Water jet dissector in liver surgery

Study aim: A new water jet cutting system was used by an hepatobiliary surg ical team for hepatectomy in ten patients The aim of this retrospective stu dy was to assess advantages and disadvantages of this new apparatus for liv er dissection. Material and method: This procedure uses the mechanical power of water jet under pressure in the liver incision. The study concerned feasibility of th e hepatectomy, the ease of use of the apparatus and volume of the blood los s. Results: The water jet was very easy to use and of maintenance (bag of ster ile saline in a non sterile pressurized container, disposable handpiece). A ny liver resection could be performed using this tool, independently of the liver consistency. There was no decrease in the duration of surgery and th e blood loss compared to the ultrasonic cutting system. Minor splashing, bu bbles and mist impaired the accuracy of the vascular dissection. Conclusion: The water jet dissector used in this series is a simple, econom ic and useful tool to perform liver resection. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiq ues et medicales Elsevier SAS.