Laparoscopic hepatic resection using saline-enhanced electrocautery permits short hospital stays

Laparoscopic hepatic resection has been reported to yield lower morbidity and shorter hospital stays than open resection. However, few studies have evaluated patient and technical factors associated with short hospital stays. We conducted a retrospective review of patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatic resection at our institution from May 2002 to February 2004. Patient and operative factors were analyzed with respect to time to discharge. Seventeen patients underwent 10 wedge resections and seven segmentectomies or bisegmentectomies. There were no mortalities, conversions to open procedure, clinically evident bile leaks, or transfusion requirements. Eleven patients were discharged within 24 hours. When compared with those discharged later than 24 hours, there were fewer patients with advanced ASA classification (0 versus 3 in ASA class 3, p < 0.05). With appropriate patient selection, laparoscopic hepatic resections may be safely performed, result in short hospital stays, and are facilitated by technologies such as saline-enhanced electrocautery and endoscopic ultrasound. Information reflected in advanced ASA class may predict patients unlikely to be discharged within 24 hours.