Effect of cautery with irrigation forceps on the remnant liver after hepatectomy in rats

Monopolar cautery with irrigation forceps (CIF) was devised for use in live r resection that does not require occlusion of inflow to the remnant liver. However, a high power output is required to divide the hepatic parenchyma which boils the irrigation water. This study was performed to investigate t he effects of using CIF on the hepatic parenchyma. Histologic and biochemic al examination was performed in rats which had undergone hepatectomy using the CIF, irrigating bipolar (IB), Pringle's maneuver with blunt dissection (group P), or a sham operation. A greater cautery distance was obtained wit h the CIF than the IB. There was no significant difference in the remnant l iver function after the Ist postoperative day in any of the groups. CIF is an effective instrument for anatomic or nonanatomic hepatic resection.