Ultrasonic dissection in resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

An ultrasonic dissector has been used in the resection of liver tumors and was found to be safe and efficient in non-cirrhotic patients. Thirty-one (cirrhosis, 61%) liver resections for hepatoma treated with ultrasonic dissector were compared to 39 (cirrhosis, 74%) resections treated with finger fracture. We found that patients treated with an ultrasonic dissector versus those treated by finger fracture, had less blood loss (especially in cirrhotic liver), 836 ± 593 cc vs 1348 ± 1226 cc, more operative time, 337.6 ± 100.5 min vs 197 ± 92.8 min, more days of hospital stay 19.1 ± 12.8 days vs 11.5 ± 5.6 days and more days of removal of drains, 14.9 ± 11.7 days vs 10.2 ± 6.4 days. The morbidity, mortality, amount of blood transfusion and amount of drainage were quite similar between two groups.