Types of Liver Resection
The type of surgical intervention depends on the size and location of the lesion. The liver consists of segments, which allows for the partial removal of tissue in a specific area without excessive trauma. Additionally, the type of resection depends on the topographical location of important structures and blood vessels within the liver. Specialists differentiate the following types:
- Typical Resection: The surgeon considers the segmental structure of the liver and removes the pathological process along with the affected area.
- Atypical Resection: Specific fragments of the liver are removed without considering the segmental structure, with primary attention given to preserving blood vessels and bile ducts.
Typical resections are further divided into:
- Segmentectomy: Removal of one liver fragment.
- Bisegmentectomy: Removal of two adjacent segments.
- Mesohépatectomy: Removal of central liver fragments.
- Hemihepatectomy: Complete removal of the affected lobe (right or left) or four liver segments.
- Extended Hepatectomy: Removal of a liver lobe along with an adjacent segment.
Atypical liver resections include:
- Wedge Resection: Removal of liver tissue in the shape of a wedge.
- Edge Resection: Removal of the upper or lower part of the liver.
- Plane Resection: Removal of a portion of the diaphragmatic pole of the liver.
- Transverse Resection: A horizontal cut through the liver.
Most liver surgeries are performed using laparoscopic minimally invasive techniques; however, in some complex cases, laparotomy (incision of the anterior abdominal wall) may be necessary. The surgeon selects the type of resection after a detailed diagnosis of the liver pathology, evaluating all potential complications and analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each operation.
