Open versus laparoscopic hepatectomy: 5 years of experience in a third-level hospital

Abstract

Objective: Laparoscopic hepatectomy is a technique that has gained ground over the years, and its benefits have been similar to or better than those of the open hepatectomy technique. We developed this study to demonstrate, based on our 5-year experience, the advantages of laparoscopic surgery in liver surgery. Materials and methods: Through a retrospective, comparative study, a population of 15 people, women and men, with a malignant or benign diagnosis of liver injury, who underwent open or laparoscopic surgery, was analyzed to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages of one or another technique regarding surgery time, post-operative recovery, and the presence or absence of free margins. Results: Through the statistical analysis based on the data obtained from the patients, no significant difference was found in the reduction of laparoscopic versus open surgery time. One case presented positive margins for malignancy by histopathology analysis approached by laparoscopic technique. However, statistically, it did not show a difference against the open technique. Conclusion: Laparoscopic and open liver surgery showed the same efficacy and safety. As a first approach, there is a tendency for the laparoscopic technique over the open one. Technological advances and techniques are expected to continue to grow as rapidly as they have in recent years.

Keywords

• Laparoscopic hepatectomy. Open hepatectomy. Liver carcinoma. Laparoscopy.