HEPATECTOMY UNDER EXTRACORPOREAL-CIRCULATION

Background. Resection of hepatic tumors located near the confluence of the hepatic vein or invading the inferior vena cava has become techni cally feasible and relatively safe by using venovenous bypass. However , some technical problems remain to be solved. Methods. We performed t hree cases of hepatic resection under extracorporeal circulation combi ned with hypothermic perfusion. Results. An unexpected hemorrhage was observed in all three cases for different causes. The patient of case 2 died of liver failure developed from fatty liver. Bile duct stenosis was observed in cases 1 and 3. Conclusions. Although hepatectomy unde r total vascular exclusion by use of Biopump is now considered a safe procedure, attention should be paid when this procedure is performed b ecause some technical problems still remain.