Anterior approach for liver resections

Abstract

The anterior approach for liver resection is a no-touch technique that prevents iatrogenic rupture or compression of liver tumors. For right liver tumors that are large, this approach is necessary because rotation of the right liver to the left for division of short hepatic veins is not feasible. Such rotation is also undesirable, as the inflow and outflow of the remnant liver will be compromised. Avoidance of compression on the tumor also reduces the chance of shedding of tumor cells into the circulation and thus may confer a better survival for the patient.