History of hepatic surgery development

Abstract

Data concerning history of hepatic surgery beginning from the Middle Ages to current days are presented. On the first stage (till XIX century), representatives of medical profession had schematic ideas on hepatic anatomy and operations on this organ were perforemed sporadically. On the second stage (first half of the XX century), segmental hepatic anatomy was established, different technical methods concerning identification of shared and segmental pedicles were offered. Planned resections of the liver began to be regularly performed in this period. Current, third stage of the surgery development was marked by the synthesis of achievements in the area of hepatic anatomy and surgery with revolutionary discoveries in high technology area, immunology, tissue compatibility and pharmacology. Such surgeries became to be possible as transplantation of the liver, broadened resections and extracorporeal interventions performed on the liver.