This study shows that LH for HCC in properly selected cirrhotic patients results in fewer early postoperative complications and a shorter hospital stay than the traditional OH. The 2-year survival rate was the same for LH and OH.

Laparoscopic resection of HCC in cirrhotic liver is feasible and safe in selected patients. Adequate long-term survival and recurrence is achieved compared with open surgery, when stratified for tumour characteristics known to be related to survival outcome.

Laparoscopic redo surgery for recurrent HCC in cirrhotic patients is a safe and feasible procedure with good short-term outcomes, but further prospective studies are needed to support these results.

No abstract

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy for left-sided lesions can be performed safely and effectively in selected patients, with reduced hospital stay and operative blood loss. Major complications, including pancreatic leak, were not reduced, whereas total cost was comparable between LDP and ODP. A selective use of LDP seems to be an effective and cost-efficient alternative to ODP.

No post-application bleeding was seen. No postoperative hemorrhagic complications occurred. A significant reduction in blood loss and in surgical time was noted. CONCLUSIONS; We believe that the LVSS could be extremely useful in all the fields of hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, especially in patients with portal hypertension with large intestinal and omental varices. The LVSS guarantees excellent hemostasis, reducing the risk of serious blood loss and shortening the time of surgery, so improving the prognosis.

Limited laparoscopic liver resections in cirrhotic patients are technically feasible with a low complication rate when careful selection criteria are followed (hepatic involvement limited and located in the left or anterior right segments, tumour size smaller than 5 cm, Child-Pugh class A). This approach could be considered the best option for the treatment of small esophitic or subcapsular HCC on well compensated cirrhosis and a useful option when it is necessary to perform a left lateral anatomical resection or non-anatomical resection in well selected patients. In fact the mini-invasive approach can minimise the postoperative morbidity rate, which is still too high in this group of patients. It must be performed in highly specialised units by surgeons assisted by all requested technologies and with extensive experience in hepatobiliary and advanced laparoscopic surgery.

The key points of the technique are: late mobilization of the liver; no transection of the round ligament; no surrounding or taping of the portal pedicles or of the left hepatic vein; and the use of three consecutive linear staplers, turned to the left for transecting the liver parenchyma and vascular pedicle together. This technique, in our opinion, should be considered a new good option for patients with isolated lesions of the left lateral segments, but it must be performed by surgeons trained in both liver and advanced laparoscopic surgery.