EX-VIVO MRI IN EXTRACORPOREAL LIVER SURGERY

Extracorporeal resection of hepatic tumors that were considered inoper able in the past is now possible in selected cases, Such procedures re quire high-quality preoperative images for the exact delineation of th e tumor extent and for an optimal planning of the line of parenchymal division, In-vivo CT and MRI can not always depict the tumor adequatel y, In such cases, ex-vivo MRI may be a useful additional technique. It combines a high spatial resolution with the best possible soft tissue contrast, as was learned from previous studies on donor livers destin ed for transplantation. Ex-vivo MRI favours both a sufficiently radica l resection as well as sufficient hepatic functional reserve to be pre sent for reimplantation. A case history is reported together with deta ils on the technical procedure.