Hepatectomy for hepatic hemangioma: a study of 37 patients

Objective To study the diagnosis,surgical indications, and results of surgical treatment for hepatic hemangioma. Methods The data of 37 patients with hepatic hemangioma treated by hepatectomy in our department from July 2005 to July 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. The diagnoses were made by ultrasound, enhanced CT and MRI. Surgical indications included: (1) diameter >5 cm, located at the left lateral section or the lower edge of the liver with symptoms. (2) diameter >10 cm or recent rapid growth. The hemangioma were located in the left liver in 10 patients, right liver in 17, caudate lobe in 3, middle hepatic lobe in 2, multiple tumors in left and right livers in 5.The preoperative liver function was grade A in all patients. Results Five patients underwent right hepatectomy, 2 underwent left hepatectomy, 10 underwent left lateral sectionectomy, 3 underwent caudate lobectomy, 5 underwent central hepatectomy, 8 underwent right anterior sectionectomy, 4 underwent combined hepatic resections and 2 underwent prophylactic exploration of the common bile duct. Pringle's maneuver was applied in 28 patients, and total hepatic vascular exclusion in 7. The occlusion time ranged from 8-36 and 10-40 minutes (average: 22.2±14.3 min and 21.6±12.1 min),respectively. 400 ml of intraoperative blood transfusion was given to 4 patients each. All operations were successfully carried out. The specimens measured 5-20 cm. There was no peri-operative death.The postoperative complications were: pleural effusion (n=4); subphrenic (n=2). Histologic diagnosis confirmed hepatic cavernous hemangioma in all patients. All patients were regularly followed-up (ranged 6 months-4 years), and no recurrence was detected. Conclusion In carefully selected patients, liver resection for hepatic hemangioma is safe and effective. Key words: Hepatic hemangioma;  Hepatectomy;  Surgical indication