Complete resection of the caudate lobe of the liver with tumor: Technique and experience

Background/Aims: To study the technique and curative effects of complete re section of the caudate lobe of the liver with tumors. Methodology: There were 18 patients with tumors in the caudate lobe of the liver in this study. Among them, hepatocellular carcinoma was found in 12 p atients, metastasis to the caudate lobe two years after resection of rectal carcinoma in one, cholangio-carcinoma in one, and huge benign tumor in fou r. Complete caudate lobectomy and combined with left lateral lobectomy or l eft hemihepatectomy or left trilobectomy were performed in this series. Results: The median operating time was 227min and median blood loss was 159 0mL, and the median blood transfusion was 1520mL. No operative or postopera tive mortality, or any postoperative complications were found in any of the patients. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of the 12 patients with hep atocellular carcinoma were 58.3%, 55.5% and 37.8%, respectively. One patien t with cholangiocarcinoma died in postoperative 4 months. One patient with metastatic rectal cancer has been alive for more than 5 years after the ope ration, and 4 patients with benign tumors are still alive and well. Conclusions: Complete resection of the caudate lobe of the liver should be the first choice for removal of huge tumors originating from the caudate lo be, although this procedure is quite difficult and has a high risk factor.