Hepatic resection using stapling devices

Background: The progress and development of stapling devices has been remarkable. They have become indispensable for gastrointestinal diseases and are increasingly utilized in laparoscopic operations. Liver surgery applications for this technique are continuing to emerge, and in this study, we introduced the use of stapling devices to hepatic surgery. Methods: We examined the operative procedure and efficacy of hepatic resections using stapling devices as follows: transection of Glisson's pedicle and the hepatic vein using endolineal stapling devices in right and left lobectomies; bisegmentectomy II and III en masse using a stapling device; and application of endolineal stapling devices to vessel transections and dissections of the hepatic parenchyma in laparoscopic hepatectomies. Results: It was considered useful to tactfully apply stapling devices to vessel transections and dissections of the hepatic parenchyma in order to simplify the operative procedures of right or left lobectomies and lateral segmentectomies. Furthermore, the use of endoscopic stapling devices was an acceptable alternative to vessel transactions and dissections of the hepatic parenchyma in laparoscopic hepatectomies. Conclusions: We believe that stapling devices will become utilized in liver surgery hereafter. (C) 2004 Excerpta Medica, Inc. All rights reserved.