Application of a clamp method combined with bipolar coagulation for anatomical hepatectomy in the treatment of hepatic carcinoma.

PURPOSE This study investigated the effectiveness of a clamp method combined with bipolar coagulation for anatomical hepatectomy in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS In this prospective case-control study, three liver dissection methods were used: clamping combined with bipolar electric coagulation (group A), CUSA (Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator) (group B), and ultrasonic knife (group C). Intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusion volume, operation time, postoperative complications, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, drainage volume and exhaust time, and length of postoperative hospital stay were compared among the three groups. RESULTS Patients in group A had shorter operation times than those in group B (p<0.05), but more intraoperative blood loss. Patients in group A had shorter operations times than those in group B (p<0.05) and less intraoperative blood lost compared with group C. No statistically significant differences were found for postoperative exhaust time and length of postoperative hospital stay among groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION The clamps method combined with bipolar electric coagulation for liver dissection requires no special equipment and has effects similar to CUSA and ultrasonic knife dissection. Therefore, this technique is worth promoting as a common liver dissection method for anatomical hepatectomy in the treatment of primary HCC.