out. Based on a suspected haemoperitoneum, caesarean section was performed. During the inspection of peritoneal cavity a ruptured tumor on the liver was identified. Histological examination showed focal nodular hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: Focal nodular hyperplasia is a benign liver lesion. Complications involving rupture or bleeding are very rare. 17 cases of hepatic rupture associated with focal nodular hyperplasia were described in published reports with only one case related to pregnancy. Our case emphasizes the importance of a close cooperation between a gynaecologist, radiologist and surgeon.

Long-term outcomes of resection in patients with symptomatic benign liver tumours.

BACKGROUND: Benign liver tumours (e.g., hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), and haemangioma) are occasionally resected for alleged symptoms, although data on long-term outcomes is lacking. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess long-term outcomes of surgical intervention. METHODS: Forty patients with benign tumours (HCA 20, FNH 12, giant haemangioma 4, cysts 4) were included. Patients filled in Validated McGill Pain Questionnaires, preoperatively and after a median of 54 months after resection. Outcomes were evaluated using paired sample t-test and (M) ANOVA. RESULTS: Relief of symptoms sustained in 30/40 patients, within a follow-up of 54 (24-148) months after resection. VAS scores were reduced from 5.5 preoperatively to 1.6 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Patients with left-sided tumours had higher postoperative Pain Rating Index (PRI), compared to patients with right-sided tumours: 15.3 vs. 5.8 (p = 0.018). If patients could reconsider undergoing surgery, 34/38 would again choose resection. Discomfort at the operative scar was the most common complaint: 8/40 patients, all after open surgery, of whom 3/40 had an incisional hernia. 7/40 patients had a laparoscopic resection. CONCLUSION: Resection relieved symptoms in 30/40 patients. The operative scar was a frequent source for remaining postoperative complaints, suggesting an advantage for a laparoscopic approach when feasible.

[Clinical evaluation of laparoscopic hepatectomy for liver tumors in Couinaud â , â £a, â ¦, and â §].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical experience of laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) for liver tumors in Couinaud Ⅰ, Ⅳa, Ⅶ, and Ⅷ segment. METHODS: Fifty-six patients with tumor in Couinaud Ⅰ, Ⅳa, Ⅶ, or Ⅷ segment underwent LH in Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from July 2009 to December 2014.The pathological diagnoses were hepatic hemangioma(5 patients), colorectal cancer metastasis to the liver(4 patients), hepatic adenoma (6 patients), hepatocellular carcinoma(32 patients), focal nodular hyperplasia(8 patients) and liver harmatoma(1 patient). The liver function of all patients was Child-Pugh class A. All patients were followed up by several kinds of methods which included outpatient or inpatient review, telephone and mail until January 2015. RESULTS: LH was converted to open hepatectomy in one patient, and tumor resection by LH was successful in other patients.The mean diameter of tumor was (5.7±3.4)cm (range 3-9 cm). The mean operative time was (115±46)min (range 55-260 min). And the mean estimated intraoperative blood loss was (181±135)ml (range 20-550 ml). The postoperative hospital stay was (7.1±1.5)days (range 5-10 days). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients(7.1 percent) and resolved with conservative management. There was no perioperative deaths. At the 1-month follow-up, 47 patients had returned to full-time work. A total of 9 patients had evidence of recurrence after operation. The one-year overall and disease-free survival rates of patients with malignant tumor were 100 percents and 87.5 percents, respectively. CONCLUSION: LH for tumors in segment Ⅰ, Ⅳa, Ⅶ, and Ⅷ is safe and effective.

Oestrogen hormone receptors in focal nodular hyperplasia.

BACKGROUND: The role of hormones in focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) has been investigated with conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate oestrogen and progesterone receptor immunohistochemical expression in FNH and surrounding normal liver (control material). METHODS: Biopsy materials from FNH and control tissue were investigated using an immunostainer. Receptor expression was graded as the proportion score (percentage of nuclear staining) and oestrogen receptor intensity score. RESULTS: Study material included tissue from 11 resected FNH lesions and two core biopsies in 13 patients (two male). Twelve samples showed oestrogen receptor expression. The percentage of nuclear oestrogen receptor staining was <33% in eight FNH biopsies, 34-66% in two FNH biopsies, and >67% in both core biopsies. The better staining in core biopsies relates to limitations of the staining technique imposed by the fibrous nature of larger resected FNH. Control samples from surrounding tissue were available for nine of the resected specimens and all showed oestrogen receptor expression. Progesterone receptor expression was negligible in FNH and control samples. CONCLUSIONS: By contrast with previous studies, the majority of FNH and surrounding liver in this cohort demonstrated oestrogen receptor nuclear staining. The implications of this for continued oral contraceptive use in women of reproductive age with FNH remain uncertain given the lack of consistent reported growth response to oestrogen stimulation or withdrawal.

Focal nodular hyperplasia: a review of current indications for and outcomes of hepatic resection.

BACKGROUND: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is a common benign disease of the liver with no recognized potential for malignant transformation. The term describes an entity of lobular proliferation of normally differentiated hepatocytes, frequently around a central fibrous scar. Two key issues influence surgical decision making in FNH: diagnostic certainty, and symptomatic assessment. METHODS: A systematic review of studies reporting hepatic resections of FNH was performed. Indications and outcomes in adult populations were examined with a focus on diagnostic workup, patient selection and operative mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: Diagnostic modalities in the majority of studies involved ultrasound and computed tomography. Fewer than half employed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In instances in which MRI was not available, diagnostic accuracy was inferior. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous biopsy should be avoided to prevent the risk for tumour seeding. Patients presenting with asymptomatic definitive FNH can be safely managed conservatively. In symptomatic patients surgical resection is a safe and effective treatment for which acceptable rates of morbidity (14%) and zero mortality are reported. However, evidence of symptom resolution is reported with conservative strategies. Diagnostic uncertainty remains the principal valid indication for FNH resection, but only in patients in whom contrast-enhanced MRI forms part of preoperative assessment.

Outcomes of liver resection in hepatocellular adenoma and focal nodular hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: The clinical management of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) is still subject to controversy, especially with respect to patient selection for surgery. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to assess the outcomes of surgical intervention. METHODS: Between January 2008 and September 2012, patients diagnosed with FNH or HCA based on magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography were enrolled in this prospective study. Resection was undertaken in patients with HCA of > 5 cm or symptomatic lesions. Lesion characteristics, extent of liver resection (minor: fewer than three segments; major: three or more segments), morbidity (by Dindo-Clavien class), mortality, postoperative length of stay and symptoms [McGill Pain Questionnaire, including a visual analogue scale (VAS)] were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients (106 female; median age: 39 years) were included; 51 patients had HCA and 59 had FNH. Of the 110 patients, 49 underwent resection (33 HCA patients; 16 FNH patients). Laparoscopic minor resection was performed in five HCA and five FNH patients; open minor resection was performed in 19 HCA and seven FNH patients, and open major resection was performed in nine HCA and four FNH patients. Severe postoperative complications were observed in four patients (Grade III, n = 3; Grade IV, n = 1). Median baseline scores on the VAS were 6 in FNH patients and 7 in HCA patients; the median VAS score after resection was 0 (P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: If patients with HCA and FNH require surgery, limited resection can be carried out with low morbidity and without mortality. Patients with preoperative symptoms show a high rate of postoperative symptom relief.

[Focal nodular liver hyperplasia].

It was evaluated the frequency of focal nodular liver hyperplasia and treatment resultsin 1425 patients for the last 17 years in 2 time period. The own experience and literature data were used. First this disease was considered as very rare liver tumor because of underdeveloped diagnostics. Tumor detection was the indication for laparotomy. In some patients removal of the tumor was not performed if intraoperativebiopsy has shown tumor benign. The indication for dynamic observation and surgical treatment were identified with increasing number of patients, diagnostics improvement, and analysis of immediate and long-term results. The operation provides persistentcure.

Telangiectatic hyperplastic nodule associated with vascular malformation in a patient with chronic hepatitis B: radiologic and pathologic features.

Recognizing hepatocellular nodules that cannot be classified as typical for hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatocellular adenoma, or focal nodular hyperplasia is important, especially in a patient with high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. The authors report a case of a 53-year-old man with chronic hepatitis B, who was referred to the hospital with a liver mass found on routine imaging follow-up. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a 2.4-cm hypoechoic lesion. Contrast computed tomography showed homogeneous arterial enhancement and mild hyperdensity on portal venous phase images. Due to the high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma, the patient underwent laparoscopic left lateral segmentectomy that revealed a 2.2-cm poorly defined red-brown lesion. The nodule was diagnosed as a hypervascular/telangiectatic hyperplastic hepatocellular nodule based on histopathologic findings and immunostaining profile with negative glutamine synthetase, diffuse positive CD34 highlighting hyperplastic endothelial cells along the telangiectatic sinusoids and dilated vascular channels, and CK7 and CK19 reactive normal bile ducts within the lesion.

Has laparoscopy increased surgical indications for benign tumors of the liver?

BACKGROUND: We aimed to analyze the risk of an increased surgical indication rate in patients with benign tumors of the liver since the development of laparoscopy. Previous articles have reported increased numbers of laparoscopic procedures in different surgical fields. METHODS: A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), Google Scholar, and The Cochrane Library was carried out. All articles that analyzed benign liver tumors (hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, and adenoma) were divided in two groups: group I included all manuscripts with open procedures between 1971 at 1990, and group II included all manuscripts with open or laparoscopic procedures between 1991 and 2010. Group II articles were divided into two subgroups. Subgroup IIA patients were treated by open or laparoscopic procedures between 1991 and 2000, and subgroup IIB patients were treated by open or laparoscopic procedures between 2001 and 2010. RESULTS: Specific analysis of each kind of tumor observed in the two groups showed fewer surgically treated patients for hepatic hemangioma and hepatic adenoma in group II compared with group I and a greater number of patients for focal nodular hyperplasia. Fewer patients were treated with laparoscopic procedures in subgroup IIA than in subgroup IIB. A chi-square test with Yates' correction gave a P value of <0.001. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy has increased the rate of hepatic resection for benign tumors with doubtful indications.