OBJECTIVETo explore the strategy of isolated complete resection of the caudate lobe of the liver through the anterior liver-splitting approach.

METHODSFrom January 1995 to June 2006, isolated complete caudate resection of the caudate lobe of the liver through the anterior liver-splitting approach in which accessed the caudate lobe by separation the liver parenchyma along the interlobar plane, was performed on 19 patients with tumors originated in caudate lobe. They were included hepatocellular carcinoma in 13 cases, cholangiocarcinoma in 4 cases and hemangioma in 2 cases, the tumor size range from 4 - 12 cm. The approach to hepatic resection involved routine use of Peng's multifunctional operative dissector, inflow and outflow of hepatic vascular control before hepatic parenchyma transection, low central venous pressure and selective use of liver hanging maneuver, as well as retrograde caudate lobectomy.

RESULTSThe operations were successful in 19 patients. Operating time averaged at (296 +/- 55) min. The average amount of blood loss were 1200 ml (ranged from 500 - 3000 ml). Postoperative complications included ascites in 2 cases, pleural effusion in 5 cases and bile leakage in 2 cases. They were cured by drainage. No mortality occurred in the perioperative period.

CONCLUSIONSThe application of anterior approach for isolated caudate lobectomy can converse certain kind of caudate lobe tumor from non-resectable to respectable resulting in widening the indication. The intraoperative routine use of Peng's multifunctional operative dissector, application of inflow and outflow of hepatic vascular control, low central venous pressure and selective use of liver hanging maneuver, as well as retrograde caudate lobectomy make the anterior liver-splitting approach for isolated complete caudate lobectomy safer and easier.